The Russian Federal Security Service has temporarily approved import of BlackBerry wireless handheld devices so popular abroad. Mobile TeleSystems and VympelCom, the largest mobile operators in Russia, have received the permission after two years of talks.
      
      BlackBerry devices are primarily used for encoded corporate communications, which was the reason why the Federal Security Service refused to certify Blackberry in Russia until Research in Motion, the manufacturer, disclosed the encryption keys.
      
      According to the agreement with the Security Service, Mobile Telesystems are allowed to import BlackBerry 8800 and BlackBerry 7290, 300 devices each, as well as 480 BlackBerry 8700g. Besides, the server program for corporate mail will be installed in the main office of the mobile operator, so that the officers of the Security Service could have access to it.
      
      It is expected that first sales of Blackberry will be launched at the beginning of 2008.
      
      source:
      www.lenta.ru