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Russian President Vladimir Putin, who chaired the meeting, made an opening address before a discussion of issues on the agenda. He commented on the State Duma debates on the draft of the 2001 Russian budget. The President described as “groundless and ill-intentioned” rumours of an impending Government dismissal, which were circulated in Parliament’s lower house. He said he hoped the budget would be adopted soon, and Cabinet and Parliament work would be constructive.

During discussions, the CIS countries’ leaders focussed on economic issues. They evaluated the prospects of establishing a free trade zone, and discussed team efforts against terrorism.

A number of documents were signed after the meeting. In particular, the Council determined to establish the Anti-Terror Centre of CIS member countries, and approved its statute.

The Council determined to extend the mandate of the Collective Peacekeeping Forces in the Abkhazian conflict zone until June 30, 2001, or up to the time when one of the conflicting parties pronounced for the operation stopped.

The Council considered information provided by the CIS Executive Committee about setting up free trade zone.

The summit, which gathered the leaders of 11 CIS countries, with the exception of the Turkmen President, finished with a joint news conference of the Commonwealth countries’ leaders.