The Russian -Iranian relationship lies very much in the development of international issues elsewhere in the world. At the moment, Russia and Iran have a mutual need to maintain their relationship and to play up its importance in order to protect the territorial status and exertinfluence with other neighbouring states.

• July 14, 2010

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) on Monday called on the Middle East and Central Asia (MECA) to play an active role in repairing the international financial system, and to implement the reforms needed to render the region's financial systems more resilient.

• July 13, 2010

Russian President Dmitry Medvedev said Monday Iran was gaining the ability to build a nuclear bomb, the strongest criticism of Iran's nuclear program to emerge from the Kremlin under either Medvedev or his predecessor, Prime Minister Vladimir Putin.

• July 13, 2010

The Bulgarian Energy Holding is expected to pick a consultant to help it decide how to proceed and attract new investors for the planned Belene nuclear power plant by September, the energy minister has said.

• July 13, 2010

The press service of the Presidential Palace presents the president's statements on what has changed in Lithuania over that time. "Lithuanian people wanted change and now they see it on the move.

• July 13, 2010

Japan, long critical of Indian nuclear policy, is discussing a civilian nuclear energy cooperation agreement that could be signed by the end of the year when the Indian prime minister visits Tokyo, Harsh V Pant comments for ISN Security Watch.

• July 13, 2010

Russian gas behemoth Gazprom is trying to get German power company RWE to join the South Stream gas pipeline project, a press report said on Monday, raising the stakes for a rival European programme.

• July 13, 2010

North Korea postpones talks scheduled with the US-led United Nations Command about the sinking of a South Korean warship.

• July 13, 2010