18,000 Warheads Converted to Nuclear Fuel
Well over four hundred tons of uranium have been converted from former Soviet Union nuclear warheads. Called “Megatons to Megawatts,” the program was started by USEC, a global energy company and leading supplier of nuclear fuel.
Migrants from Central Asia coming to Russia
Today, the bulk of immigrants to Russia come from Central Asia, and the trend is likely to remain over the next 10-15 years. The most recent Russian census showed that the number of Uzbeks, Tajiks, and Kyrgyz living in the country had roughly doubled since the previous count.
Tajikistan demanding at least $250 million from Russia for base lease
Tajikistan is demanding no less than $250 million a year from Russia for the lease of a military base on its territory, Kommersant reported on Thursday, citing an unnamed source. Russia and Tajikistan are reportedly having difficulties agreeing on terms for the base's lease, which is due to expire in 2014. Russia currently has 7,000 military personnel stationed at the base.
Russia, Kazakhstan to create joint Eurasian air defense system
Russia and Kazakhstan are set to sign an agreement by the end of this year on the creation of a joint regional air defense system. The documents are ready and currently being agreed on at presidential administrations of the two states, Kazakh Air Defense Chief Nurzhan Mukanov told journalists on Wednesday, reports Itar-Tass.
Russian President expresses readiness to shift to “a new, mutually beneficial partnership level” with Kyrgyzstan
Russian President expressed readiness to shift to “a new, mutually beneficial partnership level” with Kyrgyzstan. “Today I am asking you to report on prospect projects with Commonwealth partners, including possibilities of shifting to a new mutually beneficial partnership with countries, for example, with Kyrgyzstan,” Russian President Vladimir Putin said yesterday at the session of the Commission on Fuel and Energy Complex and Environmental Security.
Russia sends warships to Syria
Russia despatched a flotilla of warships to its naval base in the Syrian port of Tartus on Tuesday in an apparent show of support for President Bashar al-Assad.
Russia halts arms shipments to Syria, for now
A senior Russian official said Monday that Moscow is halting its weapons sales to Syrian authorities until the situation there calms down.
Russia and Tajikistan fall out over military base
Russian-Tajikistan relations are becoming strained over Russia’s military base on the territory of the Central Asian Republic. Moscow accused the Tajik government of demanding unacceptable conditions to renew the lease on the No. 201 military base and suspended its funding. Tajikistan called Russian stance politically inappropriate, Kommersant reported.
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