The latest: Russian Official Says Kidnapped Diplomats Still Alive, Notes Progress in Release Talks

22.06.2006
Russian Official Says Kidnapped Diplomats Still Alive, Notes Progress in Release Talks
Talks to free four Russian diplomats kidnapped in the Iraqi capital, Baghdad, almost three weeks ago have produced some progress, the speaker of the Russian parliament’s upper chamber said Thursday.

22.06.2006
Russia’s Sochi Makes Short List to Host 2014 Olympics
Russia’s Sochi, Salzburg, Austria and Pyeongchang, South Korea were named Thursday on a shortlist to host the 2014 Winter Olympics.

22.06.2006
Russia Urges North Korea Against Ballistic Missile Test
In the wake of reports about plans to test launch a ballistic missile, Moscow has informed North Korean Ambassador Pak Ui Chun that moves that may have a negative impact on regional stability would be undesirable.

22.06.2006
Russian, American Public Hold Opposite Views on Punishment to Iran — Poll
Russians and Americans have nearly polar opposite opinions on whether, and how, to punish Iran if it continues to produce nuclear fuel despite international pressure to stop, according to a published poll.

22.06.2006
Genealogy of Fifth Generation Fighters
The more talk there is about fifth-generation fighters, the more often the question arises: what exactly is a fifth-generation fighter? A special report from Lenta.ru traces back to the roots of this highly sought after aircraft.

22.06.2006
Russian Gay Rights Campaigner Sues President Putin
A well-known Russian defender of homosexuals’ rights has appealed to court seeking to sue Russian President Vladimir Putin for failing to meet his direct duties.

22.06.2006
Russian FM Urges Reforms in OSCE
Russia’s foreign minister has pressed for reforms in the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe, in the latest rhetorical push by Moscow to temper the trans-Atlantic security group’s persistent criticism of Russia and other former Soviet republics.

22.06.2006
Hermaphrodite Dolls Puzzle Russian Children
Strange China-made dolls appeared in the shops of several Russian cities — Kalilngrad and Chelyabinsk (South Siberia).

22.06.2006
Orange Leaders Unite to Form Coalition in Ukraine
Ukrainian political parties have formed a majority coalition needed for the country’s parliament to start work.

22.06.2006
Russian Air Force to Get New Generation Radar Aircraft
The Russian Air Force will be provided with a modernized A-50 airborne warning and control system in 2008, Air Force Commander Vladimir Mikhailov said.

22.06.2006
Pope Will Not Attend Religious Summit — Russian Church
Pope Benedict XVI has not been invited to attend the international 3-day summit of religious leaders that opens in Moscow on July 3, the Russian Orthodox Church said Thursday. The religious leaders representing Christianity, Islam, Judaism, Buddhism, Taoism and Hinduism are expected to address the G8 leaders in a joint resolution.

22.06.2006
Tszyu to Unite and Take Care of Russian Boxers
Former undisputed 140-pound champion Kostya Tszyu is planning to start his own consulting/promotional company to help Russian boxing professionals who are being taken advantage of by the system.

22.06.2006
Ukraine Pins Hopes on Tunisia Match
Ukraine, who needs to defeat Tunisia on Friday to be certain of reaching the last 16 of the World Cup, cannot afford any complacency against its Group H opponents. A draw is likely to be enough for Ukraine, but captain Andriy Shevchenko said his team would be going for victory.

22.06.2006
Russian Foreign Ministry Says No News on Diplomats Abducted in Iraq
Russia’s Foreign Ministry says it has no new information on the fate of four diplomats kidnapped in Baghdad, a day after they were reportedly killed by al-Qaeda.

22.06.2006
Prosecutors Allege Reporter Was Killed by His Rape Victim
Russian prosecutors said they have completed the investigation into a killing of a special correspondent for a nationwide television network. Reportedly, the man had been attacked by a 19-year-old, whom the journalist had sexually assaulted earlier.