Russia has expelled two Czech diplomats, following an earlier move by Prague to dismiss two Russian diplomats over suspicion of spying. READ MORE

Russian state-run gas giant Gazprom has cut its investment program in response to the difficulties it faces in the current economic downturn. These cost-saving measures contrasted sharply with Gazprom's pledge last year to become the world's largest company. Such efforts were supported by the Russian government. On July 13, the cabinet approved Gazprom's revised investment program worth 775 billion rubles ($25 billion) or 15.8 percent down from its 920 billion rubles ($29.7 billion) planned earlier. At a cabinet meeting, Prime Minister Vladimir Putin conceded that Gazprom's January-June 2009 production was 20.8 percent down year-on-year. However, Putin voiced confidence that Gazprom's production and sales will return to their pre-crisis levels eventually. READ MORE

Georgia remains in the focus of international policy and Mass Media. Current processes in the country incite ambiguous reaction, assessments among the upholders of the President Saakashvili as well as among his opponents. After the war in August of 2008 with Russia, Georgia lost 20% of its territory. One of the most famous Georgian politicians Nino Burjanadze gave an interview exclusively on her view on current situation and future prospects in Georgia. In 2008 she established and headed the opposition party “Democratic Movement “Edinaya Gruzia” (“United Georgia”). READ MORE