Russian Defense Minister Discussed BSF Prospects With Sevastopol Mayor

17.10.2011 Russian defense minister Anatoly Serdiukov and Sevastopol mayor Vladimir Yatsuba on Oct 14 discussed living conditions of Russian Black Sea Fleet (BSF), said defense minister's press secretary Lt Col Irina Kovalchuk.

According to her, Serdiukov held working meeting with the chairman of Sevastopol city administration Vladimir Yatsuba who is presently visiting Moscow.

"Issues of mutual interest were discussed at the meeting, primarily those dealing with lliving conditions of Black Sea Fleet based in Ukraine and cooperation in socioeconomic development of Sevastopol and other Crimean population centers", said Mrs. Kovalchuk summarizing the meeting.

The parties exchanged opinions, and that helped to outline key directions for cooperation between Russian defense ministry and Sevastopol authorities, added Kovalchuk. "They agreed to maintain regular contacts on this subject", said the minister's press secretary.

As was reported in Sept, Moscow administration had annulled financing of Black Sea Fleet Sponsorship Program 2010-2012. Moscow mayor Sergei Sobyanin explained such decision by irrational use of funds. As for him, the fleet had been receiving only one fourth of allocated money. He also announced the decision of Moscow city administration to finance "Moscow House" in Sevastopol; appropriated RUR 74 mln will be directed to the fleet's veterans via this organization.