RUSSIAN PREMIER TO DISCUSS FRANCE'S DEBT UNDER CHEMICAL WEAPONS DISPOSAL PROGRAM

MOSCOW, December 9 (RIA Novosti) - While on a working visit to France on December 9-10, Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Fradkov will discuss France's debt under the chemical weapons disposal program, reported a source in the Russian delegation.

"The Group of Eight has worked out a program of global partnership for aid in disposing Russia's stockpiles of chemical weapons. Unfortunately, France is a major debtor under the program," said the source.

France's quota under the program is $100 million, and the country has not thus far allocated the money.

Among other issues that will be touched on at Mr. Fradkov's meetings in Paris will be Russia's G8 presidency in 2006.

Besides, the delegates may discuss reducing or abolishing customs duties on certain Renault car parts, according to the source.

The delegate recalled that the Renault-Avtoframos carmaker, a French-Russian joint venture, operated in Russia.

"The parties will apparently discuss drafting a resolution reducing or abolishing Russian customs duties on certain car parts to promote cooperation in that sphere," said the source.

He said "Russian ministries are working in this direction, which can yield a practical result in a month's time already."

If approved the draft resolution will be submitted for the consideration of the Russian government's commission on protective measures and further on for the government's consideration.