The Chief of Russia's Sberbank, German Gref, told President Vladimir Putin on March 31 that the new national payment system could be introduced six months after relevant legislation is approved by lawmakers.
Gref said a draft law on the issue already has been sent to Russia's parliament.
He said all Russian banks would be invited to be partners of a new payment company called "Universal Electronic Card."
He said the company would serve all transactions between Russian banks. (Interfax, ITAR-TASS)
Among other things, #Russia PM Medvedev says govt should work to develop famous Crimean wine vineyards.
— Christopher Miller (@ChristopherJM) March 31, 2014
Medvedev in #Crimea: "We have to be sure swindlers don't take advantage of this new state." http://t.co/9VIwfTuDLW pic.twitter.com/XvISd7OyW4
— Christopher Miller (@ChristopherJM) March 31, 2014
#Russia push for federalization of #Ukraine seems admission that no pro #Kremlin candidate can win presidential race, esp w/o Crimea voting
— David M. Herszenhorn (@herszenhorn) March 31, 2014
Made in Kiev & somewhat dubious stats in places, but overall this chart a strong summary of why Crimea is not Kosovo pic.twitter.com/XucXph20GS
— Shaun Walker (@shaunwalker7) March 31, 2014
Medvedev said on Twitter that he is in Simferopol and that "today the government will discuss the development of Crimea here."
News agencies say Medvedev arrived at the head of a major Russian delegation of ministers and deputy prime ministers and is set to chair a meeting over the social and economic development of Crimea. (Reuters, AFP)
Simferopol. Today Government will meet here to discuss development in #Crimea. Streaming on @GovernmentRF
— Dmitry Medvedev (@MedvedevRussiaE) March 31, 2014
Dmitry Medvedev has become the highest-level Russian politician to visit Crimea since the annexation. Currently in Sevastopol.
— Daniel Sandford (@BBCDanielS) March 31, 2014