Italy returned to Iraq 13 ancient art objects stolen from Iraqi museums after the overthrow of the regime of Saddam Hussein. They were discovered during the special operation of the Italian police. Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi personally handed over the artifacts to the head of the Iraqi government Nuri Al-Malika, who is on a visit to Rome. Iraqi prime minister thanked the Italian authorities and urged other countries to follow their example.

Architectural dreams are sometimes embodied in reality In Berlin, a group of young designers and architects appeared five years ago under the name “Baupilota”, which creates fantastic interiors of schools and kindergartens according to the drawings of the children themselves. For example, a “dream tree” has already been built (with mirror leaves that send to all the ends of the sun bunnies), “lemonade tree”, or “a silver dragon nest”. The song "We are friends of the earth!" Sounds.

In the north-west of China, at least seven people died during the collapse of the mosque. It is also reported about 20 wounded. As Reuters reports, the mosque collapsed during construction work. According to rescuers, people can remain under the rubble.

Five Russian tennis players went on Thursday to Los Angeles Courts to hold matches of the third circle: Sibilla Bammer (Austria) - Anna Chakvetadze - 6: 4, 5: 7, 6: 2 Nadezhda Petrova - Vera Zvonareva - 6: 4, 7: 5 Dinara Safina - Alla Kudryavtseva - 7: 6, 0: 6, 7: 6

In the village of Nizhnyaya Maltsevo, the Sasovsky district of the Ryazan region, a picket was held against the construction of an enterprise for the production of phenol -formaldehyde resins. Environmental and human rights organizations, as well as local residents, participated in the action, ”said Boris Markin correspondent Boris Markin. On the eve of this picket, Oleg Kovalev gave his commentary to the Governor of the Ryazan Region.

In the city of Bangalor in the south of India there were 7 explosions. By Police report, 1 people died, about 15 were injured. Small -power explosive devices were laid in different places of the city. Responsibility for explosions so far no one I did not take myself. Bangalor is one of the largest information centers in India technology and headquarters of Indian branches of many international companies.

The US presidential candidate from the Barack Obama Democratic Party is on a visit in France. The trip program includes the negotiations of Obama with French President Nicolas Sarkozy. Then the presidential candidate will go to the UK. On Thursday, Barack Obama spoke in Berlin before a thousands of audience with a speech on foreign policy problems. In particular, he called for the strengthening of allied ties between the United States and European countries.

In Ingushetia, the human rights activist Zurab Tschoev, abducted and cruelly beaten by unknown, was taken to the hospital of the city of Nazran. This was announced by Radio Liberty by an employee of the Memorial Center Anastasia Valeeva: “Zurab Tsechoev was thrown 200 meters from the road between the settlements of Ekazhevo and Ali Yurt. He contacted a mobile phone with the head of his human rights organization with whom he works, and informed his whereabouts. He was found.

The program is conducted by Sergey Tarasov. The Radio Liberty correspondent in Kyiv Vladimir Ivakhnenko takes part. Sergey Tarasov: In Ukraine, the celebration of the 1020th anniversary of the baptism of Kievan Rus begins. In the Ukrainian capital, 16 delegations of Christian local churches expect. Vladimir Ivakhnenko: Celebrations on the occasion of the anniversary of the baptism of Kievan Rus are first celebrated in Ukraine at the state level.

At the final tournament of the world volleyball league, the final matches in groups are playing in Rio de Janeiro. Group E. Brazil - Japan - 3: 0. The final situation: Brazil - two victories, Russia - victory and defeat, Japan - two defeats. Group F. Serbia - Poland - 3: 0. The final situation: Serbia - two victories, the USA - victory and defeat, Poland - two defeats. Now in the semifinals there are Brazil - the USA and Russia - Serbia.

Putin advised the head of the "Mechel" to recover without waiting from him the doctor and "stripping" problems Russian stock indices of the MICEX and RTS collapsed during today's trading by more than 5%. According to experts, one of the main reasons for the collapse was the situation around the Mechel metallurgical company , the discontent about which Prime Minister Putin expressed the night before.

In the building of the regional court, Tver was taken into custody by the mayor of the city Oleg Lebedev. The mayor, in particular, is accused of preventing the investigation of the case against his deputy Oleg Kudryashov, who was suspected of exceeding official powers. Lebedev was temporarily suspended from office. Judicial hearings will be held in August with the participation of jury.

In the Volgograd region, an explosion on a gas pipeline occurred near the railway on Thursday late in the evening. According to the regional department of the Ministry of Emergencies, a fire arose during the explosion. The gas was immediately blocked. According to preliminary data, no one was injured. Due to the accident, five regions of the Volgograd region remained on the gas pipeline without gas. Repair work is underway. The movement of trains is restored.