Russia and Canada to Sign Agreement on Chemical Disarmament

The government of the Russian Federation has approved a draft of an agreement with Canada on chemical disarmament. As announced at the department of government information, Canada will, in accordance with the document, grant the Russian Federation 5 million Canadian dollars (USD 3.3 million), to cover expenses in the construction of infrastructure with the aim of eliminating chemical armaments located in Shuchye (Kurgan Region). Russia will commit itself to using these facilities only with the aims stipulated in the document, and will give the Canadian side a full account of the work. The construction of the Russian-American complex for the elimination of chemical armaments in the town of Shuchye began in 1996. The USA took on the responsibility of the first stage of the construction. By expert estimates, the costs will come to around USD 880 million. This year, USD 50 million dollars has been allocated to its construction in the United States budget.