POLITICS

New US Secretary of State John Kerry pledged that the State Department will defend US interests abroad and promote democracy, as well as open new markets for the American economy. The tasks will be fulfilled if budget financing is not cut, Kerry added.

(Kommersant)

ECONOMY & BUSINESS

Russian Prosecutor General Yury Chaika said one of the key problems for Russian businesses is illegal interference by law enforcement agencies, which sometimes leads to bankruptcy. Chaika, and other prosecutors, propose replacing prison terms for entrepreneurs with fines.

(Kommersant)

Russian leasing company Ilyushin Finance has concluded its first large contract with a foreign manufacturer: the company is buying 32 CS300 jet airliners from Bombardier Aerospace with an option for another 10 aircraft. Deliveries are slated to start in 2015. The deal is worth about $3 billion.

(Vedomosti, Kommersant)

Investigative Committee chief Alexander Bastrykin said a financial police force should be formed to prevent illegal capital flight and government corruption by monitoring spending in state-owned companies and government organizations.

(The Moscow Times)

The leaders of Russia's compulsory third-party car insurance (OSAGO) market are ready to establish an alternative labor union to avoid paying for bankrupt insurers. Under this condition they are ready to increase payments without raising insurance prices.

(Vedomosti)

Russian Post proposed creating a state-sponsored e-mail system to facilitate communication between private users and state agencies. The state monopoly hopes the government will spend 31.1 billion rubles ($1 billion) to finance the project.

(The Moscow Times, Vedomosti)

IT

Russia’s largest mobile phone operator MTS is toughening sanctions against content providers who deceive their clients, raising fines for distributing harmful content or providing unscrupulous services.

(Vedomosti)

SOCIETY

The resignation of senior United Russia lawmaker Vladimir Pekhtin following accusations from opposition leader Alexei Navalny that he owned undeclared property in the US triggered speculation that more lawmakers would quit their seats, throwing the ruling party into crisis.

(The Moscow Times)

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