NG tried to find out what the State Duma knew about the "new approaches" and whether specific legislative initiatives had already been put forward. However, confusion reigns in the Duma, and deputies are waiting for clearer instructions. According to initial reports, particular attention will be devoted to increasing transport security - in the air, at sea, on land and underground. Amendments are required for the Criminal, Air and Water Codes. The State Duma is also considering a measure to ban potentially dangerous passengers or luggage from travelling. Besides all this, migration problems will also come under discussion, including stricter control over travelers and tougher temporary registration procedures.
Whether the new legislative initiatives will be funded is a separate issue, NG writes. Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Zhukov said yesterday that the government was ready to discuss "additional funds" for national security as part of the 2005 budget. He, however, added that allocations for law-enforcement efforts and security had been drastically increased anyway.
