Russian and Ukrainian audit chambers to inspect Black Sea Fleet

28.05.2010 In the nearest time Russian and Ukrainian financial control agencies could return to problems related to the Russian fleet deployed in Sevastopol, reports Vzglyad citing Sergei Stepashin, chairman of the Russian Audit Chamber.

Stepashin pointed out that he had met with his Ukrainian counterpart Valentin Simonenko. "We agreed to resume discussing of this pending matter. It was impossible to do with former leaders of Ukraine. The issue was politically overloaded, and it was off the question of independent audit. Now such opportunity appeared in the context of historical decision to prolong deployment of our fleet in Sevastopol", he said.

According to the head of the Russian Audit Chamber, in this connection there is an array of financial issues related to construction of various objects, accommodation of servicemen, pension and wage payments. "All those matters are the sphere of Russian and Ukrainian audit chambers. We will enter corresponding points into audit plans", he added.

Stepashin also said that he planned to visit Kiev in July and discuss in details all issues related to Sevastopol.

We recall that Black Sea Fleet remains a largest debtor to Sevastopol's superannuation fund. According to city administration, indebtedness has exceeded $1.5 mln. Besides, BSF Construction Department was declared bankrupt and yet hasn't returned to servicemen their money taken for housing construction.