As has just became known, on April 7, 2003, 22 schoolchildren died in a blaze in a school building in Sydyb?l Township, Republic of Sakha (Yakutia). 10 others were taken to hospital with bad burns and smoke poisoning.

A special commission has been set up by the government of Sakha to investigate the causes of the fire.

The representatives of Sakha (Yakutia) on the ALROSA Supervisory Council are now engaged in the solution of numerous problems demanding urgent solution in the wake of the tragedy. Consequently they will be unable to attend the Council meeting previously scheduled at the company’s Moscow office on April 8, 2003.

In connection with this tragic accident it has been resolved by the Chair of the Supervisory Council to postpone the meeting until a later date.

The new date of the meeting of the ALROSA Supervisory Council will be announced later