Let's hope so, but the timing of this announcement may have been designed to take some of the heat out of the situation...
From Mining News
Russian silver sale breaks new ground
Monday, March 29, 2004 RUSSIA'S entry into the world of conventional commerce has taken another step forward with the Polimetall group announcing it will sell 200 tonnes of silver under a direct contract, bypassing the traditional government-authorised deal.
Polimetall general director Vitaly Nesis told Reuters that "it's a key achievement for us in establishing a direct deposit-to-customer relationship".
The silver is destined for banks and metal trading companies in London, Zurich and Dubai and is valued at US$55.8 million, and priced at the ruling silver market on March 25.
The silver sale is the first by a Russian miner since a decree in mid-2001 gave companies the right to trade independently.
