Talks of Cold War with Russia is `nonsense`: Rice
US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice rejected the idea of a new Cold War with Moscow as "hyperbolic nonsense" on Wednesday, while criticising the lack of political freedom in Russia.
Russia downplays Kosovo domino effect
Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said Wednesday that Russia would not necessarily recognise two Moscow-backed rebel regions of neighbouring Georgia if the Serbian province of Kosovo declares independence.
NATO invites Putin to summit in April
NATO has invited Russian President Vladimir Putin to a NATO-Russia summit on the margins of a summit of NATO leaders in Bucharest on April 2-4, alliance spokesman James Appathurai said Wednesday.
British Council shuts Russia offices, staff summoned
The British government`s cultural arm, caught in a political row between London and Moscow, said on Thursday its Russian regional offices had halted work because local staff were being interviewed by Russia`s security service.
Russia-China trade grew to record $48 bln in 2007
Russian-Chinese trade grew 44.3% year-on-year in 2007 to a record $48.16 billion, the Russian trade mission in China said on Thursday, citing China`s customs statistics.
Russia `seriously concerned` over Gaza violence: ministry
Russia on Friday said it was "seriously concerned" over the latest violence between Israel and the Palestinians, as Israeli Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni prepared to fly to Moscow for talks.
An independent Kosovo can never join U.N.: Russia
Russia on Wednesday backed its ally Serbia, saying Kosovo will never become a member of the United Nations or other international organizations if the breakaway province unilaterally declares independence.
Japanese official paid for leak to Russia: govt
A Japanese intelligence official accused of handing over research information to Russia received cash in return, the government said Thursday.
Russia, Britain spar over cultural group
A British cultural organization reopened offices in two Russian cities Monday in defiance of an order to close, drawing an angry response from Russia, which called the decision a "deliberate provocation" and promised punitive measures.
Putin to discuss oil pipeline project in Bulgaria
The Russian president`s visit to Bulgaria this week will bring a package of deals, including on an ambitious oil pipeline project and a nuclear power plant, the foreign minister said on Monday.
French academic has hit with `Sarkozy is Petain` book
A Maoist professor who is one of France`s most respected academic philosophers has produced a surprise literary hit with an outspoken attack on Nicolas Sarkozy that compares the president to wartime collaborator Marshal Philippe Petain.
22 killed in Pakistan suicide blast
A suicide bomber blew himself up among police deployed outside a court in eastern Pakistan ahead of a planned anti-government protest Thursday, killing at least 22 people and wounding more than 70, officials and witnesses said.
Putin appoints firebrand as Russia`s NATO envoy
President Vladimir Putin has appointed a firebrand nationalist as Russia`s permanent representative to NATO as the Kremlin takes a more assertive stance with its Cold War foe.
Senior Russian diplomat to discuss missile shield problem in Warsaw
Russia`s deputy foreign minister will fly to Warsaw on Wednesday night to discuss the planned deployment of U.S. missile shield elements in Poland, a ministry spokesman said.
S. Korean president-elect eyes energy deal with Russia
President-elect Lee Myung-bak expressed strong interest Friday in jointly developing energy resources in Russia`s resource-rich Siberia with the help of North Korean labor.
Bush watchful on Iraq, Afghanistan, Russia in 2008
US President George W. Bush, looking to his final full year in office, sought Thursday to ease deep concern about Iraq, admitted worries about Afghanistan, and vowed to watch Russia closely in 2008.
Russia cool to British solution for solving art row
Russia responded coolly Friday to Britain`s promise to rush through legislation aimed at ending a row that threatens a major Russian art exhibition in London, a news agency reported.
Russia, Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan sign Caspian pipeline accord
Russian President Vladimir Putin and Kazakh counterpart Nursultan Nazarbayev oversaw a major new deal on Thursday to build a natural gas pipeline from Turkmenistan to Russia via Kazakhstan.
Russia would veto UN backing for Kosovo independence: Lavrov
Russia would veto any attempt by the UN Security Council to back independence for Serbia`s Kosovo province, Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said Friday in a newspaper interview.
10 killed in Gaza airstrikes
Israeli aircraft launched an assault on the radical Islamic Jihad organization from the skies over Gaza, killing the group`s overall commander and eight other militants in three fiery strikes ending early Tuesday.
Russia delivers first nuclear fuel to Iran
Russia has delivered the first shipment of nuclear fuel to Iran`s Bushehr atomic power station, a step both Moscow and Washington said should convince Tehran to shut down its disputed uranium enrichment program.
Russia warns the West over Kosovo independence
Russia warned Monday that Kosovo could slip into "uncontrollable crisis," ahead of a UN Security Council showdown over the Serbian province`s Western-backed push for independence.
Russia opposes Taiwan referendum on UN
Russia is "concerned" about a plan by Taiwan to organise a referendum on joining the United Nations, its foreign ministry said Monday, warning such a move risked destabilising the region.
Russia seizes 4 Japanese fishing boats
Japan said Thursday that Russia seized four Japanese fishing boats in disputed waters between the two countries, calling the detention unacceptable and demanding an explanation from Moscow.
Russia, Iran reach nuclear plant dea
Russia and Iran reached an agreement Thursday on a schedule for finishing construction of the Bushehr nuclear plant, which plays a central role in the international tensions over Iran`s nuclear program, Russian news agencies reported.