Kazakhstan Weighs Damage From Russian Rocket Crash

A rocket before launching at the Baikonur Cosmodrome (file photo) (AFP) November 3, 2006 (RFE/RL) -- Kazakh authorities estimate the ecological and economic damage caused by the July 27 crash of a Russian rocket in Kazakhstan's central Qizilorda region at $1.1 million.

Prime Minister Daniyal Akhmetov's office released a statement today saying that the final compensation claim has been agreed with the Russian side.

The statement says steps are currently being taken to decontaminate and recultivate land at the site of the crash. It says the accident posed no threat to the health of local residents.

Qizilorda regional authorities had initially estimated the damage of the accident at $340 million.

The Russian RS-20 (Dnepr) rocket crashed shortly after taking off from Kazakhstan's Baikonur launching pad.