Year: 2008

RBC, 15.07.2008, Moscow 13:25:08.Russian President Dmitry Medvedev has approved a concept for Russia’s foreign policy, the Russian leader’s press office reported today. The official text of the document will be published in on the President’s website in the nearest future.

RBC, 15.07.2008, London 11:39:34.Evraz Group’s quarterly steel production grew 12.6 percent, from 4.164m tonnes in the second quarter of 2007 to 4.69m tonnes in Q2 2008, the Russian steel and mining company said in a press release today. Pig iron production increased 13.8 percent from 3.188m tonnes to 3.628m tonnes, and rolled products output rose 18.2 percent from 3.828m tonnes to 4.524m tonnes.

RBC, 15.07.2008, Moscow 11:10:02.Sky Express handled 489,335 passengers in the first half of 2008, a 2.5-times increase from the same period of the previous year, the Russian air carrier’s press office reported today. The flights to St. Petersburg and Kaliningrad were the most popular, accounting for 17 percent and 14.5 percent of the total number of the airline’s passengers, respectively. Passenger traffic surged 2.4 times to roughly 609.568m passenger-kilometers, and cargo traffic soared by a factor of 5.2 to 654,430 tonne-kilometers. The amount of cargo and mail transported by Sky Express increased sixfold to 463.2 tonnes.

RBC, 15.07.2008, Moscow 09:58:54.The Russian state technology corporation will receive government stakes in 228 joint stock companies, 180 federal state unitary enterprises being converted into joint stock companies, and 12 enterprises controlled by Rosoboronexport, all as part of a contribution in kind from the Russian Federation. Therefore, stakes in a total of 420 companies will be transferred to the newly formed state corporation, the Russian President’s press office announced, citing a corresponding provision from a decree signed by President Dmitry Medvedev on Monday.

RBC, 14.07.2008, Moscow 18:52:59.The global financial crisis is not yet over, Deputy Finance Minister Dmitry Pankin told journalists today. He noted that new problems would arise as the crisis deepened. However, the best news, according to Pankin, was that Russia’s financial community had worked out ways of handling the crisis. He said that now it was clear which threats Russia had to face regarding the crisis and that the methods of dealing with these threats had been found.

RBC, 14.07.2008, Moscow 18:26:52.Russia will make efforts to change the approach for determining the stakes of the World Bank’s shareholders, Deputy Finance Minister Dmitry Pankin told today’s press conference on the results of the recent G8 summit. He noted that Russia would seek to make the current approach more reasonable and objective. The Deputy Minister reiterated that amendments to the method of calculating votes and stakes in the IMF’s share capital had already been made. The IMF’s new strategy is to be considered soon, Pankin said, adding that Russia would take an active part in the process. An interesting dialog has started between the Finance Ministries of BRIC (Brazil, Russia, India, and China), Pankin stated, referring to the potential of these countries joining forces to reform the bloc’s old financial institutions. It is even possible that the ministries will come to a conclusion that new institutions must be created, as the old ones cannot respond to new challenges any longer, Pankin pointed out.

RBC, 14.07.2008, Moscow 17:29:46.The Russian military will have to take certain steps to neutralize the effect of the missile shield to be deployed in eastern Europe, Deputy Foreign Ministry Sergei Kislyak said today. He did not specify the measures Russia might take, saying that specialists had yet to make a decision on the matter. Kislyak reiterated that the US had made several proposals to Russia to ensure transparency in the issue of anti-missile shield. However, Kislyak noted that the suggestions had been insufficient to ensure transparency.

RBC, 14.07.2008, London 16:26:28.Total investment in the development of a new Russian short- and mid-range jet MC-21 is estimated at RUB 150bn (approx. USD 6.42bn), President of United Aircraft Corporation (UAC) Alexei Fyodorov said during Farnborough international airspace exhibition. He pointed out that the figure included the cost of engine production, adding that the government was actively supporting the project. Some RUB 90bn (approx. USD 3.85bn) will be allocated for the development and construction of the MC-21 as part of the federal target program.

RBC, 14.07.2008, Moscow 14:58:47.Russia has the highest percentage of smokers in the world, Russian President Dmitry Medvedev said during today’s meeting on the development of healthcare that was held in Klin, a city located in the Moscow region, the Vesti TV channel reported. Medvedev pointed out that 50 percent of Russians smoke and that men account for 65 percent of the country’s smokers.

Senator Tells Bush Not to Poke Russia in Eye

from Kommersant

Looks like some people in America are starting to see the light.

Kyle & Svet

comments always welcome.

Adopted Russian child dies locked in a car

A two-year-old child adopted from Russia three months ago has died in the U.S. town of Herndon. On Tuesday foster-father Miles Harrison left the child in a car in a car-park for much of the day. With the temperature reaching at least 30 degrees Centigrade, the vehicle became overheated and the boy died.

Harrison was taken to a medical facility in shock and later taken into custody.

On Wednesday he was charged with manslaughter and could face up to ten years in prison. Russiatoday WUSA9 News
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Manslaughter? He left the kid in a hot car…… (for many hours) Said he was just really busy and forgot…….

Sad!

Kyle & Svet

comments always welcome.

Hello,

Today is part 4 and the last part of the Russian visas. The Homestay visa or as well known as the Private visa.
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Homestay Visas (Private Visas)

The following documents should be submitted in order to obtain a private visa:

1. A completed visa application form (one per person) available at the Consulate or downloaded from our web-site.

2. A valid passport which should have at least two clear visa pages.

3. One passport-size photo of the applicant which should be stapled to the marked space of the application form.

4. Original letter of invitation.

Your relatives or friends (Russian citizens) should provide you with an official letter of invitation bearing your personal data and registered with a local office of the Russian Interior Ministry.

If you wish to visit your friends or relatives (foreign citizens) currently working or studying in Russia they should obtain an official letter of invitation from the Russian hosting organization (see business visa instructions).

Please note! If for some reason you would like to obtain a double-entry private visa (even if having your official invitation issued as a single-entry) you should submit a more detailed cover letter showing such a necessity.

5. If applying by mail (all visa documents should be sent to 2641 Tunlaw rd. N.W., Washington DC, 20007), you should enclose a completely addressed and stamped return envelope or prepaid waybill, bearing your account number with the postal service (preferably Federal Express) and showing yourself as both shipper and recipient regardless of delivery address.

We do not accept waybills marked ‘bill sender’, ‘bill third party’, bill credit card’ or C.O.D. If you fail to follow the above mentioned requirements, your visa application will not be processed. If the papers are not acceptable for any reason or some documents are missing, we will return them by regular mail. When forwarding your documents to us, please, specify “attention: visa section”. We do not accept documents for international delivery!

If you apply personally, you should get a pick-up slip from the visa officer. You should present this slip to pick up your visa, when it is ready, or refer to its number to check out the status of the application.

6. A money order or cashier’s check payable to the Russian Embassy for visa processing. Please, note that we do not accept cash or any other checks. The visa processing fees are:

ATTENTION!

As of January 1, 2008 the U.S. State Department raises the fee for American visa from 100 USD to 131 USD.

On the basis of reciprocity the fee for Russian visa (standard processing time 6-10 business days) is also raised to 131 USD, effective from January 14, 2008. The fees for expedited visa processing will however remain unchanged.

For single entry visas are:
$131 for 6-10 business days processing;
$150 for 3-5 business days processing;
$200 for next business day processing or two business days processing;
$300 for same day processing;
For double entry visas are:
$131 for 6-10 business days processing;
$200 for 3-5 business days processing;
$250 for next business day processing or two business days processing;
$350 for same day processing;

Visa processing fee is not refundable

Please, note, that drop off day is not counted as business day!

ATTENTION FOR EU CITIZENS

IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE VISA AGREEMENT SIGNED BY THE RUSSIAN FEDERATION AND THE EUROPEAN UNIION CITIZENS OF ALL EU COUNTRIES EXCEPT DENMARK, IRELAND AND GREAT BRITAIN ARE WELCOME TO SUBMIT THE FOLLOWING FEES FOR PROCESSING OF ALL TYPES OF VISAS TO RUSSIA

6-10 BUSINESS DAYS – 50 USD

1-3 BUSINESS DAYS – 100 USD

When having received your visa please check it for mistakes (passport number, date of birth, validity) and, if necessary, return it to the Consulate for corrections.

The Consulate will not be responsible for any mistakes in the visas, which were not brought to our attention prior to your departure from the USA.

Please, note that visas cannot be changed or extended. If your travel plans changed after the visa issuance you have to reapply for a new one.

Any visa applicant may be interviewed by a consular officer if necessary.

Processing time, requirements and fees are subject to change without notice.

If you need more information please call us at (202)939-8907,8918, 8913 and 8911 Monday-Friday from 9 a.m. till 12.30 .p.m. and from 2.30. p.m. till 6 p.m.

Visa applications are accepted Monday-Friday from 9 a.m. till 12.15 p.m. ONLY
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Once again you must contact your embassy to find out changes and new rules. This applies only for American visas.

The Homestay visa is a difficult visa to get, if not only in the fact that the person in Russia has to do all the work and it is not fun.

Link to Visa Part 1

Link to Visa Part 2

Link to Visa part 3

http://www.russianembassy.org/
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Kyle & Svet

PS: Hope all this helps.

comments always welcome.

Hello,

Today part 3 of Visa is the Transit visa. This is a short term visa that allows you to travel through a country within a certain time frame. Usually a matter of 3 days.
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Transit Visas

To obtain a transit visa the following documents should be submitted to the CONSULAR SECTION (CONSULATE):

1. A completed visa application form (one per person) available at the Consulate.

2. A valid passport which should have at least one clear visa pages.

3. One passport size photo of the applicant which should be stapled to the marked space of the application form.

4. A copy of the visa of the country you are going to and/or from if needed.

5. Copies of your airline tickets.

6. A cover letter specifying itinerary, enter and departure dates of your transit.

7. If applying by mail (all visa documents should be sent to 2641 Tunlaw rd. N.W., Washington DC, 20007), you should enclose a completely addressed and stamped return envelope or prepaid waybill, bearing your account number with the postal service (preferably Federal Express) and showing yourself as both shipper and recipient regardless of delivery address.

We do not accept waybills marked ‘bill sender’, ‘bill third party’, bill credit card’ or C.O.D. If you fail to follow the above mentioned requirements, your visa application will not be processed. If the papers are not acceptable for any reason or some documents are missing, we will return them by regular mail. When forwarding your documents to us, please, specify “attention: visa section”. We do not accept documents for international delivery!

If you apply personally, you should get a pick-up slip from the visa officer. You should present this slip to pick up your visa, when it is ready, or refer to its number to check out the status of the application.

8. A money order or cashier’s check payable to the Russian Embassy for visa processing. Please, note that we do not accept cash or any other checks. The visa processing fees are:

ATTENTION!

As of January 1, 2008 the U.S. State Department raises the fee for American visa from 100 USD to 131 USD.

On the basis of reciprocity the fee for Russian visa (standard processing time 6-10 business days) is also raised to 131 USD, effective from January 14, 2008. The fees for expedited visa processing will however remain unchanged.

For single entry visas are:
$131 for 6-10 business days processing;
$150 for 3-5 business days processing;
$200 for next business day processing or two business days processing;
$300 for same day processing;
For double entry visas are:
$131 for 6-10 business days processing;
$200 for 3-5 business days processing;
$250 for next business day processing or two business days processing;
$350 for same day processing;

Visa processing fee is not refundable

Please, note, that drop off day is not counted as business day!

ATTENTION FOR EU CITIZENS

IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE VISA AGREEMENT SIGNED BY THE RUSSIAN FEDERATION AND THE EUROPEAN UNIION CITIZENS OF ALL EU COUNTRIES EXCEPT DENMARK, IRELAND AND GREAT BRITAIN ARE WELCOME TO SUBMIT THE FOLLOWING FEES FOR PROCESSING OF ALL TYPES OF VISAS TO RUSSIA

6-10 BUSINESS DAYS – 50 USD

1-3 BUSINESS DAYS – 100 USD

You can download and print out an application for an entry visa right now as an Microsoft Winword document.

The Russian transit visa is valid only for 3 calendar days.

Any applicant may be interviewed by a consular officer if necessary.

When having received your visa please check it for mistakes (passport number, date of birth, validity) and, if necessary, return it to the Consulate for corrections.

The Consulate will not be responsible for any mistakes in the visas, which were not brought to our attention prior to your departure from the USA.

Please, note that visas cannot be changed or extended. If your travel plans changed after the visa issuance you have to reapply for a new one.

Any visa applicant may be interviewed by a consular officer if necessary.

Processing time, requirements and fees are subject to change without notice.

If you need more information please call us at (202)939-8907,8918, 8913 and 8911 Monday-Friday from 9 a.m. till 12.30 .p.m. and from 2.30. p.m. till 6 p.m.

Visa applications are accepted Monday-Friday from 9 a.m. till 12.15 p.m. ONLY
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3 days to travel across Russia, unless you are flying it would be hard to do. 🙂

Russia: Visa: Part 1, Business Visa!
Russia: Visa: Part 2, Tourist Visa!
http://www.russianembassy.org/

next Homestay visa!

Kyle & Svet

comments always welcome.

Hello,

The issue of Missile Interceptors is going to blow up in America’s face! Russia has a lot more firepower behind the scene then the USA lets out into their reports about Russia……

“”After the G8 meeting, Dmitry Medvedev expressed his disappointment that the USA hasn’t listened to Moscow which claimed that the elements of the American AMD located closely to the Russian border reduce drastically the country’s security. “We won’t get hysterical about the matter, rather, we’ll think over relevant steps,” the President stated.(L)

Russia harbors no doubts about its ability to secure the country in the context of deploying components of the U.S. missile defense shield in Europe, “At all events, don’t be anxious, our security will be safeguarded. We will be certainly enhancing the security of our state no matter how the situation will develop,” Russia’s Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Kislyak told reporters Thursday. (L)

In the mean time, the perspective is: Washington may station in Poland short/mid-range ballistic missiles under the guise of interceptors, said Alexander Pikaev, head of the disarmament and conflict settlement department at Russia’s Science Academy, RIA Novosti reported.

The United States intends to station ten interceptors in Poland and a radar station in the Czech Republic under the pretext of opposing potential threat of Iran. Russia is concerned about too close location of these facilities to its borders, fearing they would undermine the national security.

“Apart from the U.S. statements, there are no other ways to check whether these are the interceptors with non-nuclear weapons,” Pikaev said in the interview with RIA Novosti. “On the face of it, these missiles very much resemble the ballistic missiles of mid-/short range,” the expert pointed out.

“There is no complete guarantee that the matter at stake is exactly counter-missiles, not the ballistic missiles of ground-to-ground type,” Pikaev went on.

According to Pikaev, if the RF officers are denied the access to facilities of the U.S. missile defense shield in Europe, Russia won’t be able to check what missiles Poland has in the launching tubes.

“Therefore, the military will have to take into consideration the worst scenario, whereby ballistic missiles with very short time of arrival will be stationed there,” the expert said, adding that the implementation of the U.S. plans will make Russia’s combat and technical response inevitable.

“The missile defense system is the lawful target for nuclear forces. The Moscow system of air defense has been certainly added to the target list of American strategic forces,” he said.(L)“”

To all who listen to the games being played over Ballistic Missiles, do not believe but half of what you hear! No one tells the truth about Nuclear Missiles! (especially the USA)…….

Right now the United States is putting Europe in Hot water over these missiles. Russia will target any and all of Europe. I have said before Russia is stronger than the USA understands.

Why can’t we be friends?

Kyle & Svet

comments always welcome.

Hello,

I have kept you abreast of this situation between Russia & Britain. So while I was drinking my morning cup of coffee, I was thinking about what Russia has requested….
———————————————–
Moscow is waiting for an official response from Britain regarding allegations that the Russian state was involved in the 2006 killing of former Russian security officer Aleksandr Litvinenko. The claims emerged on a BBC program on Monday. British Intelligence sources told journalists that the murder was carried out with the backing of the Russian state.

Russia’s ambassador to the U.K., Yury Fedotov, said Moscow wants the British government to either dismiss these allegations or confirm them. He also denied claims by the British press that nearly 30 representatives of the Russian Embassy in London are spies.

Aleksandr Litvinenko died of radioactive poisoning in London in November 2006, three weeks after suddenly falling ill. British investigators accused Russian agent-turned-businessman Andrey Lugovoy over the murder and demanded his extradition from Russia, sparking a major diplomatic row. (Link: Russiatoday)
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I keep saying, Britain accuses but no evidence, So far they have not responded to Russia on almost all Russia’s requests. I do not think that they will responded to this one either.

I hope that I am wrong but the longer they ignore, the wilder the stories get…..

http://kylekeeton.com/2008/06/russia-was-polonium-210-used-as-weapon.html
http://kylekeeton.com/2008/05/russia-says-lets-work-together-on.html
http://kylekeeton.com/2008/03/russia-spy-vs-spy.html
http://kylekeeton.com/2008/03/could-litvinenko-have-poison-himself.html
http://kylekeeton.com/2008/01/no-one-knows-who-killed-alexander.html
http://kylekeeton.com/2007/07/russia-united-kingdom.html

These are some of the articles that we have posted on the Aleksandr Litvinenko subject!

Kyle & Svet

comments always welcome.

Hello,

As you remember on Wednesdays we publish Stories from Soviet Childhood – my generation was brought up reading the stories, and generation of our parents was brought up on them and we tried to bring up our children by reading them good children book. Today we are finishing a story by Nikolay Nosov “Mishka’s Porridge”. If you did not read the first part please click at the little picture. To the right —->

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Previous stories:

ZIS

Cucumbers

THE CRUCIAN CARP

=================================================

Best wishes and next Wednesday we will read next story!

Svet

comments always welcome

Hello,

I was drinking my morning cup of coffee & saw that Czech decided to sign away its soul to the USA…..
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The Czech authorities calmly signed the agreement although 75% of their people protested it. Poland has not signed a similar agreement to host interceptor missiles only because the sides are still haggling over the price, disregarding the opinion of ordinary Poles.

Europe continues to preach democracy to Russia, although its own democracy is badly in need of repair. When European voters rejected the common constitution, the EU leaders overruled their decision by approving a Reform Treaty, essentially an abridged form of the constitution under a different name.

In short, the implications are bad for everyone, for the United States as the mainstay of democracy, for Europe, and for democracy itself, as well as for Russia, which is only trying to develop democracy. (Link: RIA)
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I myself consider this a bad omen for the world at large. Everyone is to busy playing in everyone else’s backyards, when they need to go clean up their homes first…..

Kyle & Svet

comments always welcome.