Norwegian foreign minister to arrive in Moscow next week

MOSCOW, November 12 (RIA Novosti) – Norwegian Foreign Minister Jonas Gahr Stoere will arrive in Moscow on November 20 on a two-day visit, the official website of the Norwegian embassy said on Monday.

// Nov. 12, 2007 - 12:23 GMT


Greenpeace alarmed by oil spill, Russia MP highlights other risks

MOSCOW, November 12 (RIA Novosti) – Greenpeace warned that Sunday's fuel oil spill between the Black and Azov Seas could destroy rare fauna, but a Russian lawmaker said the damage was no worse than everyday industrial pollution.

// Nov. 12, 2007 - 12:14 GMT


Missile tit-for-tat

MOSCOW. (RIA Novosti political commentator Andrei Kislyakov) – It looks as if Russia has long guessed the American moves to create a missile defense system in Europe, and is responding tit-for-tat and even figure-for-figure.

// Nov. 12, 2007 - 11:37 GMT


Russia, India sign joint lunar research deal

MOSCOW, November 12 (RIA Novosti) – Russia's Federal Space Agency (Roskosmos) and the Indian Department of Space have signed a joint lunar research and exploration agreement, the Russian agency said on Monday.

// Nov. 12, 2007 - 11:22 GMT


Tajik police seize 22 kg of heroin

DUSHANBE, November 12 (RIA Novosti) – Police in south east Tajikistan, Central Asia, seized on Monday a total of 22 kilograms (48 pounds) of heroin from a Tajik national, the country's drug control agency said.

// Nov. 12, 2007 - 11:02 GMT


Russian veterinary specialists to inspect Polish meat factories

MOSCOW, November 12 (RIA Novosti) – Russian veterinary specialists will fly to Poland on Monday to inspect meat factories, in a bid to overcome the concerns behind Moscow's two-year embargo on Polish meat.

// Nov. 12, 2007 - 10:46 GMT


Israel to free up to 400 Palestinians ahead of peace conference

TEL AVIV, November 12 (RIA Novosti) – Israel will release up to 400 Palestinians prisoners ahead of an upcoming U.S.-sponsored Mideast peace conference in Annapolis, the U.S., scheduled for the end of the month, Israel's Haaretz daily said Monday.

// Nov. 12, 2007 - 10:33 GMT


Russia launches operation to contain oil spill in Black Sea

MOSCOW, November 12 (RIA Novosti) – Russia's emergencies ministry announced on Monday the launch of a major operation in the Black Sea to contain a fuel oil spill after a Sunday storm sank several cargo ships and a tanker.

// Nov. 12, 2007 - 10:29 GMT


New York chocolate fashion show. Video

Chocolate covered models sway down the catwalk at New York chocolate fashion show. During the show, the audience was treated to dresses and accessories made out of chocolate.

// Nov. 12, 2007 - 10:29 GMT


Turkish troops ready on Iraqi border. Video

Turkey’s Chief of Staff says troops are ready for an operation as soon as the Turkish government gives the go ahead. General Yasar Buyukanit said around a hundred thousand troops are now waiting for the order to cross the border into northern Iraq.

// Nov. 12, 2007 - 10:25 GMT