RUSSIAN FINANCE MINISTRY HOLDS CONSULTATIONS ON USSR DEBT RESTRUCTURING








MOSCOW, MARCH 5, 2001 /FROM A RIA NOVOSTI CORRESPONDENT/ -- The Russian Finance Ministry is conducting preliminary consultations on restructuring the USSR debt to the Paris Club, said deputy Russian Finance Minister responsible for foreign debts Sergei Kolotukhin.


	Mr Kolotukhin did not disclose the position Russia assumed during these consultations, saying only they were aimed at relieving the debt burden and the cost of debt servicing. The creditors are aware of Russia's  demands regarding the Paris Club and the payments slated for 2002-2003, Mr Kolotukhin said.


	Before the creditors assume their preliminary attitude towards the USSR debt, it is necessary to coordinate the Russia-IMF cooperation program. The next IMF mission is likely to arrive in Moscow in April to go on with this program, Mr Kolotukhin said.


	At present, Moscow is making payments to the Paris Club to settle the USSR debt in full. At the same time, the debt servicing depends on the budget revenues. Russia pays when there are available resources. But it's a rather difficult task to make these payments, Mr Kolotukhin noted.