Experts deem Russia Y2K deficient

By NICK WADHAMS

The Associated Press

MOSCOW --- Western experts warn that Russia is among the countries that have done the least to prepare for the Y2K computer bug, but many Russians are decidedly nonchalant about the potential implications: severe failures in vital services.

"We will pass quietly through 2000 just like we have every other year," said Ilya Klebanov, Russia's deputy prime minister in charge of defense. "I think it's best not to scare the little children of Russia."

No one really knows exactly what Y2K glitches --- the result of unfixed older computers and embedded circuits mistaking 2000 for 1900 and going haywire --- might do in this vast nation of 148 million people spread across 11 time zones.

At their worst, computer failures could plunge Russian cities into icy darkness while in the grip of bone-chilling winter, cutting off heat and power to millions.

Foreign analysts are reasonably certain that chances of a nuclear disaster are remote. But they are especially concerned about utilities, including the possible cut off of natural gas supplies to much of Europe.

The U.S. State Department is worried enough about former Soviet states that it is giving nonessential embassy employees in Russia, Ukraine, Moldova and Belarus a free trip out over the New Year's holiday if they want. It has also warned Americans to reconsider traveling to those countries.

"Prolonged disruptions in energy supplies in Russia could put other systems dependent on electrical power at risk," the State Department said. "In practical terms, this could mean disruption of basic human services such as heat, water, telephone and other vital services."

The U.S. Embassy plans to set up letterboxes in Moscow hotels and offices to help foreign citizens keep in touch with each other if Y2K problems should knock out communications systems, an American diplomat said in mid-November.

Copyright 1999
Provided by ProQuest Information and Learning Company. All rights Reserved.