RF timber export curbs not aimed to infringe neighbours interests.

Measures Russia takes to limit timber exports are not aimed to infringe the interests of neighbours but arе  linked with the need to develop timber processing within the country, Sergei Prikhodko, the Russian president-s aide, said in connection with the upcoming talks of the presidents of the Russian Federation and Finland. "This is not the striving to infringe anybody-s interests but the striving to use the advantage nature gave our country," Prikhodko said regarding the intention of the Russian authorities to reduce the export of unprocessed timber.

"Our Finnish friends, with their characteristic pragmatism and realistic approach, must understand Russia motivation," he said. Prikhodko said Russia is "aware of Finland-s concern over matters of
employment at timber processing enterprises to which Russian timber goes.""The decisions will not be made immediately," Prikhodko added, noting that matters of timber export may be raised at the talks on Tuesday.