UK Will Help Russia To Eliminate Its Chemical Weapons

The United Kingdom will allocate around 12 million pounds to help Russia eliminate its chemical weapons, according to a draft bilateral agreement approved by Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Kasyanov. The agreement deals mainly with Russia's adhering to the 1993 Paris Chemical Weapons Convention. The United Kingdom will provide aid for Russia to eliminate its chemical weapons stocks, in particular, in the town of Shchuchye (Kurgan Region, Urals) and other areas, allocating free of charge equipment, services, and funds for carrying out the tasks agreed to in the resolution. The 12 million pounds aid is intended to last until the agreement's expiry date on March 31, 2004. Further allocation of funds will be determined by London.