OUR FRIENDS, THE RUSSIANS

Russia Considering Weapons Sale to PA (AP/Jerusalem Post)
Moscow is considering resuming sales of military equipment to the Palestinian Authority, Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said Friday. "There have been requests about extra sales of hardware, including armored personnel carriers, to the Palestinians," he said. "I believe this issue will be resolved."

Russia to Provide Fuel for Iranian Reactor
Iran and Russia ignored U.S. objections and signed a nuclear fuel agreement Sunday that is key to bringing Iran's first reactor online by mid-2006. Under the deal, Russia will provide nuclear fuel to Iran, then take back the spent fuel, a step meant as a safeguard to ensure it cannot be diverted into a weapons program. (AP/Washington Post)