Belarus
YEREVAN, Armenia - Russia secured a long-term foothold in the energy-rich and unstable Caucasus region Friday by signing a deal with Armenia that allows a Russian military base to operate until 2044 in exchange for a promise of new weaponry and fresh security guarantees.
MOSCOW - Russia on Monday started cutting most natural gas supplies to ex-Soviet neighbor Belarus over what it claims is a debt of nearly $200 million, threatening to rekindle political disputes in the region over energy policy.
MINSK, Belarus - Kyrgyzstan's ousted president said from exile Friday he does not intend to return to his homeland as its leader, but that his resignation was invalid because officials there are reneging on a promise to protect his family.
WEST VANCOUVER, British Columbia - The two old friends stood atop the podium, savoring their long journeys to the top while wondering how they ever made it.
MINSK, Belarus - High-level officials from Belarus were flying to Moscow on Friday to salvage an accord with Russia on oil duties a day after the talks were broken off, heightening diplomatic tensions.
