DATE=03/23/02

TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT

TITLE=RUSSIA/U-S CHICKEN (S)

NUMBER=2-287891

BYLINE=BILL GASPERINI

DATELINE=MOSCOW

CONTENT=

VOICED AT:

INTRO: Russia's prime minister says he thinks the dispute with the United States over imported chicken can be resolved soon. His comments come amid efforts by U-S officials to convince Russia to rescind its total ban on imports of American chicken.

TEXT: Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Kasyanov says he thinks a solution to the chicken issue should be found within the next month.

Teams of U-S and Russian veterinary officials have been holding meetings for the past two weeks, since Russia imposed a total ban on imported American chicken due to health concerns.

The Russians said they found salmonella bacteria in various batches of U-S chicken, and are worried about what they call the overuse of antibiotics on U-S poultry farms.

Mr. Kasyanov told reporters that Russia has identified farms where the tainted chicken came from and wants them removed from the list of suppliers.

American officials have consistently said the health concerns are exaggerated, and U-S veterinarians have tried to clarify the issues raised by Russia.

Some analysts say Russia's position may partly result from President Bush's recent decision to raise tariffs on imported steel by as much as 30 percent.

That move angered many countries, including Russia where steelmakers stand to lose a substantial part of their business. (Signed)

NEB/BG/ALW/TW