By empty (2/1/2007 issue of the CACI Analyst)

Russia\'s president said Thursday there are ways of ensuring Iran\'s right to develop civilian nuclear power, while eliminating international concerns on the issue. \"It is necessary to find a scenario for the development of [Iran\'s] nuclear industry that would, on the one hand, fully guarantee Iran\'s access [to nuclear technology] and on the other, address any concerns within the international community,\" Vladimir Putin told an annual televised news conference in the Kremlin. \"Such options exist, and Mr.

By empty (2/1/2007 issue of the CACI Analyst)

A total of 174 militants were killed last year in the North Caucasus, and 1,171 were detained, a deputy Russian interior minister said Thursday. Police Colonel General Arkady Yedelev said security agencies lost 239 officers, almost 100 fewer than in 2005, in regions of Russia where counter terrorist operations were conducted. Yedelev said on January 23 that 554 militants had given themselves up in the Republic of Chechnya since announcement of an amnesty.

By empty (2/1/2007 issue of the CACI Analyst)

Russia\'s Gazprom plans to acquire a majority stake in the Swiss-registered Uzbek company Zeromax. A source at Uzbek national oil and gas company Uzbekneftegaz told the news agency, \"It is presumed that Gazprom will enter as a strategic partner both into the joint ventures created by Zeromax in the Uzbek oil and gas sector and into the core affiliates of the Swiss company that work in this sector.\" Zeromax declined comment on the matter.