The latest: Russian Minister Dismisses Cheney’s Accusations of “Energy Blackmail”

08.05.2006
Russian Minister Dismisses Cheney’s Accusations of “Energy Blackmail”
The Russian government has hit back at accusations by US vice-president Dick Cheney of using its energy resources as “tools of intimidation and blackmail”. It called on the west to recognize Russia’s progress towards market principles and democracy.

08.05.2006
Russia Gives ’Mixed Signals’ on Democracy — Bush
Russia is giving “mixed signals” on its commitment to democracy, U.S. President George Bush has said.

08.05.2006
Russia May Continue Providing Aid to Palestine — Foreign Ministry
Russia may continue to provide financial aid to the Palestinian National Authority, the Foreign Ministry’s special envoy said on Monday.

08.05.2006
Canadian Beauty Doubts Fairness of Russian Mrs. World Pageant
A woman who represented Canada at the Mrs. World pageant in Russia is among contestants alleging a contest official bought his wife the crown in a show filled with odd twists. A show organizer says there’s nothing to the allegations.

08.05.2006
Human Rights Watch Ask Moscow Mayor to Investigate Attacks Against Gays, Permit Parade
Human Rights Watch have sent a letter to Moscow Mayor Yuri Luzhkov asking him to investigate recent attacks against gays and other sexual minorities in the city. The organization also urged the mayor to permit and protect the gay pride parade that was cancelled earlier by the city’s authorities.

08.05.2006
Russian Wins Broad Street 10-Mile Run
Russian Olga Romanova won the Broad Street 10-Mile Run on Sunday.

08.05.2006
50 People Hold Anti-Fascist Rally in St. Petersburg
About 50 people took part in a rally against fascism held in St. Petersburg on Monday.