Russia destroys tons of mustard gas

Russia says it has made more than 66 tons of mustard gas safe in its first chemical weapons destruction centre.

The Gorny plant opened last month after years of delay. Russia plans to build two more destruction centres at former chemical weapons production sites.

It has been trying to win over the international community about its efforts to destroy its chemical weapons arsenal.

Russia has nearly 44,000 tons of the material which makes it the owner of the world's largest stockpile.

Sergei Kiriyenko, President Vladimir Putin's representative in the central Volga region, said the first month of operations at the Gorny plant had gone flawlessly.

Russia initially pledged to destroy its chemical weapons by 2007 but has requested a five-year extension.