Senate honors visiting Russian diplomat and invites senators to news conference

The Utah Senate opened its session by moving House Concurrent Resolution 8 under suspension of the rules for final reading and passage to mark the visit of representatives from the On‑site Inspection Agency, the Utah Russia Institute, and members of Utah’s congressional delegation.

The motion that HCR 8 be read for the second and third time and placed up for final passage carried on a roll call; the clerk announced 25 aye votes and later, after an additional senator voted, 26 ayes with three absences among those present. The president signed the resolution in open session and the measure was referred back to the House for final signatures and enrolling.

Senator Peterson invited fellow senators to a 2:00 p.m. news conference featuring Consul General Popov (floor remarks also mention "Mister Pavlov"), where he was to address the media and meet the governor; senators were invited to a reception afterward.

Why it matters: The gesture reflects a formal diplomatic exchange and bipartisan chamber recognition of the visiting delegation, and it created an on‑the‑record opportunity for the consul general to address state leaders and the media.

Outcome: HCR 8 was approved by the Senate and scheduled for enrollment and signature. Senators were encouraged to attend the later news conference and reception.

Attribution: Information drawn from floor announcements by Senator Peterson and the chamber’s roll-call record on Feb. 20, 1998.

Ending: The Senate recessed for lunch and planned to reconvene; senators were asked to attend the afternoon press event with the visiting consul general.