On its part, Russia is taking specific steps to accede to the Vienna Convention on Nuclear Liability. The Government of Russia has signed this Convention. The relevant documents necessary to start the ratification process have been submitted to the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation. A system for the collection and exchange of independent information on radiation environment in regions with nuclear installations can become a component of cooperation in this area. Establishment of such system has been initiated by a joint Russian-German project.
Scandinavian states are ready to join such cooperation as well.
Third item of our plan - safe management of radioactive wastes. An important task for the nearest time is the completion of development of a special Convention to this effect. I consider the issue of joint establishment of regional storages for radioactive waste as promising one. I would also like to inform you that the programme on liquid and solid radioactive waste management in the northern and far-eastern regions of our country has entered the phase of practical implementation. Participation of the North European countries, the USA and Japan in the programme will significantly accelerate its realisation.