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Letter to the editor

Russian official echoes Putin on independence

By Times Wires
Published February 26, 2008

Kosovo

Dmitry Medvedev, Russia's first deputy prime minister and the presumptive successor to President Vladimir Putin, on Monday committed the Kremlin to long-term support for Serbia against an independent Kosovo. Medvedev appeared in Belgrade, the Serbian capital, with Prime Minister Vojislav Kostunica. It was Medvedev's first significant foreign-policy appearance since he became the front-runner for Russia's highest office, and he restated Putin's position and made clear that it would be his own. The United States responded by restating its own support for Kosovo and making clear that its break from Serbia was final, in Washington's view.

Cuba

Vatican hopes for improved relations

The Vatican's No. 2 official said Monday in Havana that he hopes the start of President Raul Castro's tenure will mean improved relations between the communist government and the Roman Catholic Church. Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone, Pope Benedict XVI's secretary of state, is set to meet today with Castro, who on Sunday was elected to succeed brother Fidel Castro.

Czech Republic

Premier says deal near with U.S.

Czech Prime Minister Mirek Topolanek said Monday he will complete a deal on missile defense this week in Washington and attributed Russian opposition to the plan to lingering frustration over the collapse of the Soviet Union. The United States wants to place a radar system in the Czech Republic and 10 missile interceptors in neighboring Poland as part of a system it says is necessary to protect the United States and Europe against future attacks.

Indonesia

U.S. defense chief open to arms sales

Defense Secretary Robert Gates said Monday that the United States was still willing to sell Indonesia new weaponry, particularly for its navy and air force. But he cautioned that democracies must have firm civilian control of their militaries, which must be disciplined for human rights abuses. In a speech to the Indonesian Council on World Affairs, Gates praised Jakarta for moving to professionalize its military. Washington resumed military ties with Indonesia in 2005 after a 13-year hiatus triggered by human rights concerns.

Elsewhere

Washington: China has agreed to a long-standing U.S. request for access to sensitive military records that Pentagon officials believe might resolve the fate of thousands of U.S. service members missing from the Korean War and other Cold War-era conflicts, the Pentagon said Monday.

Philippines: Thousands of Filipinos took to the streets and flocked to churches Monday in a fresh wave of protests on the anniversary of a 1986 grass roots revolt, calling for President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo to resign.

Sri Lanka: Government troops attacked rebel fortifications by ground and staged an airstrike on a Tamil Tiger naval base in a wave of fighting that killed 43 rebels and six soldiers, the military said Monday. A rebel Web site said 11 soldiers died; it gave no figures for rebel casualties.

Brazil: President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva unveiled a multibillion-dollar antipoverty initiative on Monday to provide much-needed infrastructure and jobs in Brazil's poorest regions. The plan, which calls for spending $6.4-billion in 2008 alone, must be approved by Congress.

Times wires

[Last modified February 25, 2008, 22:56:03]