The international recording industry today warmly welcomed the setting up by the Russian government of a new anti-piracy task force to be headed by Prime Minister Mikhail Kasyanov. IFPI, the organisation representing the recording industry worldwide, said the music industry in Russia and internationally wants to cooperate closely with the government so that the new initiative makes a real impact on Russia's rampant music piracy trade.

IFPI Chairman and CEO Jay Berman said: "We are very encouraged that the Russian government, from the highest level, has now recognised the need to act aggressively against the country's very high levels of copyright piracy. The priority now is that the government works to coordinate the activities of the different ministries responsible in this area, and that there is very close cooperation between the government and the legitimate music industry. We hope that this initiative will produce real change on the ground in Russia, and that in turn will be a significant boost for Russia's intention to join the World Trade Organisation.

"Russia's rampant piracy is a huge cultural and economic drain on the country. It causes enormous damage to culture, economy and foreign investment. And it denies Russia the place its record companies, artists and musicians deserve in the international music industry."