Morning re-cap of main news, January 5
* President Vladimir Putin signed a number of legislative documents, including a bill on amendments to the law on Russian citizenship
// Jan. 06, 2006 - 07:16 GMT
Kazakhstan adopts new national anthem
ASTANA, January 6 (RIA Novosti) – Following the Kazakh parliament's approval in the final reading of amendments to the law on national symbols, the country will adopt a new national anthem, a parliamentary source said Friday.
// Jan. 06, 2006 - 08:02 GMT
U.S. Accuses Russia of Using Gas Issue to Pressure Ukraine
U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice has accused Russia of using its energy wealth as a political weapon, and warned that Moscow must play by international rules if it wants to be part of the global economy.
// Jan. 06, 2006 - 08:20 GMT
Russian Scientist Jailed for Espionage Files Appeal with European Court
A Russian physicist imprisoned for spying has filed an appeal with the European Court of Human Rights in Strasbourg.
// Jan. 06, 2006 - 08:23 GMT
Microsoft Security Threat Solved by Russian Expat
A Russian expat working for a Belgian-based IT firm has discovered a temporary solution to what is being described by Belgian media as the greatest computer security threat ever.
// Jan. 06, 2006 - 08:28 GMT
Armenian Minister Dismissed over Workers Assault Scandal
Armenia's controversial Culture Minister Hovik Hoveyan has been forced to step down over reports that he attacked and pistol-whipped electricity workers after a brief cut-off in power supplies to his apartment.
// Jan. 06, 2006 - 08:34 GMT
Putin Sends Sympathies to Sharon, Wishes Speedy Recovery
Russian President Vladimir Putin sent his best wishes to Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon who is seriously ill in hospital after suffering an extensive brain hemorrhage.
// Jan. 06, 2006 - 08:52 GMT
Russia Dismisses US Criticism Over Gas Dispute With Ukraine
In response to the recent statement by U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice who accused Russia of pressuring Ukraine in the gas dispute, the Russian side said Washington missed the main point of the gas dispute.
// Jan. 06, 2006 - 09:18 GMT
Putin Sets Summer 2006 as Launch Date for Pacific Pipeline Project
During his visit to the Siberian republic of Sakha-Yakutia, Russian President Vladimir Putin has said that the work to implement the Eastern Siberia – Pacific Ocean oil pipeline project is to begin in the summer of 2006.
// Jan. 06, 2006 - 09:22 GMT
Latvian Authorities Say No More Stag Parties in Capital Riga
Stag parties are being asked to stay clear of the Latvian capital city of Riga as tourist bosses say 'enough is enough'.
// Jan. 06, 2006 - 09:39 GMT