Gog and Magog in the news

[Shammu]

 Putin calls for increased cooperation with India, China
New Delhi, June 27, IRNA

India-Russia-Putin
Russian President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday called for increased cooperation with India and China, considering the rapid economic development of both the countries.

Russia's cooperation with India should 'increase significantly in many spheres, including nuclear energy', Putin said at the conference of Russian ambassadors at the Foreign Ministry in Moscow, a UNI report said here.

"It is fundamentally important that our bilateral partnership takes into account the dynamic development of both Russia and China, and accordingly changes for our countries both in terms of the region and the world in general," Putin said.

On West Asia, he said Russia will 'play a proactive role in the peace process' both at the bilateral level and as a member of the international Quartet which includes Russia, US, EU and the UN.

In an apparent reference to the standoff around Iran's nuclear programme, Putin said, "We do not intend to join any form of ultimatum that would lead to a dead-end and strike a blow against the authority of the UN Security Council."
He said, "I am sure that conflict resolution should involve dialogue and not isolation of any states," adding, "Such an approach gives not only hope, but real positive progress, which has been proved more than once."
On non-proliferation, Putin said, "We believe that work in the political and diplomatic arena is effective, as well as the search for compromises based on international law."

Putin calls for increased cooperation with India, China

[Shammu]

Administration of Justice, a great ideal for humans
Tehran, June 27, IRNA

Iran-Greece-Meet
President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad said here Monday night that justice-seeking is an instinctive issue, stressing administration of justice is a great ideal for human beings.

President Ahmadinejad made the remark in a meeting with the visiting Greek president of Socialist International, George A Papandreou.

"Today, despite great progress made in societies, humans still suffer from discrimination and inequality as a result of lack of social justice.

"Efforts made by certain individuals and groups to administer justice have failed because there is no correct definition of justice.

"Those who seek justice in the world should set a proper and comprehensive definition of justice as a base for their activities because human beings will accept justice if they experience real justice."
The president added, "Justice-seeking and democratization have actually turned into a slogan and a cover for politicians in certain societies to seize power and dominate nations.

"Real justice-seekers always seek to materialize justice as a human ideal and never strive to obtain financial power."
He said the Iranian nation loves peace, adding, "Iranians, based on their religious thoughts, are always after establishment of peace and sustainable justice in the world."
Ahmadinejad said Iran and Greece have been cradles of civilization during different periods of time, adding "The two countries should strive to establish justice based on dignity of all human beings using their rich culture and great commonalties."
Papandreou, for his part, said the Iranian nation has always been ioneer in administering social justice, adding administration of justice in the world would help establish security, tranquility and welfare for all human beings.

Papandreou, who was Greece's foreign minister from 1999 to 2004 and a leader of the main opposition party, the Panhellenic Socialist Movement (PASOK) in Greece, since 2004, condemned injustice done by certain powers particularly the United States through Iraq's occupation and preventing Iran's access to nuclear energy.

All nations and governments should try to establish justice in the world so that unilateralism would be destroyed.

In 2006, Papandreou became president of Socialist International, an international organization of social democratic, democratic socialist and labor parties.

The Party of European Socialists, a European political party active in the European Parliament, is an associated organization of Socialist International.

As a non-governmental organization, Socialist International has a consultative status with the United Nations.

Administration of Justice, a great ideal for humans

[Shammu]

 Nepalese Maoist leaders meet Seven Party Alliance
New Delhi, June 27, IRNA

Nepal-Maoist-SPA
Senior Maoist leaders expedited parleys with senior leaders of the Seven-Party Alliance (SPA) in their joint effort to iron out confusions that have emerged in the wake of signing of the eight-point understanding during the June 16 summit talks.

Maoist supremos -- Prachanda and his second-in-command Dr Baburam Bhattarai -- along with other Maoist leaders met leaders of Nepali Congress (NC) and Nepal Sadbhavana Party (Anandidevi), said a Kantipur report.

Ram Chandra Poudel, the NC general secretary, said that the NC and Maoist leaders discussed almost all contemporary issues during the two-and-half hour meeting yesterday evening.

"They were very positive," he said, however, adding that they didn't have enough time to discuss important issues like arms management and alternative to the House of Representatives.

The June 16 talks had decided to invite the United Nations for managing weapons and armies of the state and Maoist forces and had also agreed to dissolve the House so as to open doors for formation of a Maoist-included interim government.

The meeting focused on creating a society free from fear and intimidation, thereby bringing it to a normal situation, according to Poudel.

"We also discussed on ensuring the return of the displaced, stopping deforestation, scrapping the Maoist-run 'People's Courts' and they were positive about it."
During the meeting, the Maoist supremos were flanked by Dina Nath Sharma, a member of the Maoist negotiating team, and Barsha Man Pun alias 'Ananta', deputy commander of the Maoist army.

Likewise, besides Poudel, there were NC Vice President Sushil Koirala and leaders Dr Ram Baran Yadav, Arjun Narsingh KC, Mahesh Acharya and Binay Dhoj Chand.

Meanwhile, the Maoist leaders met separately with leaders of NSP(A). Stating that NSP(A) leaders' meeting with the Maoist leaders focused on confusions following the signing of the June 16 agreement, NSP(A) General Secretary Rajendra Mahato said, "Both the sides reiterated their commitment to implement the agreement at all cost." Mahato also said rebel leaders were of the view that minor disputes could be settled immediately 'if we are committed to attain the desired goal'.

He added, "Both sides were of the view that there might be conspiracy if the seven-party alliance and the Maoists don't handle the situation carefully."
On Sunday, the Maoist leaders had met with CPN-UML General Secretary Madhav Kumar Nepal and chief of Nepal Workers and Peasants Party, Narayan Man Bijukchhe.

Nepalese Maoist leaders meet Seven Party Alliance

[Shammu]

 Supreme Leader calls on Muslim nations to foster their solidarity
Tehran, June 27, IRNA

Iran-Senegal-Supreme Leader
Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyed Ali Khamenei said on Tuesday that leaders of the Islamic states should pave the way for progress and strength of the Muslim nations by fostering Islamic solidarity among them.

In a meeting with Senegalese President Abdoulaye Wade, the Supreme Leader expressed pleasure with the accords the Iranian and Senegalese presidents have reached so far.

Ayatollah Khamenei said that Senegal is a stable country with a nation faithful to Islam and Prophet Mohammad's (PBUH) infallible household.

"Iran is keen on extensive cooperation with Senegal," Ayatollah Khamenei said.

The Supreme Leader said that Iranian nation's resistance to conspiracies and greed of the arrogant powers has led to the progress of young talented Iranians.

"The miraculous breakthrough young Iranian scientists have made in the field of nuclear energy without help of foreign countries is a clear example of progress Iran has made over the past several years," the Supreme Leader said.

Ayatollah Khamenei said that Iran is interested in settlement of the nuclear issues adding that Iran will not negotiate its legitimate rights and expects the parties involved in negotiations with Iran to recognize Iranian rights.

"On issues pertaining to objective guarantees and supervision as envisaged in the Non-Proliferation Treaty and Safeguards of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Iran is ready to negotiate and preparations have been made in this respect," he said.

The Supreme Leader underscored the fact that the big powers are using negotiations as a lever to exert pressure on countries and for this reason negotiation with the US is not useful for Iran and there is no need for such a negotiation when Iran observes international guarantees.

Ayatollah Khamenei said that the Islamic states are expected to support Iranian rights enshrined by international conventions and stand against expectations of the United States and the Zionists especially in the upcoming summit in Senegal of leaders of the African Union (AU) which would be a good opportunity to bring up the issue given that President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad has decided to attend the summit.

The Supreme Leader said leaders of the Islamic nations should foil plots of the US and Zionist regime to sow discord among the Muslim nations, because they do not want to see emergence of the Islamic Ummah as a great power.

For his part, President Wade expressed pleasure with his visit to Iran and his talks with President Ahmadinejad and hoped for bolstering of Tehran-Dakar relations by implementing the mutually-reached agreements.

He said that Iran and Senegal are two effective members of the Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC) and called for political resolve of leaders of the Muslim nations to foster cooperation and solidarity in the upcoming Summit of the OIC scheduled to be held in Senegal (in 2007).

President Wade said that Senegal supports Iranian right to enjoy nuclear energy and hoped that the matter will be settled through a diplomatic process.

He said that the African continent is a very suitable place for investment and called for partnership of Iranian private sector in investment projects of African nations, especially Senegal.

President Ahmadinejad was also present in the meeting.

Senegal will host OIC Summit in 2007 to take over OIC presidency from Malaysia.

Supreme Leader calls on Muslim nations to foster their solidarity

[Shammu]

 India, Russia to enhance cooperation in oil sector
New Delhi, June 28, IRNA

India-Russia-Oil
India and Russia on Wednesday emphasized the need for further enhancing cooperation in the oil and gas sector between the two countries.

In a meeting between the visiting Deputy Chairman of Russian Federation, Alexander Zhukov and Murli Deora, minister of Petroleum & Natural Gas, here on Wednesday, the two sides agreed to take forward the cordial and fruitful relations in general and in hydrocarbon sector in particular.

Deora said that the national oil companies of India and Russia have a very good experience of working together in the Sakhalin-I project which went on stream last year.

He said Indian companies led by ONGC Videsh Ltd., (OVL) are eyeing participation in more such ventures including the Sakhalin-III project in Russia.

Deora added that the Indian companies are also keen to work with Russian companies both in India and Russia as well as in third countries.

Recognizing the deep-routed friendly relations between India and Russia, Zhukov concurred with Deora about increasing cooperation in oil sector.

He said besides, working together in Sakhalin-I and in oil and gas exploration blocks in India, the leading Russian gas company Gazprom is keen to participate in the proposed Iran-Pakistan-India gas pipeline project.

He welcomed the interest shown by Indian companies to participate in more projects in Russia and expressed hope that the specific arrangements would be worked out during the forthcoming visit of the Indian prime minister to Russia.

The issue of evacuation of gas from Sakhalin-I field was also discussed in the meeting.

OVL has prepared a feasibility study for export of gas as LNG which is currently under examination.

OVL has a 20 percent participating interest in Sakhalin-I oil and gas project along with carrying another 20 percent on behalf of Roseneft, a Russian national oil company.

India, Russia to enhance cooperation in oil sector

[Shammu]

Some 110 cases of use of chemical weapons registered at UN
Mahabad, West Azarbaijan prov, June 28, IRNA

Iran-Asefi-UN
Foreign Ministry spokesman Hamid Reza Asefi said here on Wednesday that some 110 cases of use of chemical weapons as part of crimes committed by the ousted Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein during eight years of sacred defense (1980-1988) have been registered at the United Nations.

Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of the seminar
commemorating the martyrs of Sardasht chemical weapons, he said the Islamic Republic of Iran has endeavored to protect the legitimate rights of all victims of chemical weapons at the United Nations as well as Organization for Disarmament of Chemical Weapons.

A number of victims of chemical weapons were sent to the Hague while we extended invitation to inspectors from different
international organizations to inspect various parts of Iran and meet the victims of chemical weapons, he said.

A Dutch company which was engaged in production of chemical weapons and had assisted the Saddam regime has been recently condemned in an international court and its verdict would be issued in the near future, he pointed out.

These measures have proved that Saddam committed such crimes using chemical weapons provided by western countries, he said.

The Islamic Republic of Iran is to continue its efforts to support the legitimate rights of victims of chemical weapons and their families until receiving compensation, he said.

A message from President Ahmadinejad was also read out in the congress.

Some 113 civilians attained martyrdom during chemical assault on Sardasht region in 1987 and tens of thousands were injured in the attacks.

Sardasht is the first city in the world to undergo chemical weapon shelling.

Some 110 cases of use of chemical weapons registered at UN

[Shammu]

Iran preserves independence and stands up to greed of big powers
Tehran, June 28, IRNA

Supreme Leader-Justice-Officials
Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyed Ali Khamenei said on Wednesday that independence and resistance to greed of the hegemonic powers formed the centerpiece of their opposition to the Islamic Republic of Iran.

In a meeting with justice officials to mark anniversary of terrorist bombing of the Islamic Republic Party on June 28, 1981 in which the then chief justice Ayatollah Mohammad Beheshti and 72 senior statesmen were martyred, the Supreme Leader said that in the past 27 years, the hegemonic powers exerted various military, political and economic pressures on Iran to undermine the pillars of the Islamic Republic.

"Therefore, under such sensitive circumstances, every individual and all the officials of three branches of government are expected to make strides for reinforcement of pillars of the Islamic Republic carefully by promoting sense of responsibility and national solidarity."
The Supreme Leader said that Iran has strategic position both in terms of politics and economy adding that the Islamic Republic of Iran is the only country which both the government and nation have stood against bullying of the arrogant powers, so the dispute between Iran and the hegemonist powers is not an ordinary one.

"The Islamic Republic of Iran regards popular support from 70 million population and sympathetic sentiments from Muslim nations as a security for the government. The Muslim nations announced their support for Iran's independent policy and admire Iran for taking up this line."
Elsewhere in his speech, the Supreme Leader paid tribute to martyr Ayatollah Mohammad Beheshti and his companions who lost their lives in the terrorist attack describing the then chief justice as architect of the justice system.

Ayatollah Khamenei said that the justice system should serve as a refuge for people to secure their rights and strongly fight injustice in the society.

Prior to the Supreme Leader's remarks, the Judiciary Chief Ayatollah Mahmoud Hashemi Shahroudi honored memories of martyrs of June 28, 1981 particularly Ayatollah Beheshti and delivered a report on the performance of the judiciary.

Iran preserves independence and stands up to greed of big powers

[Shammu]

 Najjar hails Tehran's achievements in aerospace, missile building
Tehran, June 28, IRNA

Iran-Defense-Najjar
Defense Minister Mostafa Mohammad-Najjar said on Wednesday that Iran has had good achievements in the fields of aerospace and missile building.

Najjar told reporters after attending a Majlis debate that the Islamic Republic of Iran will continue R&D in aerospace and missile reconstruction.

He said Iran's principled policy on defense is based on deterrence.

The Iranian armed forces are ready to give crushing response to any threat, he added.

Iran is pursuing peace, tranquility and friendship, according to the minister.

Najjar hails Tehran's achievements in aerospace, missile building

[Shammu]

Iran's role in region undeniable
Sardasht, West Azarbaijan prov, June 28, IRNA

Iran-Boroujerdi-Power
Head of Majlis National Security and Foreign Policy Commission, Alaeddin Boroujerdi, here Wednesday said that currently Iran is the most powerful regional country.

Speaking at the ceremony marking the anniversary of Sardasht chemical bombardment victims, he said that despite the great problems created for Iran during the Iraqi-imposed war by global arrogance led by the US, they admit Iran's power and role in the region.

He said that the US call for exchange of ideas with Iran about the current problems in Iraq and Afghanistan shows Iran's exclusive role in the region.

Boroujerdi said that such a power and honor is the consequence of the resistance of Iranian nation against various conspiracies of the world arrogance, of which the most evident is the resistance and sacrifice of those chemically wounded during the eight-year imposed war.

Turning to Iraqi-imposed war against Iran as one waged by all arrogant countries, he said that though the world was against Iran, the Iranian nation thwarted the West's evil plots through exemplary resistance.

"Saddam who entered into war with Iran by relying on the support of European states and US, has been jailed by his former supporter similar to a beast and is to be punished for the crimes committed by him."
The commemoration ceremony was attended by a number of Foreign Ministry officials, representative of Jurisprudence in West Azarbaijan province, envoys of President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, provincial governor general, some MPs and several guests from the city of Halabche.

The border town of Sardasht situated to the south of West Azarbaijan province was chemically bombarded several times by Iraq's Baathist regime in the afternoon of June 28, 1987.

About 111 were martyred and more that 7,000 were injured in the bombardment. The number of martyrs of Sardasht chemical bombardment later increased to 113.

Iran's role in region undeniable

[Shammu]

With Israel's drama with Hamas and Syria going on right now, looks like Gog and Magog could be shaping up in the next few weeks!
========================================================

Iran, EU to Meet to Discuss Incentives
By EDITH M. LEDERER Associated Press Writer
© 2006 The Associated Press

UNITED NATIONS — Iran's top nuclear negotiator and the European Union's foreign policy chief plan to meet on July 5 to discuss a package of incentives from key global powers to try to persuade Iran to roll back its uranium enrichment program, a U.N. official said.
ADVERTISEMENT

The EU's Javier Solana said last Wednesday he had a good phone conversation with Iran's Ali Larijani and would probably meet him this week. That meeting is now expected to take place next Wednesday and will probably be somewhere in Europe, the U.N. official said.

An EU diplomat confirmed the July 5 date and said an announcement would be made at Thursday's meeting in Moscow of G-8 foreign ministers. The location of the meeting will be announced closer to the date, the diplomat said.

The U.N. official and the EU diplomat both spoke on condition of anonymity because no official announcement has been made.

The Larijani-Solana meeting would be the first since the EU official presented the incentive package to the Iranian negotiator in Tehran on June 6. Larijani said then that the proposals contained "positive steps" but talks were needed to clear up ambiguities. A meeting with Solana in Europe in mid-June to discuss Iranian concerns was canceled _ but those concerns are now expected to be taken up at next week's meeting.

Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad has said the government will not respond officially until at least mid-August. Europe is pressing for a much quicker reply and U.S. Ambassador John Bolton said the United States wants a response before Thursday's Group of Eight ministerial meeting in Moscow.

Iran's Foreign Minister Manouchehr Mottaki was quoted by the German weekly magazine Stern on Wednesday as saying his country may respond before the Group of Eight summit in St. Petersburg, Russia, which starts July 15, "if we clear up some open questions before then."

On Tuesday, U.N. Secretary-General Kofi Annan urged Iran to speed up its response during his second meeting with Mottaki in less than a week.

Both focused on the negotiations aimed at ensuring the international community that Iran's nuclear ambitions are peaceful _ as Tehran maintains _ and not geared toward producing nuclear weapons.

Mottaki refused to talk to reporters at U.N. headquarters.

But U.N. spokesman Stephane Dujarric said the secretary-general "reiterated his suggestion that Iran should speed up its response to the proposals" put forward by the United States, Russia, China, Britain, France and Germany.

Just before he met the Iranian minister, Annan told reporters that after his June 22 meeting with Mottaki in Geneva he came away with the impression that the Iranians would not give their answer before the Group of Eight summit. Thursday's foreign ministers meeting in Moscow is being held to prepare for the summit.

The package seeks to persuade Tehran to impose a long-term moratorium on uranium enrichment, a process that can produce material for nuclear generators or bombs. In return, it offers incentives including peaceful Western nuclear technology, the lifting of some sanctions, trade opportunities, U.S. spare parts for Iran's aging fleet of jetliners, and U.S. participation in negotiations with Tehran.

The package contains an implicit threat of U.N. sanctions if Iran rejects the package.

Mottaki spoke Wednesday to a U.N. conference aimed at curbing the illicit trade in small arms and said Iran's chief security focus will remain fighting the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, especially the threat posed by Israel.

"Fighting proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and combatting the threats posed by those possessing those weapons, particularly the Zionist regime, will always remain our greater goal," he said.

He said Iran will promote peace and security "on the basis of justice and free from any and all discriminatory and double-standard considerations."

Iran, EU to Meet to Discuss Incentives

[Shammu]

India nominates Shashi Tharoor for UN's top post
Fri, 2006-06-16 05:12

By M Rama Rao - Reporting from India

Shashi TharoorShashi TharoorNew Delhi, 16 June (Asiantribune.com): The suspense is over and it is official. India has decided to campaign for its very own Shashi Tharoor as Kofi Annan's successor at the United Nations. India has informed other members of UN through diplomatic channels of Tharoor's candidature and requested support

"It's a matter of pride if a son of India and son of Asia becomes United Nations Secretary General", Navtej Sarna, Foreign Office spokesman said confirming media reports today that Shashi Tharoor, Under Secretary General for Communications and Public Information at the United nations is India's nominee for the UN job.

There are three other Asian contenders - Sri Lanka's Jayantha Dhanapala, Thailand's Deputy Prime Minister Surakiart Sathirthai and South Korean Foreign Minister Ban Ki-Moon - in the fray since China, which heads the Security Council at present, established the line that the next UN head should be from Asia.

Shashi Tharoor, the London born (1956), India, US educated (he holds two masters' degrees, and a PhD at the age of 22 years) columnist and author of eight books has handled peacekeeping, human rights and communication strategy and several important areas at the UN since joining the world body in 1978.

Said Sarna at his daily briefing: "India believes that a prospective UN Secretary General should be of impeccable credentials, be acceptable to the broadest possible membership of the UN and have a strong commitment to the reform of the UN and the interests of the developing countries".

"It is within this framework that India has decided to announce the candidature of Shashi Tharoor", Sarna said and pointed out that Tharoor has been closely involved in the process of reforms at UN. "He is a well-known writer and author of eight books. He is the recipient of several journalism and literary awards including the Commonwealth Writer's Prize. In 1998, the World Economic Forum at Davos had declared him as a global leader of tomorrow"

Saran added Tharoor has an internationally acclaimed stature and experience that makes him eminently suitable to become next Secretary General.

He did not agree with the view that by supporting Tharoor's candidature India would dilute its claim for a berth in the Security Council.

"These are two separate issues and it is incorrect to perceive India's support to one will dilute commitment to the other. India is strongly committed to comprehensive reforms and believes that reforms and expansion in both permanent and non-permanent categories is central to UN reforms", he said and went on to remark that there is "widespread and growing" appreciation for India's impeccable credentials to become a permanent member of Security Council. India continues its engagement with G4 States.
Tharoor: writer-journalist- civil servant

Tharoor took to writing at an early age – 10 years to be precise when he came out with a publication. His first novel appeared in 1989 when he was posted in Geneva. His second novel, Show Business was written in New York in 1992 He holds a Ph D from the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy at Tufts University.

He started his UN career in 1978 as the head of the high commission for refugees operations in Singapore. Later he became a part of the UN's peacekeeping efforts in the former Yugoslavia. From there he moved on to become Secretary General's Director of communications and special projects, he has seen the inner workings of the UN during the post Cold War era.

In January 2001, he was appointed by the Secretary-General as interim head of the Dept. of Public Information. On 1 June 2002, he was confirmed as the Under-Secretary-General for Communications and Public Information of the United Nations.

Reasons of State (1982), a scholarly study of Indian foreign policy; The Great Indian Novel (1989), a political satire; The Five-Dollar Smile & Other Stories (1990); a second novel, Show Business (1992), which received a front-page accolade from The New York Times Book Review and was made into a motion picture titled Bollywood; and India: From Midnight to the Millennium (1997), published on the 50th anniversary of India's independence are some of his books that brought him fame and name.

Shashi Tharoor is the winner of numerous journalism and literary awards, including a Commonwealth Writers' Prize in 1991. In 1998, Shashi Tharoor was awarded the Excelsior Award for excellence in literature by the Association of Indians in America (AIA) and the Network of Indian Professionals (NetIP). He received the honorary degree of Doctor of Letters in International Affairs from the University of Puget Sound in May 2000.

In January 1998, he was named by the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, as a Global Leader of Tomorrow.

India nominates Shashi Tharoor for UN's top post

[Shammu]

Iran and Iraq to headline agenda

Foreign ministers meet in Moscow
Talks clouded by Russia-U.S. tension
Jun. 29, 2006. 01:00 AM
SPECIALTO THE STAR

MOSCOW—Foreign ministers from the Group of Eight countries gather in Moscow today for talks that are expected to highlight growing tensions between Russia and the West, in particular over Iran and Iraq, with Russian officials blaming the U.S. and its allies for the recent deaths of four Russian diplomats there.

Foreign Minister Peter MacKay will be among those attending the talks, which are also expected to focus on North Korea, Afghanistan, Kosovo, terrorism and drug trafficking.

The meeting will lay the groundwork for the July 15-17 summit in St. Petersburg of leaders of the G-8 industrialized nations, whose members are Canada, Britain, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Russia and the United States.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said in a statement this week that foreign ministers would discuss "primarily international issues."

"We agreed to address the issue of ongoing conflicts, which have, unfortunately, become traditional for the G-8, notably the Middle East settlement, Iran's nuclear programs and the nuclear problems of the Korean peninsula," Lavrov said, adding Iraq and Afghanistan would also feature prominently.

Experts said talks are likely to be clouded by growing differences between Russia and the United States.

"Given Russia's latest trend of reasserting itself as a world power, I don't think the atmosphere will be very easy," said Masha Lipman, a political analyst with the Moscow Carnegie Centre.

Russian lawmakers yesterday blamed Washington for the execution of the four kidnapped Russian embassy workers, claiming the "occupying powers" in Iraq should have prevented the deaths.

"The tragedy that occurred recently in Iraq was only possible because of the growing crisis in the country as the occupying powers increasingly lose control of the situation," read a motion unanimously approved by the State Duma, Russia's lower house of parliament.

"Every day dozens of innocent people are dying and now diplomats are getting killed too," said Lyubov Sliska, the Duma's pro-Kremlin deputy speaker. "The responsibility for what is going on in Iraq lies with those who sought weapons of mass destruction there, but found nothing."

Late yesterday, President Vladimir Putin ordered special services to hunt down and "destroy" the killers of the hostages.

Disagreements over the Iran nuclear issue could also feature prominently. Speaking on Iran, Putin told a gathering of Russian diplomats Tuesday that Russia did not intend "to join any sort of ultimatum, which only pushes the situation into a dead end."

Russia and China have opposed sanctions against Iran for its nuclear ambitions, while the United States and Europe have been pushing Iran to quickly respond to a package of incentives to give up uranium enrichment and resume negotiations.

Lipman said one of the key goals for Russian officials at today's meeting will be to gauge whether G-8 leaders are planning to repeat recent Western criticisms of the state of democracy in Russia and the Kremlin's foreign policies.

In a speech last month, U.S. Vice-President Dick Cheney accused Moscow of backsliding on democracy and using its vast energy resources as a tool for "intimidation and blackmail" against its neighbours.

Prime Minister Stephen Harper told a news conference last week that he had "concerns that not just Russia but all former East Bloc countries continue to move toward more stable democratic regimes" and that he expected the issue to be raised at the summit.

Iran and Iraq to headline agenda

[Shammu]

 Indian warships on goodwill mission to occupied Palestine
New Delhi, June 29, IRNA

India-Israel-Warship
In a bid to "reaffirm old ties" and continued cooperation with Zionist regime, India has sent two of its warships, INS Mumbai and INS Brahmaputra along with a `Seaking' anti-submarine helicopters as well as Chetak helicopter in their twin hangars, on a four-day goodwill visit.

"The visit shows the importance India attaches to the growing Indo-Israeli relations and continued cooperation and engagement between India and Israel are expected to grow", said a Doordarshan News here Thursday.

The two ships, that are INS Mumbai and INS Brahmaputra from the Navy's western fleet, have modern weaponry, electronic sensors and missile systems.

"Indian warships have regularly paid visits to ports in the West Asia and East Africa reaffirming their peaceful presence and solidarity with countries in the region", it said.

Earlier Indian ships last visited the port city in 2004.

The current visit kicked off on Wednesday when the two warships anchored at the Haifa coast.

Last month, India sent INS Tabar, a guided missile frigate, to Indonesia to provide food and relief material in the aftermath of the earthquake.

Indian warships on goodwill mission to occupied Palestine

[Shammu]

G8 FMs urges Iran to respond to nuclear plan `in nearest future'
Moscow, June 29, IRNA

Iran-Russia-G8
Foreign ministers of the Group of Eight countries issued a statement here Thursday, calling on Iran to respond "in the nearest future" to an international proposal on its nuclear program, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said Thursday.

Speaking to reporters, Lavrov said the foreign ministers of the Group of Eight countries decided to evaluate Iran's peaceful nuclear activities by mid July (two weeks later).

Foreign ministers from Russia, US, Canada, Japan, Italy, Britain, France and Germany along with Austrian foreign minister as EU representative attended the Thursday's meeting.

G8 FMs urges Iran to respond to nuclear plan `in nearest future'

[Shammu]

Ahmadinejad arrives in Gambia to attend 7th AU summit
Banjul, June 30, IRNA

Iran-AU-Ahmadinejad
Iran's President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad arrived here on Friday at the head of a diplomatic delegation to take part at the seventh African Union (AU) summit.

Gambian President Yahya Jammeh was at Banjul International Airport to welcome his Iranian counterpart.

The welcoming ceremony also featured the playing of the Iranian and Gambian national anthems, the reviewing of the guard of honor by the two presidents and public joy and sentiments on the occasion of the Iranian chief executive's visit to the African state.

Ahmadinejad is visiting Gambia at the invitation of his Gambian counterpart and in response to his previous two visits to Iran.

Ministers of cooperatives and energy and head of the Cultural Heritage and Tourism Organization are accompanying Ahmadinejad during his three-day stay in Gambia.

Some 50 African leaders are going to attend the seventh AU summit from July 1 to 2 to pursue greater regional integration.

The summit in the Gambia's capital will also be attended by two non-African heads of state -- Hugo Chavez of Venezuela and Iran's Mahmoud Ahmadinejad -- as well as UN Secretary General Kofi Annan.

In Banjul, the AU's grand aspirations are to create a united states of Africa.

Much attention and time will inevitably be spent seeking ways to resolve the ongoing conflicts in Darfur and Somalia.

The United Nations is seeking to replace the 7,000-strong AU force, which has vainly struggled to oversee the western Sudanese region for two years, with a group that could enforce a peace deal struck last month between Khartoum and Darfur's main rebel group.

The summit will also examine progress in the implementation of fragile peace deals in two unstable states that must hold
presidential elections this year - the Democratic Republic of Congo and Ivory Coast.

Participants will also have to decide on the fate of former Chadian leader Hissane Habre, who is currently being held in Senegal.

The summit is to decide on whether Senegal should prosecute Habre or extradite him to Belgium for trial on charges of crimes against humanity.

African integration -- the summit theme -- in practical terms means the reduction in the number of regional economic and political blocs across the continent.

Officially there are eight, but diplomats estimate their number at more than 14. The goal in Banjul would be to cut them down to about five.

Migration will also come under the spotlight.

The Banjul summit is also meeting as the African Charter on Human and People's Rights, whose headquarters are in Gambia, marks its 25 anniversary.

Other issues up for discussion include the African charter on democracy, elections and governance, as well as a revision of the Lome declaration on unconstitutional changes of governments in Africa.

Malaria, HIV/AIDS and chronic poverty which ravage the African continent are also on the summit agenda.

Ahmadinejad arrives in Gambia to attend 7th AU summit