MOSCOW, October 18 (RIA Novosti) - Direct broadcasts from Russian government sessions held on Thursdays will be banned, the head of the government press office, Alexander Zharov, told journalists.
Journalists covering sessions in the Government House have until now watched the proceedings live from a press center.
"As of today, there will be no broadcasts from government sessions to the press center," Zharov said.
Today's broadcast was stopped after the introductory speech of Prime Minister Viktor Zubkov. The premier ordered ministers and department heads delivering keynote speeches to brief the press after each weekly session.
Direct broadcasts from Russian government sessions were introduced by former prime minister Mikhail Fradkov in 2004.
The press chief said that many countries hold government meetings without journalists.
"As far as I know, it is common practice: cabinet ministers, taking into account the varied nature of information and nuances relating to state secrets, can work far more easily and productively without cameras," Zharov said.
The agenda for today's session includes the Finance Ministry's performance in 2006 and the ministry's main lines of activity in 2008-2010.
