The latest: G8 United in Demand for Israeli Soldier’s Release

29.06.2006
G8 United in Demand for Israeli Soldier’s Release — Russian FM
Russia’s foreign minister said he and his Group of Eight counterparts were “united” Thursday in their demand that an Israeli soldier held by Palestinian militants be released.

29.06.2006
Russian Gun Designer Kalashnikov Urges Tough Control Over Small Arms Sales
The famous Russian gun designer Mikhail Kalashnikov has called for tougher control over the small arms turnover to rule out uncontrolled weapons sales.

29.06.2006
Maria Sharapova Beats U.S. Harkleroad to Advance at Wimbledon
Maria Sharapova has overpowered Ashley Harkleroad 6-2, 6-2 in 67 minutes to reach the third round at Wimbledon. The match was slightly tougher than her 51-minute 6-2, 6-0 win the previous day over Anna Smashnova.

29.06.2006
Rescuers Find Body of Russian Pilot From Crashed SU-25
The body of a pilot who crashed on Wednesday while flying a Russian Su-25 Frogfoot close support aircraft in western Russia has been found, a local Emergencies Ministry official said.

29.06.2006
G8 Leaders Want Punishment for Killers of Russian Hostages in Iraq
G8 foreign ministers are unanimous that the terrorists who killed Russian diplomats in Iraq must be found and brought to justice, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov told reporters after talks with his G8 counterparts in Moscow.

29.06.2006
Russia’s Referee Ivanov Dropped From World Cup Final Pool
Russian referee Valentin Ivanov and Britain’s Graham Poll, both involved in the biggest refereeing controversies of the World Cup, will not officiate at any more matches in the tournament, FIFA said on Wednesday.

29.06.2006
Red Cross Urges Putin to Allow Visits to Detainees
In an official letter sent to the Russian President Vladimir Putin, the president of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), Jakob Kellenberger, called for ICRC visits to persons detained in connection with the situation in the northern Caucasus to be resumed and conducted in accordance with the standard procedures used by the organization throughout the world.

29.06.2006
Russia Urges Palestinians to Stop Terrorist Activities, Release Israeli Hostage
Russia’s Foreign Ministry Thursday urged the Palestinians to immediately release an Israeli serviceman who had been taken hostage, and called on Israel to stop military operations.

29.06.2006
Russia, U.S. Hold Different Views on Iran, UN, China — Poll
A recently released poll shows that Russian and U.S. citizens hold different views on almost all international issues including Iran’s nuclear program, the UN’s role in the world affairs, and cooperation with China.

29.06.2006
Foreign Groups Say New NGO Law Impedes Their Operations in Russia
Foreign non-governmental organizations are experiencing problems re-registering their offices in Russia after a new law on NGOs came into force earlier this year amid harsh criticism by leading rights groups, Russian media reported Thursday.

29.06.2006
Russia’s Putin Kisses Little Boy Walking Through Kremlin
Russian President Vladimir Putin astonished a young boy when he stopped by during a walk through the Kremlin. Despite the current political pressures about Iran and the G8 summit scheduled to hold in Russia in two weeks, Putin still found it necessary to exchange a words with the little boy before lifting his shirt to kiss him on the stomach.

29.06.2006
Nigerian National Stabbed, Robbed in Russian Capital
A Nigerian national has suffered a stab wound in an assault in Moscow, a source in law enforcement said.

29.06.2006
Ukraine Loses Key Striker to Injury Ahead of Match Against Italy
Ukraine’s key striker Andriy Voronin will miss the rest of the World Cup after injuring his thigh in the match against Switzerland. The 26-year-old was instrumental in getting Ukraine to the quarterfinals, where it plays against Italy on Friday.