JAPAN TO HELP DEVELOP RUSSIA GAS FIELD?

Apparently as part of its new initiative to improve relations with Moscow, the Japanese government will propose that Japan participate in the development of a Russian gas field some 400 kilometers north of Irkutsk. According to a Japanese newspaper, Tokyo intends to propose that a meeting of a Japanese-Russia economics and trade commission be convened in October to discuss the project. (Kyodo, July 28) On July 24 Japanese prime minister Ryutaro Hashimoto revealed that Tokyo would adopt a more accommodating policy toward Russia. (See Monitor, July 25)

Oneksim