"THE WEEK OF RUSSIA" IS BEING HELD IN WASHINGTON








WASHINGTON, March 13. /From RIA Novosti correspondent Arkady Orlov/. The exhibition of the works of Russian painter Nikolai Timkov is being held in the Washington-based headquarters of the Organisation of American States (OAS). Its opening has become an official beginning of "The Week of Russia" which is annually being held in this international organisation for the sixth year running.


	Speaking at the opening of the Week were Assistant Secretary General of the Organisation of American States Luiji Einaudi and Russian ambassador to the United States Yuri Ushakov.


	Ushakov stressed in his speech that Russia highly assesses its relations with the Organisation of American States regarding it as a unique forum for cooperation in a number of most important spheres, including regional stability, human rights, combating terrorism and drug trafficking.


	Yuri Ushakov also said that in compliance with the Russian government 25 grants have been given to the OAS member countries for training their specialists in Russia.


	The OAS incorporates 34 states of north and south America, including the USA and Canada. Russia received the status of a permanent observer in this organisation in 1992 and since then it has been regularly participating in its work.