Saakashvili makes it clear he will not step down:
Georgian President Mikheil Saakashvili made it clear on Friday he would not cede to opposition demands that he resign, as protests continued in the capital.
Russia test launches Topol missile to extend service life:
Russia successfully test launched on Friday a Topol intercontinental ballistic missile to assess the possibility of extending its service life up to 22 years, a spokesman for the Strategic Missile Forces (SMF) said.
Russia, Ukraine discuss resuming talks after pipeline row:
The Russian and Ukrainian prime ministers have discussed in a phone conversation resuming talks suspended after Kiev signed a deal with the EU on modernizing the country’s aging gas pipeline network.
Russia confirms spy drone deal with Israel:
The Russian Defense Ministry has signed a deal with an Israeli company to buy several unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV), a Russian deputy defense minister said on Friday.
Russian experts to assist Italy in assessment of quake damage:
Russian experts will be flown to Italy on Sunday to assist in assessing building safety in the aftermath of this week’s devastating earthquake, an emergencies ministry spokeswoman said on Friday.
Russia to offer loans, debt write-offs to boost arms exports:
Russia is planning to offer foreign customers loans and debt write-offs to encourage the purchase of its weaponry amid the global economic crisis, the head of a state-controlled arms exporter has said.