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Transport minister to report to Federation Council on development of air service

In the framework of the ‘parliamentary hour’, senators will raise issues connected with the passenger Boeing’s crash at Rostov-on-Don’s airport, said Chairman of Federation Council’s Committee

MOSCOW, March 23. /TASS/. Russia’s Federation Council will hear the report of Transport Minister Maxim Sokolov on the development of domestic passenger air service and improvements in aviation security. At the plenary session senators are expected to raise the topic of Boeing 737-800 crash at Rostov-on-Don’s airport on March 19.

There are over 20 issues on the agenda of the 388th session of upper parliament house.

Aviation security

Transport Minister Maxim Sokolov’s speech will be at the center of the event. Sokolov will tell parliamentarians about development of domestic air services, airport infrastructure and measures to strengthen aviation security.

Chairman of Federation Council’s Committee on regulations and organization of parliamentary activities Vadim Tyulpanov told TASS that "in the framework of the ‘parliamentary hour’, senators will raise issues connected with the passenger Boeing’s crash at Rostov-on-Don’s airport. Deputy chairman of Committee on economic policy Valery Vasilyev noted that "senators will first of all ask about the reasons of the tragedy and what relevant agencies should do to prevent such catastrophes in the future."

Federation Council members also plan to raise an issue of security at Russian airports against the backdrop of Tuesday’s terrorist attacks in Brussels. First deputy chairman of Federation Council’s Committee on defense and security Frants Klintsevich told TASS that he intends to ask Sokolov "what additional measures the transport ministry is going to take to ensure security at Russian airports in connection with terrorist attacks in Brussels."

Responsibility for "financial pyramids"

Senators also plan to discuss the draft law on introducing criminal liability for organizing "financial pyramids." According to the documents, a fine of up to 1 million rubles or correctional labor for up to four years is envisaged for attracting large funds (over 1.5 million rules). For attracting very large funds (over 6 million rubles), "pyramid" organizers may face an even tougher punishment - fine of up to 1.5 million rubles, correctional labor for up to five years, or a prison sentence for up to six years.

Nuclear security

Senators also plan to discuss amendments to several laws in the sphere of state regulation of security of nuclear energy use. In particular, the document will focus on defining "nuclear fuel" and "spent nuclear fuel" that will be in line with provisions of the Joint convention on security of using spent fuel and on security of working with radioactive waste.