Mr Putin called on the authorities in Kamchatka Region and the Koryak Autonomous District to analyze very carefully all the consequences that uniting the two regions into one would have so as not to worsen living conditions for the local population.
The idea of merging the two regions makes sense only if it contributes to putting in place better conditions for resolving the problems the local people face, developing the economy, resolving social issues and improving these regions’ public finances, the President said.
A referendum on merging Kamchatka Region and the Koryak Autonomous District will take place on October 23, 2005.