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Vladimir Putin replied the questions of Russians in a 'Direct Line' call-in program, which is his fourth such session. The topics addressed in the session like gasoline prices, mortgage lending, pension age etc. are discussed. An analysis of the promises made in the session is also presented.

At a meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), the Russian foreign minister Sergei Lavrov supported the claims relating to the role of Chechen terrorists and Islamic extremists in the recent uprising in Andizhan. In an interview, the minister also denied reports claiming that a separate military force was being formed by SCO with its own antiterrorism agenda. Russia is supporting Uzbekistan President Karimov's refusal to allow international inquiry that is being sought by NATO on the Andizhan uprising. Russia claims it has adequate evidence that the uprising had its roots in Afghanistan.

The uprising in Andizhan, Uzbekistan, which resulted in heavy casualties amongst the demonstrators as well as law-enforcement officers, is described. Various security measures that were taken by these law-enforcement officers are also described. Armed militants who wanted to release their jailed leaders led the uprising. The contagion spread to nearby towns of the country. In order to control the chaos, Uzbekistan's president Islam Karimov used forces, which move has met with the approval of the Russian president Vladimir Putin. Demonstrations by opposition in Tashkent are also discussed.

The tulip revolution by the opposition in Kyrgyzstan started to over throw the government of Kyrgyz president Askar Akayev by the time tulips start blooming has been successful. The opposition took charge of the white house in March, 2005. The violence and looting following the fall of Akayev's government are described. Russian stand on the issue has been that though the manner of seizing power was above law, the uprising was the result of socioeconomic problems and Russia hopes to share good relations with the new government. Former Kyrgyz Prime Minister Kurmanbek Bakiyev has become the de facto head of the state.

The Supreme Court of Ukraine has invalidated the November 21 presidential election on the basis of efalsificationsE and has scheduled a re-run between the same candidates on December 26. The epackage dealE, by virtue of which the Prime Minister and the Constitution are given greater powers and changes in electoral law are incorporated, was passed by UkraineEs Supreme Council. The Parliament also changed the composition of the Central Electoral Commission.

Vladimir Putin's recent question and answer hour with the Ukrainian voters and other gestures from Russia like grant of more polling spots is being interpreted as Moscow throwing its weight behind the incumbent government of Ukraine led by Prime Minister Viktor Yanukovich. Having previously scalded its hands in Georgian elections, the wisdom of such a move from Russia is indeed questionable. The political repercussions it could hold for Russia are discussed.

The first day of Russian President Vladimir Putin's visit to Paris, France, ended with a joint press conference by Putin and French President Jacques Chirac, at which they unveiled a French-Russian-German declaration rejecting war in Iraq and calling for a reinforcement of U.N. arms inspections in the country. Putin noted that Russia, like the majority of the world community, believes that a diplomatic solution should be found. Chirac added that force is also not the answer to the problems in Chechnya. It is suggested that Russia could prove to be the weakest link in the new alliance and will be the first to succumb to pressure from the U.S. not to thwart a new U.N. security council resolution regarding Iraq.

Russian leader Vladimir Putin has met with Chinese leader Jiang Zemin and the man who has been selected as his successor, Hu Jintao, in Beijing, China. At the meeting, the Russian side stressed accord on the need for a multi-polar world, while a joint declaration was issued affirming a 'strategic partnership' between the two countries. Issues addressed at the meeting included Iraq, North Korea and missile defense, while support was offered for the two country's stands on Chechnya, Tibet and Taiwan. Putin has also visited India on a state visit and, it is suggested, that while Russia would like to form a strategic stability triangle with China and India, the fact that it sells more sophisticated arms manufacturing licences to India suggests that it still sees China as a potential military rival. It is suggested that Putin's recent summits in China and India reflect Russia's emerging new geopolitical identity as a country with partnerships in both the east and west.

President Khatami of Iran and President Putin of Russia held talks in Moscow during March 2001. Several observers report their views of the talks with the main points being a new cooperation pact, arms sales and the legal status of the Caspian Sea.

The capture of Georgian policemen by South Ossetians evoked severe criticism from United States as well as the Organization for Security and Cooperation. Russian President Vladimir Putin, called for a joint monitoring commission meeting of the representatives of the region to resolve the issues. After two days of intense negotiations, Georgia and South Ossetia agreed to withdraw their respective military forces from the conflict zone. However, it is reported that the two countries are continuing to prepare for war .

Issues relating to media coverage of politics, government, parliament, law and the regions of the Russian Federation are presented. The economy and international affairs are also discussed, including reports on Russian-related events in Europe and the United States.

Russina President Vladimir Putin increases price of natural gas. The implications of higher natural gas prices for Georgia, Moldova and Ukraine are presented.

Difference of opinions among the ministers of Georgia, Russia, and Kazakhstan over the Single Economic Space issue is discussed, at the Common Wealth of Independent States (CIS) Foreign ministers summit in Moscow presented. The conflicts among the CIS leaders on most 'perfunctory' issues are also discussed.