Under review were trade and economic cooperation between the CBSS and in the European Union-this applies to power engineering, transport infrastructure, safety for sea navigation, environmental protection and efforts against organized crime, he said.
The prime minister finds it important to join the efforts of the CBSS and EU in the economic sphere." This may benefit above all investment opportunities. In particular, we looked at the North-European gas-main construction project, the Baltic energy ring project and other transport projects vital for us and for Europe from the viewpoint of the development of transport infrastructure,'' said Mr. Fradkov.
''To be resolved, many questions, especially concerning Baltic states, call for additional discussion and for good will-I think opportunities are available and we have just to make use of them,'' said the Russian premier.
He also touched upon the ethnic Russians problem in the Baltic states.
''This is a difficult and painful question, above all for Russia, Latvia and Estonia, but we feel capable of finding a solution based on good will, mutual respect and observance of the Council of Europe principles,'' Mikhail Fradkov noted.
Russia hopes that the Baltic states' accession to the European Union will improve the observance of world standards in attitude toward ethnic Russians, according to the Russian prime minister. ''We are patient about an ultimate solution for this question but we want all to know our position,'' added Mr. Fradkov.
Asked by reporters about Russia's relationships with Latvia and Estonia, Mikhail Fradkov noted their dynamic development.
''A meeting with the Latvian prime minister was not planned for today but through the CBSS session we discussed together many matters of mutual interest. It would be desirable to have a wider use of our opportunities in economic and humanitarian cooperation,'' noted Mr. Fradkov.
In his opinion, barriers between us can be overcome.
Mikhail Fradkov added that it is no problem for Russia to comply with the ban on the exploitation of single-hull oil tankers in the Baltic Sea by next year's April.
''We respect the decisions and standards of the International Maritime Organization and are now busy tackling the single-hull tankers matter,'' said the Russian premier. ''We have only a few such tankers and their withdrawal from the service will proceed in accordance with schedule. It is no problem for us,'' said Mr. Fradkov.
The Council of Baltic See States includes Russia, Sweden, Denmark, Poland, Germany, Finland, Iceland, Estonia, Lithuania and Latvia.
