51.   The jump in demand comes amid speculation that Russian exports of platinum and palladium may not resume as soon as expected.

52.   The meeting follows talks this week in Tokyo between a delegation of Russian exporters and Japanese trading houses on the resumption of Russian exports of palladium and platinum.

53.   Those shipments, though, could now be pushed back to July because of additional delays in obtaining Russian export licenses, traders said.

54.   Western experts worry that Russian exports may undermine the bold promises of cooperation on nuclear issues made at a meeting last year between President Boris Yeltsin and Western leaders.

55.   Western officials are also discussing other financial arrangements, including one that would help compensate the Russians for the toll that declining oil prices have taken on Russian exports.

56.   Weldon said Russian export policies give him cause for concern.

57.   While Russian exports have resumed, the metal likely is going directly to private buyers such as automakers or electronics manufacturers.

58.   While the Russian government still must set export quotas before palladium shipments can start, Russian export officials have said they see no problems in receiving the necessary approval.

59.   With the devaluation of the ruble, prices of Russian exports like oil and metals, which were already sagging, are likely to slump further.

60.   Palladium has pushed through its previous price ceiling several times in recent weeks because of the lack of Russian exports on the market.