When the agency lowers the outlook on the long-term debt to negative, is it your view that -- what is your view about the significance of that?

WHITEHOUSE: Press Briefing

On Monday Boris Bodin, head of the Russian Space Agency's long-term planning department, acknowledged that Moscow may keep Mir flying longer than earlier announced, until several months after the arrival of the living quarters module in July 1999.

CNN: Russia reluctant to let Mir die

The US-based ratings agency published its latest assessment on Thursday, amending its view of the Bailiwick's long-term economic stability.

BBC: Deputy Charles Parkinson