The purpose of those efforts is to concentrate the attention on the creation of the international space station and to work in accordance with its programme.

"I am sure that members of the State Duma will continue to insist on the continuation of operation of the Mir orbital station ... The Mir station is a scientific experiment of enormous scope, which should be continued," Melnikov is quoted as saying by the Itar-Tass report.

He reminded that the problem of the Mir station had evoked serious concern of the second Duma. They raised the question at plenary sessions on many occasions. The problem became especially acute, when the Duma began to discuss the draft budget for 2000.

The MPs insisted on budget allocations for ensuring the functioning of the Mir station. MPs believe that the Mir station is a unique scientific laboratory, whose service life is far from being finished and which can be of much use for the country.

"If the Mir station is operated in a correct way, it will not be very costly for the budget," Melnikov continued. He added that there were several commercial projects, connected with the Mir, which should also be examined carefully.

Anyway, the future of the Mir station, on which an enormous amount of money has been spent, cannot be decided by a small group of people, Melnikov said.

According to Itar-Tass, it is Melnikov's opinion, that all branches of power should take part in the discussion of the problem. "If a law or a resolution should be adopted on the problem, this should be decided by the president and the parliament," he stressed.

SPACE TRAVEL
Russia Ready To Shake Down Rich Tourists
London - February 17, 2000 - A new era in space commercialization is said to have begun today with the completion of contracts between the Russian operators of MIR and Amsterdam-based MirCorp to make Mir available for operations that are expected to range from space tourism and in-orbit advertising to industrial production and scientific experimentation.