News from the House and Senate Majority
Alaska State Legislature

Jerry Ritter, House Majority Press Secretary
Wendy Lindskoog, Senate Majority Press Secretary
State Capitol
Juneau, AK 99801-1182
Phone: 907/465-4582
http://www.akrepublicans.org
Broadcast Actualities: 800/478-6540

House and Senate Honor Russian Consul General Vlaskin

Cited for Support of Alaska Missions to Russia

For Immediate Release: February 27,1998 Contact: Ronda Thompson, at (907) 258-8187.

Juneau – The Twentieth Alaska Legislature has approved a citation honoring Georgi Borisovich Vlaskin, the first Consul General of the Russian Federation for the northwestern United States. From his Seattle office, Consul General Vlaskin represents his government in its dealings with U. S. citizens and businesses in Alaska, Washington, Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska, Iowa, Wisconsin, and Minnesota.

Consul General Vlaskin was honored for his efforts to foster increased business opportunities between Alaska and Russia and for his support of Alaska's numerous cultural, trade, and diplomatic missions to the Russian Federation.

"Consul General Vlaskin has played a pivotal role in the creation of the strong relationships that exist between the Alaska Legislature and the legislative bodies of the Russian Far East," Senate President Mike Miller said. "In addition, Alaska is the only state in the union to have an honorary consul general to the Russian Federation, and that honor is due, in no small part, to Consul General Vlaskin's efforts," Miller said.

"It is no exaggeration to say that the warm and cordial relations that now exist between Alaska and the Russian Federation are due in no small part to Consul General Vlaskin's efforts," said House Speaker Gail Phillips. "He has been an outstanding representative of the Russian Federation and we wish him continued success," Phillips said.

Consul General Vlaskin is scheduled to leave his post March 11, 1998.

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