POLITICS
The working group on Russia’s accession to the WTO officially approved the terms and conditions of Russia’s membership.
(Kommersant)
The former Georgian republic of South Ossetia will on Sunday hold presidential elections, the most unpredictable in the republic’s entire history.
(Kommersant)
If the ruling United Russia party fails to readjust and represent the interests of the middle class, the party could disappear, experts said.
(Vedomosti)
Germany and France are discussing a plan of a new reform for the European Union.
(Kommersant)
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov gave an interview to Rossiiskaya Gazeta. He told the readers of the prospects of Russia-U.S. relations.
(Rossiiskaya Gazeta)
Tajik authorities probably want to exchange the convicted Russian pilot for a relative of Tajikistan’s president.
(Moskovskiye Novosti)
ECONOMY & BUSINESS
After 18 years of talks, Russia is virtually joining the WTO on its own terms: support for agriculture will not decrease, domestic gas prices will be regulated, and foreign banks will not be allowed to open branches in Russia.
(Vedomosti)
President Dmitry Medvedev may create a new state agency to regulate investment activity in the regions.
(Vedomosti)
SOCIETY
President Dmitry Medvedev is ready to toughen punishment for extremism.
(Kommersant)
Convicted Russian arms dealer Viktor Bout plans to ask Russian authorities to pass his case to an international court.
(Kommersant)
For more details on all the news in Russia today, visit our website at http://en.rian.ru.
