Windows to Russia – Page 1371 – Where a Grouchy Bear lives…

Russia: Falsely Accused Russian Teacher, Fights Back!

Post author By
Post date February 26, 2008

Hello,

I want to talk about a man in Russia who was accused, tried, convicted of a crime & he was not the true criminal!

This is a story about a man who tries to supply computers for his kids at a Village school that he teaches at……

A Russian Village schoolteacher (Alexander Ponosov) who lost a battle of accusation about Piracy last year, became a popular cult hero after the trial! He was accused and convicted of using pirated Microsoft programs. Alexander Ponosov has now launched a campaign against what he calls the software giant’s global domination.

Alexander Ponosov announced Tuesday, that he was founding a lobby group “Russian Center for Free Technologies” whose aim would be to reduce the country’s dependence on software produced by companies like Microsoft and instead promote open-source software like Linux!

The Junior school teacher, who lives in a remote village in the Perm region in the Ural mountains, said, “The domination of big software companies was a threat to national security.” He also stated,”Our dependence on Western proprietary software is a risk for us. We are, in effect, losing the independence of this country,” Ponosov told a news conference. Then he said, “To quote Alexander III, Russia has only two allies, its army and its navy.”

Alexander Ponosov was fined 5,000 rubles — about $200, or half his monthly wage — last year when a local court found him guilty of installing unlicensed Microsoft Windows and Office software on computers used by students at his school. The local courts were being manipulated by hungry prosecutors to prove that Russia is serious about catching Pirates of software!

Alexander Ponosov says the software was installed on the computers when they were purchased by the school & delivered by a subcontractor. He did not know that the licenses were faked.

Alexander Ponosov says his organization, called the “Russian Center for Free Technologies”, would lobby the parliament to adopt legislation encouraging the use of open-source software.

I think that this a good thing & I hope that he can succeed in his endeavors.

Kyle

comments always welcome.
http://kylekeeton.com/2007/12/russia-open-source-software.html
http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2007/01/30/world/main2414695.sht ml

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Russian News: February 26th, 2008!

Post author By
Post date February 26, 2008

RBC, 26.02.2008, Moscow 12:59:30.Russia’s oil export duty is expected to be raised to $337.4-$339.6 per tonne on April 1, 2008, if the average price of Urals oil in February amounts to $90-$95 per barrel, head of the customs payments department of the Finance Ministry Alexander Sakovich told RBC today. The export duty is expected to be set at $240-$241 per tonne of light oil products and $129-$130 per tonne of heavy oil products.

RBC, 26.02.2008, Moscow 12:48:22.Nearly three hours into today’s special dollar trading session for tomorrow deals, the low on deals stood at 24.39 RUB/USD, which is RUB 0.07, or .3 percent, lower than the official rate set by the Bank of Russia for February 27. As a result of the dollar’s consistent decline against the ruble, the spread on dollar deals widened to RUB 0.08. The current developments on the domestic market can be traced to the dollar’s unremitting recession against the euro on international exchanges. The latter is now trading at nearly USD 1.4855, up from around USD 1.4840 as of 12:30 p.m. Consequently, the European currency added about 0.1 percent against the dollar on the global market over a short period.

RBC, 26.02.2008, Moscow 11:32:06.The preparations for Russia’s presidential election are in line with the schedule, Chairman of the country’s Central Election Commission (CEC) Vladimir Churov told journalists today. The official noted that he was to hold talks today with Bolat Nurgaliyev, Secretary General of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) and the leader of its observation mission, over the preparation for the elections and the process of interaction between the CEC and the SCO.

RBC, 26.02.2008, Moscow 11:03:36.The Russian stock market opened upwards today. On MICEX, most highly liquid securities edged up 1 percent on average, while LUKoil and Surgutneftegas each climbed 1.5 percent. On the RTS, Gazprom added 0.85 percent and Sberbank went up 1.6 percent. The RTS index reached 2,080.9 points within minutes from the opening.

RBC, 26.02.2008, Moscow 10:50:10.International observers are expected to monitor Russia’s presidential elections in almost all of the country’s regions, Chairman of the Central Election Commission (CEC) Vladimir Churov told journalists today. For instance, observers from the CIS Interparliamentary Assembly are planning to cover more than 20 of Russia’s constituent entities, its most densely populated part, the leader of the organization’s observation mission Ural Mukhamedzhanov noted. He pointed out that, following the election, the mission was to present a comprehensive and objective analysis of the compliance of Russia’s election process with international standards.

RBC, 26.02.2008, Moscow 10:30:27.At the opening of today’s special dollar trading session for tomorrow deals, the weighted average exchange rate stood at 24.45 RUB/USD, RUB 0.02 below the official rate set by the Bank of Russia for February 26. The dollar has extended losses against the ruble into a third day in a row, having dropped a total of RUB 0.08 over the previous two trading sessions.

RBC, 26.02.2008, Moscow 09:28:07.A ban on any publication of survey results and projections for the 2008 presidential election has come into force today. Between 00:00 local time on February 26 and 9 p.m. on the day of the vote, when all the polling stations close nationwide, any publication of opinion polls and forecasts related to the upcoming March 2 presidential vote is prohibited. The ban applies to the placement of any such data on information and telecommunication networks, including the Internet. The reason for the prohibition is the need to exclude any influence on the citizens’ free will.

RBC, 26.02.2008, Moscow 09:28:07, Russia’s GDP grew 7.4 percent in January 2008 compared with January 2007, Deputy Economy Minister Andrei Belousov said, noting that “this is a good result.”

RBC, 26.02.2008, Moscow 09:28:07, 194 international observers have been accredited for the March 2 presidential election in Russia, Nikolai Zhukov, Chairman of the External Relations Department at the Central Election Commission of Russia, said at the commission’s meeting today. Another 21 applications for accreditation were being considered by the commission, Zhukov said, noting that the accreditation process was going on, and the number of the accredited observers would be changing. In total, about 300 foreign observers are expected to monitor the presidential vote in Russia.

RBC, 26.02.2008, Moscow 09:28:07, Albanian drug dealers are buying Kosovo’s independence with drug money, Dmitry Rogozin, Russia’s ambassador to NATO, said in a live TV link-up between Moscow and Brussels on Friday. “It seems that drug dealers in Kosovo are lobbying for the recognition of Kosovo’s independence. If this information is confirmed, we could see political scandals over the bribery of some politicians with drug money,” Rogozin said.

RBC, 26.02.2008, Moscow 09:28:07, Ukraine and Russia are considering a gas contract for 25-30 years, Ukraine’s Prime Minister Yulia Timoshenko said commenting on gas talks in Moscow on February 20 and 21.

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Russia: Important Update on, American Pastor Philip Miles in Moscow, Russia!

Post author By
Post date February 25, 2008

Hello,

New Link For Even More Information:
http://kylekeeton.com/2008/02/pastor-phillip-miles.html

I was drinking my morning cup of coffee & asked my wife who is Russian, to do a hard search in the Russian web! We are finding out a lot more information on The Pastor Phillip Miles!

Some facts that the American & Russian press is not saying or is very unclear about!

1. Miles has traveled to Russia for over 25 years! (Soviet Era, Yes!)
2. Miles was not detained by International Border Patrol!
3. Miles was detained by Local Militsiya for Ammunition found during baggage search while switching flights to a Domestic airline to Perm!
4. The International Border did not catch the Undeclared Ammunition!
5. Miles is being held on investigation of A. article 222 UK (storage, transport, carrying ammunition) B. article UK 188 (smuggling)
6. The FAA and Delta have no jurisdiction over giving the OK to transport Ammunition in Russia!
7. There is more to this incident than has been released, Local Russian Press has kept very quiet about Pastor Phillip Miles!
8. The USA media is being very selective about what they put in the Media!
=================================
Subject: American pastor Philip Miles in Moscow! (Access removed??????)
Update: 3-2-2008
(I want to thank everyone who visited this link: New Generation Global Discussions Forum. The site has removed access to this one article. This article had proven to be true by confirmation from other articles that I have posted. The article in complete is below!)

All greetings!
I want to tell all about what happened with the American pastor in Moscow, he is 57 years old. There is a need to pray about it, about his family, as well as for the early settlement of this situation without serious consequences for him. Pastor Philip Miles, the son of Bishop Hyustona Miles, together with other members of his church and another church the morning of 29 – January flew to Moscow in Sheremetyevo airport. The same evening, before departing in Perm when inspecting his luggage at the airport Sheremetyevo at It was found the stack of cartridges (20 pieces) for a hunting rifle. Philip enjoys hunting, he drove to visit his friend, pastor of the church in Perm, which is also a hunter and is licensed and hunting and weapons. Philip decided to make a surprise, lead pastor of Perm gift, a pack of good rounds for the new guns, which recently bought a pastor from Perm. In the United States, these cartridges are sold to anyone who is older than 18 years, without any permission or license. Before departing aircraft Philippe asked Representative Delta “if he could keep cartridges, he was told that he could.

Night 29 – January with a stack of cartridges seized, and Philip was asked by the police to arrive at Sheremetyevo in the morning, 4 – February, before his departure to the United States. Later examination was carried out which confirmed that the cartridges specifically for a particular hunting rifles, shotguns is that there is a pastor from Perm.

On Sunday, 3 – February, at 19:30 Phillip Miles and the other two Americans flew in from Perm Sheremetyevo airport. After receiving Philip delayed baggage, it has waited. I sent in a cell at the airport at Sheremetyevo.

4 morning – February from Perm flew lawyer that would help in this situation. At 14:00 was appointed interrogator Philippe brought criminal charges article 222 UK (storage, transport, carrying ammunition). Invited lawyer VV Ryakhovsky from the Slavonic Legal Centre. I was unable to find someone of translators that would translate questioning why drove himself to translate the interrogation. Representatives from the American Embassy also came, what would talk to Philip. Philip brought after 15:00 and about 19:00 questioning ended. Already taken the night from the moment of detention, during which time he ate nothing, once gave him a glass of water. The cell detained at the airport are not fed. The next day,

5 – On February, a court, which had to decide on the election of a preventive measure Philippe suspect. So, the court had to decide to release Philippa (by subscription, on bail), or leave detention for the duration of the investigation. During a court translator, I was again. The prosecutor said the request for deferment decision on the election of a preventive measure for the submission of additional evidence validity of his detention. The court granted the petition claimed. Philip was taken to a cell at the airport Sheremetyevo. In an interview with the judge, she said that in 72 hours she Philip Cup if it is not a criminal case stall visas. 188 UK (Smuggling).

6 – On February on the road to the airport (I was traveling with another American pastor, he wanted to pray with Philip, and as we carried food for Philip) tour manager phoned me. company, which processed the tour. Philippe Maylsu invitation to get Russian visas, and said that they came in the company of Sheremetyevo airport and sought at the design contest. Invitations for Philip Miles. It turned out that I have communicated with the tour. Company with a request to make tour. invitation to Philip and other members of his church. Therefore, tour manager of the company told me that returned to the airport Sheremetyevo, and will be there waiting for me, that would talk with me. Almost one and a half hours with me interviewed Major militia, a senior operupolnomochennaya Criminal Investigation. Nearby sat Chief inquiry, and another officer Philip someone of detectives in plain clothes. The explanation was.

7 – On February Philippe brought to trial, that would inform him that he instituted a criminal case on article UK 188 (smuggling) and take with him testify. On this day, Philip converted another girl from our church, I have not been able to be a translator, as I am interested. Posovetovavshis a lawyer, Philippe refused to testify against themselves, in accordance with our Constitution.

8 – On February a court. The Court’s decision – to leave Philippa detention for the duration of the investigation, which can last for 60 days, but may be extended at a later date. On that day or the following day Philip transported to the Detention 5 (PTDC).

13 – On February Philippe brought in to the ATC about the airport investigation, which would be charged on article 222 UK (storage, transport, carrying ammunition). Just came from the American consul of the embassy, which would talk with Philip and sign a power of attorney to relatives in the United States that would be able to sell his house without his participation. The representative of the embassy handed me a list of what you should buy for Philip.

14 – February, I went to PTDC that would convey to the transfer of Philippe: warm clothes, things basic necessities, medicines, toiletries, food. Similarly, at the request of Philip many products I order in the store, which is in remand centres, as many products can not be moved, but must be ordered in the store when PTDC. You can choose from a list of needed goods and products and pay them immediately, but after a few days they will bring Philippe.

15 – February, I again bought products and conveyed to PTDC transfer to Philip, as of the evening of 14 – February, I received a list of products needed. Of course, this product not only for him but also for its neighbours in the chamber (11 baguettes of bread, 2 kg. Cheese sticks with 3 / to the sausage, etc.), they are 6 per. That all foreigners. Over two days, I passed about 20 kg. products a month, you can transfer no more than 30 kg. for each person…………..
==========================================

I have a quite few questions myself, but these will come out as I follow and find more information!

These articles are not in Judgment of Pastor Phillip Miles, they are fact finding articles. The Pastor is in a bad situation in Russia, So he needs your prayers!

Kyle & Svet

Past articles:
http://kylekeeton.com/2008/02/russia-update-on-pastor-phillip-miles.html
http://kylekeeton.com/2008/02/why-did-i-try-to-walk-into-russia-with.html
http://kylekeeton.com/2008/02/why-would-anyone-bring-ammunition-into.html

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Svet Sunday: How They Tried to Con my Uncle!

Post author By
Post date February 24, 2008

Hello,Today I want to tell you a little bit about my Uncle! Really, I could a lot about him: he is a PhD in Geophysics, he use to travel a lot, he read a lot, he wrote several books and he is a very interesting person. Because of him I write you my stories in English now because one day he told me that every person who considers himself as well educated must know at least one foreign language. And since I respected my Uncle a lot I started to study English again… already after University! But that is another story which I might tell you in the future. Today I’ll tell another story about my Uncle.

Right now my Uncle is a 75 year old gentleman who has rather big heart problems, he had surgery done and now he gets a heart treatment/therapy. Recently I’ve visited him at home and he was in good mood and told me this story…..

Once at 4 pm, my Uncle got a call. He was told that they called him from his clinic and that he got a grant for 800,000 rubles [$32,000] from Moscow Government to treat his heart illness in a special medical center. So they said, right now he needs to call to the center and tell them number of his grant (several digits and letters what they told him) and that yes, he wants to take part in this program.

Uncle was very interested in it and called them immediately like he was told. A young lady on the other end of line spent some time looking for information about my Uncle’s “grant” and she found it (Surprise, surprise!), she asked my Uncle not to engage his phone line because a doctor from this center will call him soon. In 10 minutes a man called him and told that he is Doctor Blagonravov and he wants to discuss my Uncle’s heart problems. Uncle started to tell about his health, but when this “doctor” told that blood pressure 160 is not much, my Uncle got his first warning…

Than the “doctor” changed theme rapidly and told that a man would visit my Uncle tonight and my Uncle would sign papers. All he needs to have is ID documents and 17,000 rubles. My Uncle just asked, “Do I have to give money to a person whom I never seen before?” This “doctor” told that the money must be paid today before 6 pm, and if my Uncle does not want to pay a courier he needs to go some address that was given to him by this Doctor. My uncle looked at the clock and told the Doctor “Ok, I will be on time!” He hung up and call 02 Militsiya.

Militsiya arrived pretty soon they wrote down all this story and thanked my Uncle. My uncle thanked them and asked them not to bother him, because he is an ill person and he needs peace and quiet and he did his civic duty!

Of course, it would be cute if he told these con-artists that they can come and then call militsiya and militsiya could catch them. But it could be too nervous for him…

So I just want to tell everyone & my Uncle, that I am very proud of him and admire him very much!

Best wishes for everyone and please be healthy, to be ill is to expensive in any country ;).

Do you have a con artist story?

Svet

Russian News: February 22nd, 2008!

Post author By
Post date February 22, 2008

RBC, 22.02.2008, Moscow 10:52:35.Less than an hour into today’s special dollar trading session for tomorrow deals, the weighted average exchange rate stood at 24.46 RUB/USD, which is RUB 0.07 lower than the official rate set by the Bank of Russia for February 22. The ruble’s appreciation against the dollar can be attributed to the US currency’s unremitting recession against the euro on international exchanges. The latter is now trading at USD 1.4815, up from USD 1.4810 at the opening of the session. Consequently, the euro has added 0.03 percent against the dollar on the global market over a short period.

RBC, 22.02.2008, Moscow 10:46:20.Interros, a holding owned by Russian businessman Vladimir Potanin, intends to participate in tenders for the construction of a number of Olympic Games facilities in the Imereti Valley near Sochi. According to the federal target program for Sochi’s development prior to the 2014 Olympics, investors are expected to have to pay roughly RUB 9bn (approx. USD 367m) for the building of these facilities, among which are a central stadium with a capacity of 40,000 and two large ice arenas.

RBC, 22.02.2008, Moscow 09:58:42.The Finance Ministry has approved the list of 15 foreign state agencies that the National Wellbeing Fund is permitted to invest in, the ministry’s press office said. The agencies include the American Mortgage Lending Corporation, US federal home loan banks, and US federal farm credit banks. In addition, the fund’s resources could be invested in a number of debt instruments issued by Spanish, Austrian, German, Dutch, British and French government organizations. As reported earlier, the National Wellbeing Fund’s resources amounted to RUB 782.8bn (approx. USD 31.98bn) as of January 31, 2008.

RBC, 22.02.2008, Kiev 09:34:10.Prime Ministers of Russia and Ukraine Viktor Zubkov and Yulia Tmoshenko are due to meet in Kiev in April during a session of the Russian-Ukrainian intergovernmental commission for environmental cooperation, Ukrainian PM Yulia Timoshenko told journalists upon her arrival from Russia. She elaborated that the two sides have arrived at the stage of target planning, with a clear objective set for each area of cooperation. The specific plans are to be outlined in Kiev in April.

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Russia Is Serious About Visa Laws!(Or, Roth Whines About Bad Russia)

Post author By
Post date February 22, 2008

Hello,

Once again Russia is the Bad Guy….. Human Rights Watch; Kenneth Roth lying on Visa!

==================================================
Rights Activist Accused of Lying on Visa Form

The Moscow Times Human Rights Watch executive director Kenneth Roth and his colleagues were denied Russian visas because they had provided “intentionally false information about the purpose of their visit,” the Foreign Ministry said Thursday.

Roth initially indicated in his visa application earlier this month that he was coming to Russia as a tourist, but also indicated that he planned to meet journalists and representatives of nongovernmental organizations, ministry spokesman Mikhail Kamynin said in a statement.

Roth’s application was denied, and when he and two colleagues reapplied for a business visa, their invitations were issued by the Agriculture Ministry, and they were identified as “managers” of McKinsey Company, Kamynin said. Because of the false information, the visas were denied, he said.

Because of the visa denial, Roth was unable to attend the rights watchdog’s Wednesday presentation of a report in Moscow that criticizes recent legislation increasing government scrutiny of NGOs and broadening authorities’ power to shut down them down.

Roth told The Moscow Times on Wednesday that it was the first time a Human Rights Watch employee had ever been denied a Russian visa. Calls to Roth’s cell phone and his office in New York went unanswered Thursday afternoon.

By denying Kenneth Roth, the head of Human Rights Watch, a visa, the Kremlin did succeed in preventing him from presenting a critical report in Moscow. The report, titled “Choking on Bureaucracy: State Curbs on Independent Civil Society Activism,” criticizes the authorities for intentionally shackling nongovernmental organizations with burdensome restrictions.

On Thursday, the Foreign Ministry offered an explanation for the denial. Ministry spokesman Mikhail Kamynin said the business visa applications filed by Roth and two colleagues identified them as “managers” for McKinsey & Company who were invited to visit Russia by the Agriculture Ministry. The real purpose of their visit, the ministry said, was to meet activists at Russian nongovernmental organizations and journalists.

If true, this is a fair pretext for denying Roth a visa. But the actual reason that Roth was unwelcome was probably linked to Human Rights Watch’s years-long criticism of President Vladimir Putin.

Roth’s visa denial did little to stanch his group’s criticism. Its staff went ahead with the presentation on Wednesday anyway.

By refusing Roth entry, the Foreign Ministry actually shot itself in the foot. Articles about Roth’s report, which was far from sensational, would have likely been buried deep inside newspapers. The visa refusal made the story more interesting, moving it to the front page of Kommersant and The Moscow Times.

If the Kremlin wants any of the millions of dollars it gives to Western PR agencies to improve the country’s image to have any effect, it will have to abandon its heavy-handed approach to independent NGOs that criticize its conduct.

The authorities also must realize that, as the latest incident makes clear, the denial of a visa to one NGO activist — even the head of an organization — will not diminish the criticism. There are other employees, Russians included, ready to fill the void.

Roth says this is the first time someone from Human Rights Watch has been denied a visa to Russia and only the second time — after Nigeria — that he has been barred from visiting any country.

But Roth is not the first to have been locked out; dozens of human rights activists and journalists have been told they are not welcome in Russia.

The government would do best to choose one of two options. First, it should learn to tolerate foreign and domestic criticism, because pretending to be a democracy while moving toward autocracy can’t escape watchful eyes, inside or outside the country.

Alternatively, if it isn’t ready to tolerate criticism voiced inside the country, it should abandon the pretenses of democracy, shut down all independent NGOs and critical media and pull the Iron Curtain down again.

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

Human Rights Watch, they write such pretty pictures of Russia in their reports that I can see why no one cares if they appear at any meetings!

Moral of story: Do not lie on your Visa application!

Kyle

comments always welcome.

PS: I can tell you from first hand experience that the USA has many more serious issues with Human Rights than Russia does!

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Russia: Update on Pastor Phillip Miles!

Post author By
Post date February 21, 2008

Hello,

The puzzle is gaining pieces:

We have a small update on the Pastor Phillip Miles who is being held for Smuggling charges in a Russian Prison……

Two lawyers contacted at the time of first arrest said authorities’ treatment of Miles was within the law.

“If he was unsure, all he had to do was approach a customs official and ask if he should declare the bullets,” Sergei Melnikov, a lawyer who specializes in customs and immigration issues, said.

“Checking one box on the declarations form could have saved him all this trouble,” Melnikov added.

Igor Trunov, a criminal lawyer who deals with high-profile cases, said a number of factors could have compounded Miles’ situation.

“It all depends on how he acted when he was stopped,” Trunov said. “If it appeared to customs officials that he was trying to hide the fact that he had the ammunition in the suitcase, that would have aroused their suspicion,” he added.

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

Pastor Miles is being held in a prison in Moscow while his case is being investigated. He is confined to a wing of the prison that is reserved only for foreign nationals. Pastor Miles shares cell space with several men from various countries. He has reported to us, through the Embassy, that he is getting along well with his cell mates. The initial period allowed for investigation is 60 days. While the investigation could be completed faster than that, it is also possible for the Prosecutor to request additional 60 day periods for investigation. As a result, we do not have any way to know definitively when his case will be scheduled for hearing. The Prosecutor is investigating trafficking and smuggling charges against Pastor Miles. If he is found guilty for trafficking it could entail a punishment ranging from a fine to a sentence of 3 years. If he is found guilty of smuggling it would be a 3-7 year sentence.

What is happening in the United States?

Church representatives are in daily contact with the US State Department, the US Embassy in Moscow and Lindsey Graham’s office. All of these entities are working hard to assist Pastor Miles during this process. Pastor Miles has been visited by Embassy officials in Moscow. They report that he is in good spirits and he sends his best wishes to the church congregation. He thanks everyone for their thoughts and prayers, and for their continued support of Christ Community Church. He asks that we continue to pray for his health, as the weather is turning very cold in Russia. Money raised by the church has been used to purchase food and additional warm clothing for Pastor Miles. If additional funds are needed, we will give you information as to how you can help. Finally, the Embassy advised us that they can take letters and cards to Pastor Miles, but that he is not always allowed to keep them with him in his cell. If you would like to send him a letter or card, please address it to the church and include your name and return address on the envelope. Letters will be gathered and sent in groups to the Embassy. This website will continue to provide updates from Pastor Miles as we get them from the Embassy.
=================================
Please send letters and cards to: Pastor Phillip Miles (Russia)

c/o Christ Community Church

1500 Hwy. 501 Business

Conway, SC 29526

**Please be aware that your correspondence WILL be read by other people.**

Dominic Starr will be working with Pastor Phillip’s Russian lawyers to assist them in preparing his defense. There may be long periods of time during this phase that we do not hear anything new as to the progress of the case. We will continue to post all official news on this website.
==================================

What do we need you to do?

*
Please continue to pray for Pastor Phillip, Lynn and their children.
*
Pray that there is a speedy investigation process and that the smuggling charges are dropped.
*
Pray for God to continue to move in our church as we prepare for the mighty things He is doing in us and Pastor Phillip in this process.
*
Please do not speculate about what might be going on. (All official news will be posted.)
*
Please do not call Lynn directly. She appreciates your thoughts and prayers. Please send her a card or note to her home or c/o CCC (same address as above) if you would like to communicate with her.
=================================
Friday, February 08, 2008

A formal hearing was held in Pastor Miles’ case in Moscow on February 8th.

At the hearing, the State requested that it be given an additional 60 days to complete its investigation of this case. The request was granted by the court. As a result, Pastor Miles will be held in jail in Moscow during the course of the investigation. While the church is disappointed with this temporary setback, we are encouraged that Pastor Miles’ reputation of integrity and character will ultimately lead to his freedom.

The United States Embassy in Moscow is monitoring this situation and has sent representatives to visit with Pastor Miles. They assure us that he is being treated well and remains in good physical condition. Friends in Russia have told the church that his spirits remain high and that those around him have been very impressed with his attitude and demeanor during this difficult time.

This website will be updated any time we receive official news about the status of this case. If you hear or read anything about this case that contradicts information on this website, please disregard it.

The church asks that you continue to remember Phillip and Lynn, their children and extended family, and the church body, in your thoughts and prayers.
==================================

This as up to date information that we can find as of now. These two links are our past articles to get you caught up on what is happening!

http://kylekeeton.com/2008/02/why-did-i-try-to-walk-into-russia-with.html

http://kylekeeton.com/2008/02/why-would-anyone-bring-ammunition-into.html

We will keep everyone up to date as we find the information.

Does not look good I predict , Jail Term.

Kyle & Svet

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Russia Looks At America With Open Eyes!

Post author By
Post date February 21, 2008

Hello,

While walking the dog today a thought kept dancing in my head, “Russia Looks at America With Open Eyes!”

Russians have an acute knowledge about America. They follow the happenings very closely. The Democratic Race in America right now is of great interest to Russians.
Not because an African American and a Woman is running but because they represent change in American politics. That change is what interests the Russians.

McCain represents the old school politics, Obama and Hillary represent a new American thinking. Russian people seem to have the desire to see the new style politics in America.

I sense that Russians have hope that with the new American thinking will come better understanding of Russia!

Kyle

comments always welcome!

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Russia: Moving Lenin’s Body from Red Square?

Post author By
Post date February 21, 2008

Hello,

I found this article about possibly moving Lenin’s body from the mausoleum on the Red Square….

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20/02/2008 19:40 MOSCOW, February 20 (RIA Novosti) – The ex-Soviet leader, Vladimir Lenin, could be buried at a new cemetery under construction in the Moscow Region, the Russian tabloid Zhizn reported on Wednesday.

Lenin’s body, with its face uncovered, has been on public display in a glass sarcophagus housed in a mausoleum on Red Square since his death in 1924. However, his continuing presence in the heart of Moscow has been a source of considerable controversy since the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991.

The idea of Lenin’s reburial at a memorial complex currently built to the north of Moscow has been discussed at an official level, the cemetery’s art director and sculptor Sergei Goryaev said.

The final decision on the issue has yet to be taken, Goryaev said, adding that more important Russian and Soviet historical figures could be also reburied at the complex.

The memorial complex, a counterpart of the famed Arlington National Cemetery in the United States, is expected to be unveiled in 2010. It’s more than 53 hectares has space for more than 30,000 graves.

Russian President Vladimir Putin signed the decree on its construction in 2001.

Demands to transfer the body of the architect of the 1917 Russian Revolution to a regular cemetery have consistently been countered by Russian Communists, who insist that the tomb in Red Square remain the Soviet leader’s final resting place.
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This is a controversial subject in Russia & I would like to see what my wife has to say about this? (So lets ask her!)

Kyle

comments always welcome.

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