Russian government plans to auction off its stake in ОАО AVTOVAZ (1.5%) and ОАО UAZ (Ulyanovsk Automobile Plant) (13.2%) in 2006

Only 60% of the Russians are aware of the newly set up Public Chamber, while roughly the same number do not understand its goals

Russian Vneshtorgbank’s (VTB) net profit has been reported to reach $428m in 2005. The Vneshtorgbank group also doubled its assets last year, announced Andrey Kostin, head of the board of directors, at a press-conference Friday

The authorities of the Kaliningrad Region have announced their intention to negotiate open transit for Russian passenger and cargo ships through Lithuania

In an interview to RIA-NOVOSTI news agency, Sergey Kislyak, deputy foreign minister, said that the talks were serious and both sides were equally interested in the discussion