Unofficial translation from Russian

Question: We have taken note of the statements of British Ambassador to Moscow Roderic Lyne, who is leaving his post, that the British side does not intend to conclude a bilateral agreement facilitating visa procedures as well as about the scheduled-for-the near-future signing of a Russian-British agreement on cultural centers. How could you comment on them?

Commentary: The position stated by Ambassador Roderic Lyne that London has no intention to conclude a separate agreement to facilitate the visa regime is causing surprise. Just a few days ago in the course of the consultations of experts from the Russian MFA and the Foreign Office, held in London, the British side, as we understand, reaffirmed readiness to discuss the possibility of concluding such an agreement. Maybe Mr. Ambassador did not yet have information on the outcome of these consultations.

As to the British Council, we would like to share the optimism of Mr. Lyne regarding the possibility of signing a cultural centers agreement even in the near future. But the fact is that Russian taxation bodies are currently conducting a check of the business and financial activities of the Council, whose results will need to be considered when preparing the agreement's final text. And the time it takes to complete this work will depend primarily on the readiness of British Council officials to cooperate with the appropriate structures constructively. If Ambassador Lyne's words reflect the appearance of this readiness now, such a development is only going to be welcomed.

July 21, 2004