December 2002
UN Inspectors Leave North Korea
Two UN inspectors are leaving North Korea after being expelled by the government, raising concerns about the lack of oversight on the country's nuclear activities.…
China Launches Its Fourth Unmanned Spacecraft
China has successfully launched its fourth unmanned spacecraft, marking progress towards future manned space missions. The country aims to join the ranks of the United…
Mr. Abdi's Trial Held in Secret Court Session - 2002-12-30
Mr. Abdi's trial took place in a secret session, raising concerns about the sensitivity of national security documents. Concurrently, the Russian Atomic Energy Minister visited…
Severe Violations of Security Standards in Chechnya - 2002-12-29
A bombing in Grozny, Chechnya, resulted in at least 52 deaths and over 130 injuries, prompting Russian prosecutors to investigate severe security violations. Deputy Attorney…
Russian Foreign Ministry: Suicide Bombings on Friday Prove Bombers are Part of International Terrorist Network - 2002-12-29
A suicide bombing in Grozny, Chechnya, killed at least 55 people and injured around 150. The Russian government blames Chechen separatists, while President Putin insists…
Russia Begins Natural Gas Delivery to Turkey - 2002-12-29
Russia has started delivering natural gas to Turkey via a 1,400-kilometer pipeline. The project is significant for both countries, with Turkey receiving its first shipment…
Chechen Rebel Leaders Deny Responsibility for Two Explosions - 2002-12-28
Chechen rebel leaders have denied involvement in two deadly bombings in Grozny that killed at least 46 people. Russian officials attribute the attacks to Chechen…
One of the detainees in France is the brother of a Guantanamo prisoner - 2002-12-27
French authorities arrested suspects planning to attack Russian buildings, including the embassy in Paris. One of the detainees is the brother of a Guantanamo prisoner…
At least 40 killed in two powerful explosions in Grozny - 2002-12-27
Two powerful explosions in Grozny resulted in at least 40 deaths and over 60 injuries, attributed to suicide bombers. The attacks targeted a government building,…
Second Black Box of Ukrainian Plane Found
The second black box of a Ukrainian plane that crashed in Iran has been found, with all 44 passengers confirmed dead. Ukrainian officials are seeking…
President Khatami: Iran Will Continue Its Nuclear Programs - 2002-12-25
President Khatami of Iran reaffirmed the country's commitment to its nuclear energy program despite U.S. concerns, indicating cooperation with Russia for the Bushehr plant. This…
Russia Asks North Korea to Cooperate with the International Atomic Energy Agency
Russia has urged North Korea to collaborate with the IAEA amid concerns over its nuclear weapons program. This request highlights the ongoing tensions surrounding North…
Under the Microscope: Mr. Khatami's Emphasis on the Establishment of the Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant and the Transfer of Its Waste to Russia - 2002-12-25
Former President Mohammad Khatami emphasized the importance of establishing the Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant and transferring its waste to Russia. Additionally, Mr. Abdi warned that…
Russian Supreme Court Refuses to Release Igor Sutyagin
The Russian Supreme Court has upheld the detention of Igor Sutyagin, a researcher accused of espionage for the U.S. He was arrested in 1999 for…
Russian Leader Grants Citizenship to Officer and His Family
President Putin granted Russian citizenship to Oleg Kozlov, an officer born in Tajikistan, after he complained about repeated rejections of his citizenship applications. This decision…
Russian and Ukrainian Experts' Plane Crashes Near Isfahan
A plane carrying Russian and Ukrainian experts crashed near Isfahan, resulting in the deaths of all passengers. The crash is under investigation, with the black…
Igor Ivanov Urges Washington to Adhere to UN Resolutions Regarding Iraq - 2002-12-22
Russian Defense Minister Igor Ivanov has called on the U.S. to comply with UN resolutions regarding Iraq and stated that Russia sees no justification for…
Organization for the Protection of Journalists - 2002-12-21
Two Al Jazeera journalists were violently interrogated by Dutch peacekeepers in Afghanistan while covering a grenade attack that killed two Afghan workers. The International Federation…
Russia Expresses Regret Over U.S. Missile Defense System Deployment
Russia has expressed regret over the U.S. decision to deploy a missile defense system, fearing it may detract from the international fight against terrorism and…
On This Day, December 18: The Nutcracker Ballet Premiered
The Nutcracker ballet, composed by Tchaikovsky, premiered on December 18, 1892. It has since become a staple performance during the Christmas season in the United…
Russia's Reaction to the U.S. Decision on Deploying Missile Defense System - 2002-12-18
Russia has expressed regret over the U.S. decision to deploy a missile defense system starting in 2004, warning it could lead to an arms race…
Iran's Pursuit of Nuclear Technology Continues to Be a Key Issue in Washington-Moscow Negotiations
U.S. Secretary of State Colin Powell has reiterated concerns about Iran's nuclear ambitions during discussions with Russia. Iran insists its nuclear program is for peaceful…
Iraq Cancels Contract with Three Russian Oil Companies - 2002-12-16
Iraq has canceled its oil contracts with three Russian companies, including Lukoil, due to their non-compliance with contractual obligations. The Iraqi ambassador claims the decision…
Hassan Rouhani: Western Criticism of Iran's Nuclear Program is Unfounded - 2002-12-16
Hassan Rouhani defended Iran's nuclear program against Western criticism, asserting it is for peaceful purposes. He highlighted the hypocrisy of the U.S. allowing Israel's nuclear…
Oswaldo Paya Granted Permission to Leave Cuba
Oswaldo Paya, a prominent Cuban dissident, has been granted permission by the Cuban government to travel to Europe to receive the Sakharov Prize for Freedom…
Russia's Strong Criticism of Iraq Over Cancellation of Major Oil Contract
Russia has criticized Iraq for canceling a significant oil contract with LUKoil, arguing it undermines their friendly relations. The Iraqi ambassador attempted to minimize the…
Iraqi Ambassador in Russia: Baghdad's Decision to Cancel Oil Contract with Russia is Not Retaliatory
Iraq has canceled its oil contract with Lukoil, a major Russian oil company, citing non-fulfillment of obligations. The Iraqi ambassador insists this move is not…
Iran in the Mirror of World Media December 13, 2002
The article discusses the influence of Ayatollah Khomeini's death fatwas on other Muslim nations, highlights Russia's proposal regarding the Caspian Sea resources, and mentions Germany's…
The U.S. Regrets North Korea's Decision to Reactivate Nuclear Power Plant
The U.S. has expressed regret over North Korea's decision to reactivate a nuclear power plant, which raises concerns about nuclear weapons production. Leaders from the…
Ahmad Zakayev Released Until His New Court Hearing
Ahmad Zakayev, a Chechen separatist, has been released on bail by a British court until his next hearing on January 9. He was arrested upon…
Ship Carrying Scud Missile Cargo to be Released
The U.S. has agreed to release a ship carrying Scud missiles from North Korea, which Yemen claims were intended for its military. This incident highlights…
Criticism from the Head of a Major Russian Oil Company on the U.S. Plan to Overthrow Saddam - 2002-12-10
Nikolai Tokarev, head of Zarubezhneft, criticized the U.S. plan to overthrow Saddam Hussein, claiming it is driven by a desire for cheaper oil. He noted…
Effi Briest
The article discusses Rainer Werner Fassbinder's film adaptation of Theodor Fontane's classic novel 'Effi Briest,' highlighting its fidelity to the original story and its visual…
Russian and NATO Officials Hold Conference in Moscow - 2002-12-09
Russian and NATO officials convened in Moscow to discuss military cooperation against terrorism. NATO Secretary General George Robertson emphasized the need to overcome mutual distrust,…
Iraq Submits Reports for Analysis to the United Nations - 2002-12-08
Iraq has submitted extensive reports to the UN asserting it has no weapons of mass destruction, which are now under analysis. President Bush warns that…
American Astronaut and Two Russian Astronauts Return to Earth - 2002-12-07
An American astronaut and two Russian astronauts returned to Earth aboard the Endeavour spacecraft after a six-month mission at the International Space Station. The landing…
Zakaev: Russia's Attempts to Capture Him Have Drawn Global Attention to Chechen Causes
Ahmad Zakaev, a Chechen separatist leader's advisor, was released on bail by Britain, prompting strong criticism from Russia. Zakaev claims that Russia's attempts to capture…
Russia and India Cooperation - 2002-12-04
Russian President Vladimir Putin visited India to discuss cooperation on terrorism, defense, and the Iraq crisis with Indian officials. The two nations aim to enhance…
Presidents of Russia and China Sign Joint Declaration
The Presidents of Russia and China signed a joint declaration to enhance strategic cooperation and seek a diplomatic resolution for Iraq. They also advocated for…
Russian President Arrives in India
Russian President Vladimir Putin has arrived in India after a visit to China, where he warned of emerging global threats such as terrorism and arms…
China and Russia Call for Preservation of the 1994 Agreement
China and Russia have called on North Korea and the U.S. to adhere to the 1994 nuclear agreement, which aimed to freeze North Korea's nuclear…
Vladimir Putin, President of Russia, Heads to Beijing Today
Vladimir Putin is traveling to Beijing to meet with Chinese leaders Jiang Zemin and Hu Jintao to strengthen Russia-China relations. This visit is significant as…
Russia has not yet received a request regarding the assassination of the President of Turkmenistan
The Russian Attorney General's office announced it has not received any request from Turkmenistan regarding an assassination plot against President Saparmurat Niyazov. Niyazov survived an…
As the Situation in Ivory Coast Deteriorates, French Forces Evacuate 160 Foreigners
French military forces evacuated 160 foreigners from rebel-controlled areas in Ivory Coast as the situation deteriorated. The evacuees included nationals from France, Lebanon, Africa, and…
Moscow Officials: 108 People Have Died from Cold in Moscow Since Early October
Since early October, 108 people have died from the cold in Moscow, primarily among the homeless population. Recent reports indicate that 2 more have frozen…