Main news of October 28

* Russia, Greece and Bulgaria are very close to signing an intergovernmental agreement on the construction of the Burgas-Alexandroupolis oil pipeline, Evripidis Stylianidis, deputy Greek foreign minister, said

// Oct. 29, 2006 - 07:12 GMT

U.S. military chief goes to Russia on official visit

MOSCOW, October 29 (RIA Novosti) – A top U.S. general is arriving in Russia October 29 on an official visit to hold meetings with the Russian command and tour facilities, the head of the Russian Defense Ministry's press office said Sunday.

// Oct. 29, 2006 - 08:00 GMT

Putin congratulates auto transport workers with holiday

MOSCOW, October 29 (RIA Novosti) – President Vladimir Putin congratulated the Russian auto transport industry's workers with their professional holiday, the Kremlin press office said Sunday.

// Oct. 29, 2006 - 08:24 GMT

Russia Beats U.S. in Selling Arms to Developing Countries

An annual study for the U.S. Congress finds that in 2005 Russia, for the first time, sold more arms to the developing world than the United States did.

// Oct. 29, 2006 - 08:40 GMT

Chelsea Owner Abramovich Building $150m Luxury Hospital in Moscow - Paper

Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich is building an 80 million pounds ($151 million)hospital in Moscow that is likely to become the first port of call for Russia's rich and famous, according to a British daily.

// Oct. 29, 2006 - 08:42 GMT

Top Iran Official Praises Cultural Ties with Russia

Iran's Presidential Advisor Mohammad Nahavandian said Iran-Russia cultural ties are important for establishment of peace and tranquility in the world.

// Oct. 29, 2006 - 08:44 GMT

Russian Youths Stage Protest in Moscow Against Celebrating Halloween

Dozens of young people gathered in the center of Moscow to protest the celebration of Halloween.

// Oct. 29, 2006 - 08:47 GMT

Three Russian Parties Merge into Single "Russia of Justice" Faction

Three Russian parties – the Party of Life, the Party of Pensioners and Rodina – endorsed a decision to merge into a united party organization that will be called Russia of Justice: Fatherland, Pensioners, Life.

// Oct. 29, 2006 - 08:52 GMT

Nuclear Reactor Shut Down in Northern Russia, No Threat of Leak - Officials

An automatic safety system shut down a reactor at a nuclear power plant near St. Petersburg Saturday after a short circuit, the state-run company overseeing Russia's nuclear power plants said.

// Oct. 29, 2006 - 08:56 GMT

Russian Tennis Player Sharapova Beats Schnyder to Reach Linz Final

Maria Sharapova defeated third-seeded Patty Schnyder of Switzerland 7–5 7–5 on Saturday to reach the final of the Linz Open.

// Oct. 29, 2006 - 09:01 GMT