Kazakhstan's aging leader will seek to extend his rule until 2017 in the energy-rich central Asian nation's next election and may even seek to stay in power until after 2020, dampening speculation about potential successors.

• September 17, 2010

Violence in Russia's conflict-ridden North Caucasus has risen significantly this year despite the increased deployment of troops loyal to Moscow, the Interfax news agency reported Thursday.

• September 17, 2010

yrgyzstan may drastically raise the amount of rent Russia pays to use crucial military facilities in the Central Asian nation, the government said

• September 17, 2010

Chechen independence leader Akhmed Zakayev, wanted by Russia for alleged terrorism, is in Poland where he could face arrest under an international warrant, organisers said Thursday.

• September 17, 2010

"It's in our long-term interest to have a healthy, fruitful, productive relationship with China," said U.S. Trade Representative Ron Kirk

• September 17, 2010

At September 16 sitting, the Armenian government approved Armenia-Croatia contract to promote bilateral cooperation in the sectors of economy, science and engineering as well as stimulation and protection of investments.

• September 17, 2010

The United States and its allies in Northeast Asia are trying to fashion an opening to North Korea out of concern that the current policy toward the isolated nuclear-armed nation could lead to war, U.S. and Asian officials said

• September 17, 2010

The Estonian state-owned Eesti Energia Distribution Grid is carrying out an international state procurement to find partners for regular maintenance and repair works, liquidating malfunctions and building new electricity networks

• September 17, 2010