Gazprom Regional Policy Commission meeting was held. Alexander Ryazanov, Head of the Commission, Deputy Chairman of Gazprom Management Committee, chaired the meeting.

Alexander Bespalov, Head, Department of Information Policy, presented his report to the Commission members on information service support by Gazprom and its regional affiliates on the company’s activities in the regions of Russia.

A. Bespalov emphasized that the company’s information service support in the regions throughout Russia is aimed at providing the Russian citizens with accurate information on Gazprom. It was noted in the report that 30,000 articles regarding Gazprom were published in the Russian media. Nevertheless, according to the research conducted by the Department of Information Policy, the population of a number of regions is inadequately informed about the mission and importance of Gazprom in the Russian economy.

Therefore, one of the main tasks for the Department this year is the creation of regional coordination councils responsible for the implementation of Gazprom’s unified information and public relations policy throughout Russia, as well as for Gazprom affiliates’ public relations departments’ efficiency improvement.

The Commission approved the Department’s performance in 2003, and its 2004 activities schedule.

The Commission adopted its 2004 activities plan.

DIVISION OF RELATIONS WITH MASS MEDIA