December 1998

Department of Energy (DOE) - DOE, in cooperation with the Russian Ministry of Atomic Energy, has introduced the Nuclear Cities Initiative. This project focuses on ten closed nuclear cities of the Russian Federation, with the short-term goal of providing civilian employment for displaced weapons workers of these cities. The long-term goal is to assist the Russian Federation to reduce the size of its nuclear weapons complex. After assessment trips by DOE, the private sector will be invited to assess business opportunities and job creation in those cities. For more information, contact Reeshemah Speaks at tel: (202) 586-6568, e-mail: reeshemah.speaks@hq.doe.gov, or Denise Tramble at tel: (202) 586-1007, e-mail: denise.tramble@hq.doe.gov.

International Research & Exchanges Board (IREX) - IREX seeks host institutions for the Freedom Support Act Fellowships in Contemporary Issues. This program brings policymakers, government officials, practitioners, and professionals from the NIS to the United States to conduct research for three months. The research should be focused on the development of free markets and democracy. The program is funded by the United States Information Agency (USIA). For more information, visit the IREX website at www.irex.org/programs/ci/ or contact Daphne Earley or Denise Cormaney at (202)628-8188.

This report is provided courtesy of the Business Information Service for the Newly Independent States (BISNIS)