On June 28 management of ALROSA diamond monopoly moved a date of meeting to discuss new trade agreement with De Beers transnational corporation.

Now this delay is due to the trip of Sergei Shoigu, Head of Federal Emergency Ministry, to flood-stricken Lensk. The new date announced is July 1.

Agenda of the Head will include issues of aide to people suffered from floods and report on rebuilding Lensk situation. ALROSA's management is also to discuss current acute issues of the company.

Previous agreement was concluded in autumn 1998 and expires at the end of 2001. In accordance with it ALROSA is to sell via De Beers diamonds worth not less than $550 mln but not more than 26% of annual volume of De Beers sales. Under the agreement Russia can sell freely 5% of current diamond production and 20% of state order deliveries.

ALROSA mines up to 20% of world diamond volume and to finance 3 bn RUR to help victims of the flood, and is to give 5.65 bn to repair work by the end of the year. The company will rebuild 1.200 appartments and finish construction of city quay serving as a levee.