Russian PM calls on regional leaders to assist in holding national census - 4 October, 2002

When opening Friday an intercom conference devoted to the forthcoming census, the premier stressed that only five days were left till the important national event.

On the whole, Kasyanov believes that preparations for the census went smoothly.

The premier called on authorities in Russia's regions to render support to the state statistics bodies in holding the census.

Kasyanov pointed to the need of timely settling all the difficulties which may arise. Specifically, he said, this relates to using reserve personnel in those regions, which may face their shortage.

The premier noted the important role of government authorities in the regions in attracting population to the census. Kasyanov reminded that the Russian president named the event in his Address to the Federal Assembly as one of the most important tasks for the year.