Sorry BW,
I used to have access to that site, but it has been restricted to Russian scientists
only in recent years as far as I know. In the past this site had M-8 predictions from
prominent Russian geophysicist, little more.
In terms of the Prediction Council, I do not know the current status. But, several
years ago I did have an opportunity to speak candidly with one of the previous chairpersons
of the council. In the opinion of that person, the council was a political tool to make
sure no predictions were made, good of otherwise, a kind of board of censorship - and
nothing leaked through. I know of only one occasion when they were called - a rather
bitter dispute with someone who had made a prediction was called before the council.
The marching orders of the council had been to demonstrate there was no scientific basis
to it so as to calm anxieties of a local population which was concerned about any truth to
the prediction. Facts or no facts. I believe the council chair resigned shortly after. Most
good scientists really do have a high personal sense of honesty which is why they
became scientists in the first place, to ferret out the truth. It goes against the grain
to be told what conclusions you are to reach before looking at the data.