VIENNA (AFP) – OPEC President Chakib Khelil said on Wednesday that the cartel must weigh the impact of a prospective decision to cut oil output on both consumers and producers hit by a global financial crisis. >>

// Oct. 24, 2008 - 00:13 GMT

HRH Prince Michael of Kent made a high profile visit to the Moscow Ritz-Carlton this week for more than a spa and a champagne cocktail. The Prince, who speaks fluent Russian and bears a striking resemblance to Tsar Nicholas II, acted as patron of the two-day Russia and CIS Hotel Investment Conference, which aimed to address the concerns of investors in the Russian hotel sector during the current financial turmoil. >>

// Oct. 24, 2008 - 00:15 GMT

We are sitting on the edge of a new world order these days. The possibility, which for several years has been a subject of fears, gossip and speculation, is finally becoming reality. The world's three largest natural gas nations – Russia, Iran and Qatar – which together control 60 percent of global gas reserves, agreed to strengthen cooperation. Meanwhile, Tehran said there was consensus to set up an OPEC-style group. >>

// Oct. 24, 2008 - 00:16 GMT

MOSCOW (AP) – Russia's efforts to upgrade its missile arsenals will help counter the planned U.S. missile defense sites in Europe, a top general said Wednesday. >>

// Oct. 24, 2008 - 00:18 GMT

STRASBOURG (AFP) – France's minister for European affairs on Wednesday said he was opposed to Georgia and Ukraine entering the NATO military alliance for now because it would not benefit Europe. >>

// Oct. 24, 2008 - 00:22 GMT

Amidst the smoldering ruins of financial fallout, I decided to drown my sorrow and smoking Visa card in that modern lake of hedonism known somewhat hyperbolically as The Mega Mall in the southeast of the metropolis. Yes, I'm really a masochist at heart. >>

// Oct. 24, 2008 - 00:58 GMT

On the weekends around Hallo­ween, why not explore the spookier side of Moscow? This week's walk starts off pumpkin-hunting in the Dorogomilovsly Market and ends in the beautiful Vagankovskoe Cemetery, full of golden maple trees. In between it winds through the bizarre unfinished riverside business district and revolutionary Krasnaya Presnya. Next week visits some "haunted"  houses, including the Nyekhoroshaya Kvartira ("not good flat") where the Russian writer Bulgakov lived. It was also featured in his novel "The Master and Margarita." >>

// Oct. 24, 2008 - 01:02 GMT

MOSCOW (RIA Novosti) – Photos taken by RIA Novosti photojournalists during the five-day conflict between Georgia and the breakaway republic of South Ossetia will go on display at a photo exhibition in Moscow. >>

// Oct. 24, 2008 - 01:13 GMT

In Soviet times, with an army of youth organizations to choose from, it was not difficult for adolescents to find ways to occupy their free time. Soviet groups, like the Oktobrists, Young Pioneers and Young Communist League kept the youth out of trouble. Though politically oriented, the organizations engaged youngsters in activities that helped them to develop as individuals. Today, Russia lacks such organizations and the younger generation must find its own way. >>

// Oct. 24, 2008 - 01:15 GMT

But beneath its beauty, Moscow's metro hides other marvels: buried deep underground are many secret stories and concealed facts. One of the most famous rumors concerns the so-called ‘Metro-2'. Years after the story of this top-secret, politburo metro line first emerged it remains neither confirmed nor denied. >>

// Oct. 24, 2008 - 01:17 GMT