... Iraq ) Human rights ombudsman Mikhail Fedotov wrote Friday on Twitter that the bikers had obtained Iraqi visas through a tour agency and the visas turned out to be fake. Foreign Ministry spokesman Alexander Lukashevich said Friday that Iraqi authorities had arrested the bikers strictly to ensure their own safety, RIA-Novosti reported. The security situation in Iraq is unstable following a military invasion and occupation by the United States that officially ended in December. On Thursday, the Foreign...

Diplomas from 210 foreign universities will now be acknowledged in Russia without an additional state evaluation, according to a government order published Friday by Rossiiskaya Gazeta. Diplomas from 210 foreign universities will now be acknowledged in Russia without...

The latest major opposition protest may serve as the first test of a tough new rally law that could be approved as early as next week. Opposition activists have submitted an application to hold their next rally June 12, asking city authorities to approve the attendance of...

Sergei Udaltsov and Alexei Navalny emerged from prison Thursday, while a dramatic standoff erupted at a State Duma hearing over a bill that would hike fines for illegal demonstrations. Two of the opposition’s most popular leaders emerged from prison Thursday, vowing to ratchet up street demonstrations while a rare, dramatic standoff erupted at a State Duma hearing over a bill that would significantly raise fines for illegal protests. Sergei Udaltsov...

The Soviet maxim "initiative is punishable" is only half true for actress Chulpan Khamatova. The Soviet maxim "initiative is punishable" is only half true for actress Chulpan Khamatova. The much-admired film and theater star bubbles with joy when...

The International College of Economics and Finance, established jointly by the London School of Economics and the Higher School of Economics (Moscow), is inviting applications for part-time teaching positions in Economics, Finance, Statistics, Mathematics, Humanities (taught in English) at the Bachelors' double degree program. Teaching at ICEF is paid on a contractual basis, with competitive rates. More...

Socialite and opposition figure Kseniya Sobchak offered authorities 100 square meters of grass to compensate the city for damage done by long-term demonstrators at Chistiye Prudy, but authorities refused to accept it. Socialite and opposition figure Kseniya Sobchak offered...

The number of female ministers in the new government has dropped to just two from three in the previous Cabinet — a decline that sparked much discussion Tuesday as to why so few women play a role in Russian politics. The number of female ministers in the new government has dropped to just two from three in the previous Cabinet — a decline that sparked much discussion Tuesday as to why so few women play a role in Russian politics. Sociologists and politicians...

... running to 461 pages, encompassing the most significant revision to civil legislation in a generation, with the introduction of new institutions and rules, as well as amending and updating many existing ones. Against a backdrop of numerous observations, criticisms, and perceived gaps in Russian legislation, from all quarters, including business, and countless vested interests, it was remarkable that just over three weeks later, on April 27, it was passed on the first reading with almost no change. These...

Vasily Yakemenko, the founder of the pro-Kremlin youth group Nashi, announced plans Monday to create a new political party designed to attract the young, disaffected, middle-class voters who were drawn to the opposition protests. Vasily Yakemenko, the founder of the pro-Kremlin youth group Nashi, announced plans Monday to create a new political party designed...

Opposition protesters spent the weekend shuffling around the city trying to resist efforts by authorities to stamp out mobile opposition camps. Opposition protesters spent the weekend shuffling around the city trying to resist efforts by authorities to...

... foreign companies. The debut of foreign ice cream producers at the 16-year-old event may be an indication of the changes to come as Russia prepares to enter the World Trade Organization. Industry experts anticipate that WTO accession will increase competition on the market and potentially lead to a better quality of icy treats for customers. Ice cream makers from Belarus, Spain and Lithuania will take part in the festival. Valery Yelkhov, head of the Russian Union of Ice Cream Makers, said competition...

Television humorist Mikhail Zhvanetsky criticized President Putin's inauguration motorcade on state television, saying it looked "disinfected" and "wiped with alcohol." Television humorist Mikhail Zhvanetsky criticized President Putin's inauguration motorcade on state television...

The Moscow protests on May 6 marked a milestone in the country's political development. The Moscow protests on May 6 marked a milestone in the country's political development. Before this event, the government allowed demonstrators to hold marches and rallies, at least in the capitals and several of the largest cities...

Russia will confront a persistent protest movement and a steady decline in oil revenues over the coming years. Russia will confront a persistent protest movement and a steady decline in oil revenues over the coming years, Citibank said Wednesday. Despite the efforts of bureaucrats and politicians, the country's stock exchanges, the valuations of its major companies, its budget and its currency still move closely in line with commodity prices. And the government will be...

THE BRITISH EMBASSY has VACANCIES For full details please check our web-site: www.ukinrussia.fco.gov.uk

Kosovo's Foreign Minister Enver Hoxhaj has voiced strong support for Syria's opposition, saying his government had already established diplomatic contacts with Syrians fighting to oust President Bashar Assad. UNITED NATIONS — Kosovo's Foreign Minister Enver Hoxhaj has voiced strong support for Syria's opposition, saying...

Russian legislation, including the existing legal framework for implementing public-private partnership ("PPP") projects, has traditionally had some significant "deviations" from the common worldwide practice, which has often made foreign investors think twice before coming into Russia. Pavel Karpunin Partner Capital Legal Services Russian legislation, including the...

It seems that for the past five months the authorities have been suffering from cognitive dissonance in their relations with Muscovites. It seems that for the past five months the authorities have been suffering from cognitive dissonance in their relations with Muscovites. This is a disorder...

MILAN, Italy — Former Milan defender Kakha Kaladze says he will retire from football to start a career in politics in his homeland. The 34-year-old Kaladze, who is from Georgia, says venturing into politics after a 19-year career in football will be "the most important game of my life, for freedom and democracy in my country." Kaladze currently plays...