A brief look at the stories making headlines in the Russian-language press

A 76-year-old New York jeweler pleaded guilty to operating a money-transferring business in what U.S. prosecutors said was a scheme to provide terrorists with shoulder-fired missiles that could bring down commercial aircraft.

Militants seized hostages Wednesday during a standoff with authorities after the latest explosion in Tashkent, police said.

Paksas Court Ruling VILNIUS, Lithuania (AP) -- Constitutional Court judges ruled Wednesday that Lithuanian President Rolandas Paksas violated the country's constitution by arranging citizenship for a businessman with alleged ties to organized crime. The court's finding that Paksas flagrantly violated the constitution and his oath of office on three counts is the solid evidence that his opponents in the 141-seat Seimas, or parliament, need to vote him out of office, which could come as early as next week. The court said Paksas acted illegally when he arranged citizenship for businessman Yury Borisov, a Russian who police assert is linked to the Russian mafia. Ivanov Open on Bases MOSCOW (AP) -- Defense Minister Sergei Ivanov said Wednesday that Russia was prepared to sign an agreement transferring some of its Soviet-era military facilities in Georgia to the Georgian government.

A peace plan for Cyprus hung in the balance on the last day of negotiations Wednesday with the hours ticking down to UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan issuing a take-it-or-leave it deal.

Jewish settlers with assault rifles slung over their shoulders moved into two buildings in a crowded Arab neighborhood of Jerusalem on Wednesday, sparking clashes between Israeli troops and Arab residents.

Afghan President Hamid Karzai urged the world to stay on track in helping his country toward democracy and stability as a donors' conference opened with appeals to make boosting security in the war-ravaged nation a priority.

The long sunny days of summer may increase the risk of catching a common sexually transmitted infection. And it's not just because people have more sex when the weather is nice.

Gasoline futures were close to an 18-year high in New York after an explosion at a BP refinery in Texas heightened concern that refiners won't be able to meet rising demand as the driving season approaches.