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Putin inclined to boosting funds for “Arctic cleaning”

“We have drafted an entire programme, starting from the so-called Arctic cleaning where we have accumulated a lot of toxic waste, including barrels with lubricants,” Putin...

NOVO-OGARYOVO, October 22 (Itar-Tass) — Vladimir Putin did not preclude adjusting the budget to boost funds for “Arctic cleaning” at a meeting with Sergei Mironov.

“Russia has been always famous for its Arctic and Antarctic expeditions and explorations,” said the leader of the Just Russia Party, noting that Russian Arctic aviation turned 80 last March. “We have something to be proud of, but the situation is now such that we have virtually no planes now, capable of working in high latitudes. There is a great problem with pilots who should be specially trained,” he continued.

Mironov noted that he sent a package of documents to Putin some time ago on problems of Arctic aviation. “I believe that evidently you as the cabinet head could put flatly this question and order setting up a special aviation centre for explorations of the Arctic and Antarctic so that our Arctic aviation could calmly settle any state tasks both in the Arctic and the Antarctic,” Mironov asked the premier.

Putin who is also chairman of the trusteeship council of the Russian Geographic Society, agreed that “the topic is very important and interesting”. “Both the Russian Geographic Society and the Russian government pay much attention to this question,” he said. “We have drafted an entire programme, starting from the so-called Arctic cleaning where we have accumulated a lot of toxic waste, including barrels with lubricants,” Putin emphasised.

“We intend to improve logistical supplies along the Northern Sea Route, including installation of observation stations where specialists of the Ministry for Emergencies will work,” he described, emphasising that “this is a big programme which should include of course the component you mentioned – Arctic aviation”.

He proposed that Mironov should speak about this in greater detail.

“I have in mind that we should now take decisions on the budget. We have envisaged adequate means for aims you have just spoke of and of which I have mentioned. But may be we shall adjust something else,” Putin noted.

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