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Russian diamond monopolist "ALROSA" intends to expand its cutting facilities, as well as jewellery manufacture. Next year, the company plans to become an owner of Russia's largest cutting company "Smolensk Kristall" and expresses its interest in other CIS cutting plants. In case Euro Commission asks to cut down on amount of diamonds sold to De Beers, ALROSA would find application to the remaining stones.

Next year "Smolensk Kristall" will be put on auction sale. German Kouznetsov, First Vice President of the company, at the Press-Conference on Tuesday at "JEWELLER-2002" Fair, admitted that "ALROSA" intends to fully buy Smolensk State company "Kristall".