Peoples Sexiest Man Alive 09 is surprise pick Nov 19, 2009
And while it is dominated, as usual, by Hollywood hunks, it also includes the heads of state of the United States, France and Russia Barack Obama, Nicolas Sarkozy and Vladimir Putin. They earned mention in the Sexy Shirtless category, along with such show-biz entries as Zac Efron. (MSNBC -- News)
Russian court forbids use of death penalty Nov 19, 2009
" onclick="Next();" src="/images/butt_next. No one can force the Duma's hand," Zorkin said, speaking to reporters after the ruling. Opinion polls have found that a huge majority of Russians support the death penalty, with an online poll by the Moskovsky Komsomolets tabloid in September finding 80 per cent in favour. "Society must be ready for the abolition of the death penalty. (Channelnewsasia.com)
Obama, PM with Osama, Dawood in Forbes list Nov 19, 2009
Obama was named most powerful, while Chinese President Hu Jintao and Russian PM Vladimir Putin complete the top three. The list features three resident Indians - Singh and industrialists Mukesh Ambani and Ratan Tata, and two non-residents -- fugitive Dawood, and Lakshmi Mittal who lives in London and heads the world's largest steel company. (India Times, India)
Medvedev's Bleak Fight Against Corruption Nov 19, 2009
He wrote that had taped 150 hours of compromising statements made by his colleagues and superiors, and that he wanted to speak with Prime Minister Vladimir Putin in person. Soon afterwards, a former police officer from the Komi Republic added his comments, writing about "fabricated investigations against innocent citizens." It was a rare instance of civil servants publicly rebelling against their superiors and the conditions in Russia's law enforcement organizations. (BusinessWeek)
Russia-EU summit repairs bilateral ties Nov 19, 2009
Russian Premier Vladimir Putin, however, had announced a plan in June where his country would form a customs union with Kazakhstan and Belarus and tie its WTO membership application to that of the two other countries. That plan is opposed by the EU.. (Xinhuanet, China)
Bad boy Putin grooves with Russian rappers Nov 18, 2009
Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin, right, takes part at the filming of a show for Russia's music television channel on Friday, Nov. 13 ... Now Vladimir Putin is adding another groove to his tough guy persona: hip-hop idol ... 16: Kent Jones joins Rachel Maddow to talk about Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin watching a Russian rap contest. (MSNBC -- International)
Energy issues top bill at EU-Russia summit Nov 18, 2009
Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin will meet Thursday with his Ukrainian counterpart Yulia Tymoshenko for talks on energy. Under the agreement signed in Moscow, Russia and the EU will notify each other of any likely disruption to supplies of oil, gas or electricity and jointly work to find a solution, the European Commission said in a statement. (Sydney Morning Herald -- World)
Why China Isn't Willing to Get Too Tough on Iran Nov 18, 2009
Under Prime Minister Vladimir Putin who tells Mr. Medvedev what to do Moscow is in the process of deciding whether accepting a nuclear-armed Iran fits with its own strategy of pushing back against U.S. global dominance. Unlike Russia, China defines a harmonious relationship with the U.S. as being among its core interests. (Time.com)
* Russia may scrap controversial tower in St Petersburg Nov 18, 2009
Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin, an early supporter of a controversial project to build St Petersburgs first glass skyscraper, is now expected to scrap it because of mounting opposition at home and abroad. The 403m tower, intended to house offices of state-run gas giant Gazprom, has caused an outcry among St Petersburg residents, Russian opposition parties and the UN cultural agency UNESCO.. (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- World)
Timeline: Chechnya Nov 17, 2009
Russian forces redeploy in Chechnya; the new prime minister, Vladimir Putin, says the campaign is needed to quash terrorism ... 2007 February/March - President Alu Alkhanov is moved to a post in the Russian government by Russian President Vladimir Putin who names Ramzan Kadyrov as his successor ... 2007 December - The United Russia party, which backs Russian President Vladimir Putin, wins 99% of the vote in Chechnya in Russian parliamentary elections. (BBC News -- Europe)
Russia suggests Renault take control of Avtovaz Nov 16, 2009
Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin had earlier pressed Renault to take part in rescuing Avtovaz, maker of the iconic Lada brand. Renault said this month it would hold on to its 25 percent stake in the carmaker and contribute to its restructuring, but would not take part in a capital increase. (Yahoo! Asia News)
Blasts rip through Russian arms depot Nov 16, 2009
Russian news agency Interfax reported that Prime Minister Vladimir Putin told the Health and Social Development Ministry "to organize high-standard and urgent medical assistance to all those injured.". He also ordered the Emergency Situations Ministry "to take all necessary measures" in helping regional authorities evacuate residents of the area, spokesman Dmitry Peskov said, according to Interfax. (CNN -- International)
U.S., Russia: We're closer to nuke deal Nov 16, 2009
Ties between Russia and the United States chilled during the administrations of George W. Bush and Vladimir Putin. "We want to reset our relationship, and so we will do it together," Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said during a meeting with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov in March in Geneva, Switzerland. (CNN)
Russia, Slovenia sign South Stream pipe deal Nov 15, 2009
Slovenian Prime Minister Borut Pahor and Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin, signed the deal for Russian gas to pass through Slovenia on its way to northern Italy, Putin's spokesman Dmitry Peskov told The Associated Press. "We have completed a lot of work," Putin said at his residence outside Moscow, the ITAR-Tass agency reported. (The Star Online, Malaysia -- Business)
In Asia, Obama pushing arms control with Russians Nov 15, 2009
In 2002, Presidents Vladimir Putin and George W. Bush signed the Treaty of Moscow, which specified further cuts to between 1,700 and 2,200 operationally deployed warheads by 2012. The U.S. now has about 2,200 such warheads deployed, compared to about 2,800 for the Russians. (Roanoke Rapids Daily Herald, NC)
Slovenia signs up to Russia-Europe gas pipeline Nov 15, 2009
Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin (R) and his Slovenian counterpart Borut Pahor attend a news conference during their meeting at the Novo-Ogaryovo residence outside Moscow ... Prime Minister Borut Pahor and his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin witnessed the accord signed by their respective energy ministers Matej Lahovnik and Sergei Shmatko at Putin's residence at Novo-Ogarevo near Moscow. (Yahoo! Asia News)
US-Russia arms control talks progressing Nov 15, 2009
In 2002, then-presidents Vladimir Putin and George W. Bush signed the Treaty of Moscow, which specified further cuts to between 1,700 and 2,200 operationally deployed warheads by 2012. Even if negotiators conclude a deal by the expiration of the existing START treaty, the new treaty will not take effect until the Russian Duma and the U.S. Senate have ratified it, which could take months. (San Diego Union-Tribune)
Anelka gives France crucial lead Nov 15, 2009
Russia hardly largely dominated the match in front of the watching Vladimir Putin but Slovenia scored could turn out of be a crucial away goal two minutes from time. Marko Suler's shot was brilliantly saved by Russian goalkeeper Igor Akinfeev but substitute Nejc Pencnik was able to head the ball into an empty net. (CNN -- International)
Medvedev vows to end Russian protectionism Nov 15, 2009
But while Medvedev appears to be laying more emphasis on the importance of economic reform than his presidential predecessor Vladimir Putin, analysts warn that concrete action has yet to come. Recommend. (Yahoo! Asia News)
Slovenia signs Russian gas deal Nov 15, 2009
Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin said Moscow now had deals with all the key European partners in the project. South Stream - which is scheduled to be completed by 2015 - is in competition with a European Union-backed pipeline - Nabucco. (BBC News -- Europe)
Russia, Slovenia sign agreement on South Stream project Nov 15, 2009
MOSCOW, Nov. 14 (Xinhua) -- Russia has signed agreements on the South Stream gas pipeline with all partners after reaching an agreement with Slovenia, Prime Minister Vladimir Putin said Saturday. "We signed today the final (in a series of agreements) with allthe necessary European partners for us to be able to complete this project," Putin said after talks with his Slovenian counterpart Borut Pahor at his residence outside Moscow. (Xinhuanet, China)
Medvedev vision grips Russian press Nov 14, 2009
The economic modernisation plans outlined by Russian President Dmitry Medvedev prompt the Russian press to examine how his views differ from those of Prime Minister Vladimir Putin ... He criticised the structure of the Russian economy during Vladimir Putin's era. (BBC News -- Europe)
Medvedev laments Russia's failures Nov 14, 2009
In a wide-ranging 100-minute speech, Mr Medvedev seemed eager to set himself apart from his predecessor, Vladimir Putin, now Prime Minister, who is broadly understood to have kept his status as the most powerful figure in Russian politics. For Russians who looked to the new president for change, Mr Medvedev's presidency seems to have stalled somewhere between word and deed. (Sydney Morning Herald -- World)
2 dead, 43 found alive in Russia arms depot Nov 14, 2009
Prime Minister Vladimir Putin also has ordered immediate evacuation of people from surrounding areas to safe places, said his press secretary. According to Kuznetsov, the blaze was caused by "an explosion in one of the workshops," which further spread to neighboring buildings. (Xinhuanet, China)
Corruption claims Nov 14, 2009
Mr Dymovsky asked Vladimir Putin and President Medvedev to help. They have threatened him with libel charges. (BBC News -- Europe)
Russian Human-Rights Groups Face Eviction From Moscow City-Owned Offices Nov 14, 2009
Conditions for human rights groups have deteriorated since Medvedev took office last year even as hes used softer rhetoric than his predecessor, Vladimir Putin, Ikhlov said. A decision to evict the two Moscow-based organizations was taken in the spring, he said, after the inauguration of U.S. President , whom Russian activists have assailed for sacrificing criticism of violations for his reset in relations. (Bloomberg -- Europe)
* Medvedev pushes for reforms Nov 14, 2009
WATCHFUL EYE: Western commentators say the Russian president is not nearly as powerful as his predecessor, current Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin AFP , MOSCOW Saturday, Nov 14, 2009, Page 6 ... In his annual address to the nation, Medvedev walked a tightrope between liberal political and economic reforms and the strongman legacy of his predecessor, former Russian president Vladimir Putin. (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- World Business)
Medvedev tells Russia time to reinvent itself Nov 14, 2009
Medvedev avoided directly criticizing his patron and predecessor, Prime Minister Vladimir Putin, who sat without smiling in the audience of lawmakers and other officials at the Kremlin. But the speech represented a subtle rebuke of Putin's legacy. (San Francisco Chronicle)
Follow the Rockets Nov 14, 2009
Vladimir Putin Every week in the Middle East is more or less the same ... Photograph of Vladimir Putin by Alexey Druzhinin/AFP/Getty Images. (Slate)
Obama Tops Forbes' Most Powerful List Nov 13, 2009
- Vladimir Putin, prime minister of Russia. - Ben Bernanke, chairman of U.S. Federal Reserve. (CBS News)
President Medevedev calls for Russia reforms Nov 13, 2009
" onclick="Next();" src="/images/butt_next. " But with Putin seated prominently in the front row, Medvedev cautioned: "Any attempts to rock the boat, destabilise the government and rend society under slogans of democracy will be stopped. (Channelnewsasia.com)
Sir Paul hits 3,000 in Russia Nov 13, 2009
The singer celebrated his 62nd birthday on Friday, and President Vladimir Putin telephoned him to offer congratulations. The concert, in a city centre square near the Winter Palace, was a sell-out, with tickets changing hands for up to $500. (Yahoo News -- The Beatles)
Russian reformer Nov 13, 2009
The state corporations were the mechanism by which Vladimir Putin and his entourage engineered a massive transfer of industrial ownership from oligarchs who opposed them, to others (often friends or long-term acquaintances) who backed them ... Mr Medvedev's tone is quite distinct from that of his predecessor, Vladimir Putin ... There's none of the shirtless machismo that Vladimir Putin does, albeit with a widely acknowledged elan. (BBC News -- Europe)
Russia needs to modernize its economy, Medvedev warns Nov 13, 2009
Medvedev avoided directly criticizing his patron and predecessor, Prime Minister Vladimir Putin, who sat without smiling in the audience of lawmakers and other officials at the Kremlin. But the speech represented a subtle rebuke of Putin s legacy. (Boston Globe)
Russias leader urges modernization Nov 13, 2009
In a challenge to his predecessor and mentor, Vladimir Putin, Medvedev also called for reducing state involvement in the economy and promised to offer support to civil society. Medvedev said the country has continued to rely on an aging Soviet industrial base and to draw most of its revenues from exports of energy resources. (MSNBC -- International)
Kung fu shrine under attack Nov 13, 2009
Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin and Shaolin Temple's Abbot Shi Yongxin watch Kung fu performances. Putin visited Shaolin Temple in 2006. (Xinhuanet, China)
Medvedev pitches economic - but not political - changes for Russia Nov 13, 2009
Moscow - Struggling to climb out from under the shadow of Vladimir Putin, his still-powerful mentor and predecessor, President Dmitry Medvedev pitched his signature idea of "democratic modernization" Thursday to an audience that included Russia's joint houses of parliament, top government leaders, and a stony-faced Prime Minister Putin. In a nearly two-hour "State of the Nation" address, his second since being vaulted into the Kremlin after a , Mr. Medvedev called for sweeping reforms to... (Christian Science Monitor)
Medvedev calls for economy reform Nov 12, 2009
These strong words have been seen as a criticism of his mentor and predecessor Vladimir Putin, who is now prime minister, our correspondent adds. The president is keen to prove he is his own man and his speech on Thursday could be another chance to do that. (BBC News -- Europe)
The ones that the world listens to Nov 12, 2009
When it comes to exercising power, Russias Vladimir Putins frequent use of it put him at No. 3 on the list ... On the other hand, Russian autocrat Vladimir Putin (No. (MSNBC -- Business)
Putin warns Ukraine not to take gas without paying Nov 12, 2009
MOSCOW, Nov. 11 (Xinhua) -- Prime Minister Vladimir Putin on Wednesday said that Russia may cut natural gas supplies to Ukraine if Kiev started unauthorized siphoning, news agencies reported. "If they do not pay for gas consumed in Ukraine, they will not get it. If they don't get it, then gas is likely to be tapped from the pipeline. As soon as tapping is reported, we will cut supplies," Putin said after a meeting with Austrian Chancellor Werner Faymann. (Xinhuanet, China)
Russia launches program to save tigers worldwide Nov 12, 2009
MOSCOW - Vladimir Putin has made headlines by championing the endangered Siberian tiger posing with a cuddly cub and placing a tracking collar on a full-grown female in the wilds of his country's Far East. Now Russia is helping plan an ambitious program it hopes can double the global tiger population by 2022. (MSNBC -- Environment)
Medvedev to set out economic reforms in speech Nov 12, 2009
Medvedev's plans, which aim to trim the government role in the economy, would target Russia's "state corporations" -- a key legacy of his Kremlin predecessor, Vladimir Putin. Medvedev, who last month slammed state corporations as "out of control," in August ordered audits of the conglomerates that control some of Russia's prize industrial assets. (Yahoo! Asia News)
Russia admits police corruption Nov 11, 2009
He said he wanted to meet the Prime Minister Vladimir Putin to ensure there was a proper investigation to restore the honour and dignity of the police force. The interior minister has announced that any policeman accused of committing serious crimes will face prosecution. (BBC News -- Europe)
Is Russia playing both sides on Iran nukes? Nov 11, 2009
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is believed to have flown secretly to Moscow in September to present Medvedev and Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin with a list of names of Russian scientists that Israel says took nuclear know-how to Iran. Those reports have prompted some members of Congress to pressure President Obama to report to Congress on suspected Russia-Iran nuclear cooperation before the US pursues any new or additional nuclear accords with Russia. (Christian Science Monitor -- USA)
Russian policeman fired over clip Nov 10, 2009
Maj Dymovsky,32, went on to request a "face-to-face" meeting with Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin. "I am tired of being made to uncover crimes that do not exist," said the uniformed official in the seven-minute clip, which was posted on his personal website as well as the video sharing site YouTube. (BBC News -- Europe)
After the Soviet collapse: A globe redrawn Nov 10, 2009
TO RUSSIA s once and possibly future president, Vladimir Putin, the collapse of the Soviet Union two years after the fall of the Berlin Wall was the greatest geopolitical catastrophe of the 20th century. It set off shocks that were felt across the globe. (The Economist)
Putin not nostalgic about life behind Wall Nov 10, 2009
Prime Minister Vladimir Putin said in his recent interview with Russias that he was not nostalgic about the years that he had spent living in the German Democratic Republic. However, he added that he still had very warm memories of those years. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Opinion)
Merkel presses GM for Opel plan Nov 10, 2009
Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin asserted that GM had exhibited an "arrogant attitude" in abandoning months of negotiations. German Foreign Minister Guido Westerwelle, visiting Washington, said that "jobs must be protected.". (Fresno Bee -- Business)
Russia's Central Bank May Cut Key Rate Half Point This Year, Survey Shows Nov 10, 2009
Prime Minister Vladimir Putin has said he wont allow the ruble to strengthen excessively as exporters, reeling from a lack of credit, struggle to tap into a global trade recovery. Previous rate cuts have failed to ease lending, stalling business investment and hiring. (Bloomberg -- Europe)
* Russian police fire officer for alleging corruption: report Nov 10, 2009
Dressed in his police uniform, Dymovsky also asked Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin in the video for a face-to-face meeting to discuss the problems in the police force. Vladimir Vladimirovich, you talk about reducing corruption and that corruption should not simply be a crime but also improper. (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- World)
Putin nostalgic for days as spy in East Germany Nov 10, 2009
MOSCOW: Russia's Prime Minister, Vladimir Putin, says he feels nostalgia for the former East Germany, recalling with fondness his five years as a KGB agent in Dresden. Mr Putin said in an interview with the NTV channel on Sunday that he had good memories of his 1985-90 posting in the city that included learning German, excursions to the mountains and contacts with his East German counterparts. (Sydney Morning Herald -- World)
Wall anniversary celebrations kick off in Berlin Nov 9, 2009
" In the run-up to the anniversary, Irish rockers U2 electrified a crowd of 10,000 at the Brandenburg Gate Thursday with a spectacular free concert that included the ballad "One", written in Berlin and partly inspired by the Wall's fall. Artists on Friday unveiled restored murals on the longest-surviving stretch of the 155-kilometre-long (96-mile-long) Wall known as the East Side Gallery. On Monday, Merkel will also be joined by former Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev, ex-Polish president Lech... (Channelnewsasia.com)
Berlin Wall: 20 years on Nov 9, 2009
Meanwhile Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin, who was posted as a KGB agent in Dresden under communism, said he had fond memories of East Germany including learning German, mountain excursions and contacts with local agents. "But we see how the Federal Republic (united Germany) is developing and we are happy that we have good relations on a new basis," he said. (iAfrica.com)
Nobel winner, Soviet H-bomb scientist Ginzburg dies Nov 9, 2009
He attacked the Kremlin's growing links with the Orthodox church and urged Western Europe to stop then-President Vladimir Putin returning to "a totalitarian past". "We hope that the governments of democratic countries will do all they can to prevent Russia sliding into the totalitarian past and the establishment of a dictatorial regime dangerous for Russia and for all international society," said the appeal he signed in November 2005. (The Star Online, Malaysia)
Medvedev: Arms Control Deal With U.S. Can Be Reached Nov 8, 2009
Medvedev also told Germany's Der Spiegel magazine that he has been working well with his predecessor Vladimir Putin, and that predictions of a rift between him and Putin, who is widely seen as pulling the strings in Russia, are overblown ... "I do not wish to one day find myself and Vladimir Putin resembling the aged leaders from the Soviet Communist Party Politburo standing on Lenin's Mausoleum in similar coats and hats.". (Fox News)
The White House and Abramoff: 70 more contacts revealed Nov 8, 2009
Reuters/Jim Young U.S. President Barack Obama (L) meets Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin in Moscow July 7, 2009. While the economic crisis continues to overshadow other topics, world politics is undergoing rapid and dramatic changes. (Salon)
Russia's Medvedev Threatens Sanctions Against Iran Nov 8, 2009
The statement echoed earlier comments by Medvedev, but contrasted sharply with the words of Prime Minister Vladimir Putin, who has warned that the threat of sanctions could thwart talks with Iran. Medvedev said in an interview with Germany's Der Spiegel magazine that it would be better to avoid sanctions, but they can't be excluded if there is no progress in the talks. (Fox News)
Peres: Don’t give up on peace process Nov 8, 2009
Medvedev also told Germany s Der Spiegel magazine that he has been working well with his predecessor Vladimir Putin, and that predictions of a rift between him and Putin are overblown. The comments were released by the Kremlin. (Boston Globe)
Ukraine 'pays Russian gas bill' Nov 7, 2009
Last week, Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin raised concerns that Ukraine had not paid for its gas. In January, many countries in Europe were left short of gas due to a payment dispute between Moscow and Kiev. (BBC News -- Europe)
In ‘Crude World,’ a fuel for corruption, conflict, and addiction Nov 7, 2009
It backstops dictators spanning the grotesque Teodoro Obiang, president of Equatorial Guinea, Russia s chilly chief Vladimir Putin and the canny, showy Hugo Chvez of Venezuela. It keeps anything but respectable company but, because of its clout and the global addiction to oil, its grip is tight. (Boston Globe)
Opel workers strike against GM Nov 6, 2009
MOSCOW, Nov. 4 (Xinhua) -- The Russian government was surprised by General Motors' decision to not sell its European Opel unit to the Magna-Sberbank consortium, a spokesman for Prime Minister Vladimir Putin said Wednesday ... MOSCOW, Nov. 5 (Xinhua) -- The decision of U.S. automaker General Motors to scrap plans for selling its European Opel unit will not affect the Russian auto industry, Prime Minister Vladimir Putin said Thursday. (Xinhuanet, China)
GM readies Opel plan Nov 6, 2009
In Moscow, Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin also lashed out at GM.. "We will have to take into account this style of dealing with partners in the future, though this scornful approach toward partners mainly affects the Europeans, not us," Putin told a cabinet meeting in Moscow. (India Times)
Workers angry sale of Opel is off Nov 6, 2009
Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin said GM exhibited an arrogant attitude in abandoning months of negotiations and complained that GM didn t discuss anything with anyone. German Foreign Minister Guido Westerwelle said jobs must be protected. (Boston Globe)
* Russia ponders how to give up the Vodka bottle Nov 5, 2009
He said the support of Medvedev and Prime Minister Vladimir Putin would help overcome the alcohol industrys opposition to more restrictions. Brewers, many owned by foreign conglomerates, have for years blocked attempts in parliament to apply the same rules to beer as vodka, such as limits on advertising or when and where it can be sold, Zvagelsky said. (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- World Business)
Ukraine vows to pay for Russian gas on time Nov 5, 2009
Six days ago, Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin accused Ukrainian President Viktor Yushchenko of blocking the transfer of funds to pay for Russian gas. Russia supplies a quarter of the EU's gas needs, with 80 percent of it pumped through Ukrainian pipelines. (Xinhuanet, China)
