MOSCOW. Nov 16 (Interfax-AVN) - Russian Deputy Prime Minister/Defense Minister Sergei Ivanov has signed an order on establishing a Public Council, initiated by Academician Yevgeny Velikhov.
"Yevgeny Velikhov has recently contacted me with the proposal that a Public Council be established. The idea is very timely and useful. I backed it immediately," Ivanov said on Thursday, addressing the meeting of top military officials.
"We have conducted much preliminary work, aimed at attracting experts and respected public people. I signed the order on establishing the Public Council today," Ivanov said.
According to him, the consultative body will allow experts to discuss and settle the most urgent issues, facing the Armed Forces.
"The approach will not doubt have a positive effect on the trust of Russian in the Armed Forces and the prestige of military service," Ivanov said.
He pointed out that the Defense Ministry aimed to find new ways for the public to influence the situation in the Armed Forces.