Putin demands higher survivability of Russian nuke control systems

Moscow, Nov 12 (IANS): Russian President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday ordered boosting the survivability of the country's nuclear forces control systems.

In a meeting with leaders of the defence ministry, federal agencies and defence industry companies in Sochi, Putin emphasized the importance of the survivability of these systems and their ability to continue operating in a combat environment, even in the event of a nuclear strike, the Xinhua news agency reported.

"The creation of an absolutely secure facility for controlling strategic nuclear forces, among others, is nearing completion. It will have a very high safety margin," he said.

Putin said it is important that all equipment, hardware and communication systems of the nuclear forces control systems are regularly upgraded yet remain "as simple and reliable as a Kalashnikov rifle."

He also ordered the constant checking of the efficiency of the main components of the nuclear forces control systems during drills, as well as the development of new and advanced ones.

Russia to reopen trade mission in Syria

Russia will reopen its trade mission in the Syrian capital of Damascus by the end of this year, according to a decree by Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin published Wednesday.

In the decree, Mishustin instructed the Ministry of Industry and Trade to approve the organizational structure and recruit staff of the trade office, the Xinhua news agency reported.

Russia closed its previous trade mission in Syria on January 1, 2006.

In another decree, Mishustin ordered the closure of Russian trade missions in Ukraine and Lithuania, without giving a reason.