Ustinov Fired as Kremlin Aides Look to 2008
By Nabi Abdullaev and Simon Saradzhyan
5 June 2006
Vladimir Ustinov, the Kremlin's long-serving chief prosecutor, was unexpectedly fired Friday as senior aides jockeyed for position ahead of the 2008 presidential race.
Igor Tabakov / MT
Nikolai Svanidze caught in the flash of photographers' cameras during a coffee break in a wide-ranging discussion on press freedom on Sunday morning.
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TV Presenter and Regional Press Square Off
By Stephen Boykewich 5 June 2006
Russians are tired of all the facts in reports by non-state media and want a soothing, Soviet approach to the news, Nikolai Svanidze, a presenter on Rossia state television, said Sunday.
A Prosecutor's Unpredictable Ascension
By Carl Schreck 5 June 2006
Vladimir Ustinov's rise to the nation's top law enforcement post, like President Vladimir Putin's own career trajectory, was hardly inevitable.
Firing Deals a Powerful Blow to Siloviki Clan
By Simon Saradzhyan 5 June 2006
The firing of Prosecutor General Vladimir Ustinov has considerably weakened the siloviki clan in the Kremlin, which favors extending President Vladimir Putin's powers beyond 2008.
Kozak Tipped as New Prosecutor
By Oksana Yablokova 5 June 2006
President Vladimir Putin's close aide Dmitry Kozak has emerged as a likely frontrunner to succeed Prosecutor General Vladimir Ustinov -- six years after being passed over for the job.
Akbar Ganji Arrives in Moscow
By Nabi Abdullaev 5 June 2006
The Iranian journalist, who has just spent six years in prison, is to receive the Golden Pen of Freedom award in the Kremlin.
Viewers Miss What Readers Often Don't
Editorial 5 June 2006
Just about anyone following Russia's media industry understands that the system allows the informed to stay informed while almost guaranteeing that the uninformed remain uninformed.
Opportunities Lost
By Andrei Richter
5 June 2006
When Russia's media law was passed 15 years ago, ending censorship and granting basic freedoms and independence to journalists, the further expansion of media liberties was expected to make the fourth estate a powerful engine of reform and a watchdog to monitor the government.
The Reincarnations of an Imperial Riding School
By Kevin O'Flynn
5 June 2006
Even before the Manezh burned down in 2004, there had been a struggle over how the nearly 300-year-old building should be restored.
Kolomenskoye: The Summer Haunts of the Tsars
By Michele A. Berdy
5 June 2006
The estate has more than 20 buildings dating back over four centuries and a ravine reputed to have magical powers.
Putin Shows Many Sides Over a Meal
The Associated Press
5 June 2006
Sometimes he made jokes. Sometimes he was dead serious. Sometimes he made fun of himself.
Uncertainty Over Gref's Position
By Valeria Korchagina 5 June 2006
Reports suggest the minister may be on his way out following hints that he may lose part of his portfolio.
Steelmakers Told to Join Forces and Raise Quality
By Yuriy Humber 5 June 2006
Steel experts Friday urged Russian steelmakers to seek greater consolidation and lift the quality of their produce by upgrading to high-end technology if they are to avoid a head-on battle with China’s red-hot steel industry.
Back Into the Bedrooms of the Nation
By Alexei Bayer
5 June 2006
Those who remember the pompous celebration of Lenin's centennial in 1970 probably also recall the numerous anekdoty , or jokes, poking fun at the official event.
If You Build the Roads You Get All the Blame
Vedomosti
5 June 2006
In any state, local government is the one people deal with most closely. So it is important to understand what prospects there are for the development of local government in Russia.
Advocaat May Take Reins in St. Pete
By Martin Burlund
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Special to MT
5 June 2006
Zenit St. Petersburg has confirmed recent speculation that Dick Advocaat is among several candidates for the vacant post of head coach.
Sharapova Falls at the Hands of Safina
The Associated Press
5 June 2006
Dinara Safina's come-from-behind victory over Sharapova earns the praise of her brother, Marat.
A Time Outside Time
By Oliver Ready
2 June 2006
Alexei Yurchak's book reveals the modest charms of late-Soviet life, which might have been enjoyable enough, if only it hadn't seemed like things would never change.
Fit for a Superpower
By Peter Morley
2 June 2006
The government launches a brand-new music festival, featuring star international guests, in honor of Russia Day.
No Compromises
By Alexander Osipovich
2 June 2006
Acclaimed playwright Ivan Vyrypayev is branching out into film and television - and trying to remain true to his principles.
Kids Acting Out
By Anna Malpas
2 June 2006
Scottish playwright Nicola McCartney leads a playwriting workshop for teenagers from the North Caucasus.
Black and White
By Brian Droitcour
2 June 2006
A brand-new gallery shows rarely seen prints by Lev Lapin, an artist from the circle of Kasimir Malevich.
Salon
By Victor Sonkin
2 June 2006
Not that long ago, the idea of sitting alone and reading in a Moscow cafe was simply unthinkable.
Global Eye
By Chris Floyd
2 June 2006
It is not the small-scale Haditha atrocity that should be compared to My Lai. It is the entire Iraq War itself.