Russian weapons will not reach Palestine, and Strelets anti-aircraft missile systems will not reach Syria. This was announced yesterday at a press conference in the Indian city of Bangalore by the head of the Main Directorate of International Cooperation of the Russian Ministry of Defense, Colonel General Anatoly Mazurkevich and the General Director of Rosoboronexport, Sergei Chemezov. According to Mr.

President Yushchenko was saved by a typo A scandal is erupting in Ukraine around the law on the cabinet of ministers, which, if it comes into force, will change the form of government in the country, redistributing the remnants of presidential powers in favor of the government. Yesterday, the Speaker of the Rada promised to promulgate the law, despite the president's repeated veto. “I have no other choice,” explained Alexander Moroz.

Vladimir Putin is trying to establish personal contact with the new Italian prime minister Yesterday, at his Bocharov Ruchey residence in Sochi, Russian President Vladimir Putin received Italian Prime Minister Romano Prodi, who flew to the Russian resort from Turkey, where he was on an official visit. Meeting the guest, Mr. Putin said that he specially moved to Sochi so that his friend Romano could fly closer. Indeed, it’s just a stone’s throw from Ankara to Sochi, not to mention Moscow.

Tokyo seeks strategic relationship with Moscow The first round of strategic dialogue between Russia and Japan began in Moscow yesterday. The conversation is conducted by the first deputy heads of the diplomatic departments of the two countries - Andrei Denisov and Shiotaro Yati. Their meeting may continue today. Yesterday, late in the evening, Mr. Yati was received by Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov.

Palestinian Foreign Minister seeks safe transit Vremya Novostei learned that one of the leaders of the Islamic Resistance Movement, better known by its acronym Hamas, was going to Moscow. True, Palestinian Foreign Minister Mahmoud Zahhar (pictured) planned to visit the Russian capital while passing through. He was invited to an international conference in Venezuela. The minister was supposed to fly out from Egypt.

Israel found protection from Iran A government commission has been created in Israel, which for the first time is tasked with preparing a report with recommendations for the country's accession to NATO . The commission, with the participation of representatives of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Defense and the Prime Minister's Administration, has been working for several months.

At least three people were killed and about 60 injured in clashes in Beirut yesterday between supporters of the Lebanese government and the opposition led by Hezbollah. She organized a strike demanding the resignation of the “pro-Western” cabinet of Fuad al-Siniora and holding elections in order to expand its presence in the executive branch of government.

Israeli President Accused of Rape and Fraud The legal adviser to the Israeli government, Menachem Mazuz, yesterday decided to bring charges against the country's president, Moshe Katsav, on several counts. The most serious point is rape.

The Russian ambassador returned to Tbilisi Yesterday afternoon, Russian Ambassador Vyacheslav Kovalenko returned to the Georgian capital. Thus ended a four-month pause that began on September 29, 2006 - on that day the ambassador was recalled to Moscow in response to the arrest of four Russian military personnel in Georgia on suspicion of espionage.

Chinese authorities yesterday confirmed the successful test of a ballistic missile that shot down an old Chinese weather satellite. At a briefing in Beijing, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Liu Jianchao told reporters that China had “informed the parties concerned, including the United States, about the space test.” Until now, China has not officially commented on the launch of the interceptor missile.