Official Warns Moscow Will Run Out Gravesites Later This Year

■ MOSCOW (RIA Novosti) - Moscow's existing graveyards will be completely filled this year, Vladimir Malyshkov, the head of consumer market and services department said at a meeting of the capital's government Tuesday.

"We have no places to bury people," he said. "The last areas will be filled by the end this year."

Currently, Moscow officials are waiting for a decision from the Moscow Region's administration on whether or not to provide areas for cemeteries.

"But the graveyards have to be built first," Malyshkov said. "This demands large funds, which Moscow does not have right now. That's why I insist on the inclusion of the funeral business on the list of the city's priority issues."

Minimum Wage And Pension Hikes Set for  Moscow by 2010

■ MOSCOW (RIA Novosti) - The minimum wage in the capital is to come to 10, 900 rubles by the end of 2010. Currently the minimum wage in the city is 6,800 rubles. After September 1, it will be 7,500 rubles.

Additionally, pensions in the capital are to exceed the cost of living by the end of 2009, Igor Antonov, the chairman of the budget and finance committee of Moscow State Duma, said.

Institutes of Higher Education Fined for Sanitation Violations

■ MOSCOW (RIA Novosti) - The Sanitary Inspector of Moscow's central district has fined several of the city's higher education establishments for violating sanitary and epidemiologic laws , the press-service of the capital's prosecution office told RIA Novosti Monday.

"The Taganskaya inter-district prosecution office, together with

the Federal Agency Consumer Protection, uncovered violations at the Moscow State University of Technology and Management, the Moscow State University of Applied Biotechnology, and the Institute for Commerce and Law," a press release said.

The fine for each institution will be 10,000 rubles.

Expert Expects Warmer Second-Half of Summer

■ MOSCOW (RIA Novosti) - The second half of the summer in the Central district of Russia, including Moscow Region, is expected to be warmer than the first half, said Roman Vilfand, the head of Russia's Meteorological Office.

"The warmest weather in the Moscow Region, Central Federal and North-Western Districts of Russia is expected in July. Then August is to be as normal. In September, the air temperature will be a bit higher than usual," Vilfand said at a press conference.

In May the temperature fluctuated around normal levels or slightly less, he said.