Gorbachev warns of ‘lost years’ with Putin

The USSR’s last leader Mikhail Gorbachev has warned that Russia risks six lost years when Vladimir Putin returns to the presidency, echoing rumblings of dissent over his Kremlin comeback.

The announcement at the weekend that Putin, currently prime minister, will stand for president in 2012 and current Kremlin incumbent Dmitry Medvedev take the post of prime minister, sparked no mass protest actions in Russia. (more…)

Ahmadinejad calls Russian president: Mouthpiece of Iran’s enemies

Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, the Iranian president, has denounced Dimitry Medvedev, his Russian counterpart, as a “mouthpiece” of Iran’s enemies, highlighting rising tensions between the two countries.

Ahmadinejad made the comments after Russia joined the US and the EU in accusing Iran of having a hidden agenda for its controversial nuclear program. (more…)

The Great Obama-Medvedev Escape: Burgers

President Barack Obama and Russian President Dmitry Medvedev took a break from bilateral meetings at the White House on Thursday to make a burger run.

Traveling by motorcade, the two presidents ventured to Ray’s Hell Burger in Arlington, Va., a popular hamburger joint just outside the nation’s capital. Obama ate there last year with Vice President Joe Biden.

A cheer went up from customers when the presidents walked in. (more…)

Russian President: The nightclub fire that killed 109 is a ‘criminal act’

Russian President Dmitry Medvedev has declared a national day of mourning on 7 December after a fire at a nightclub killed at least 109 people. He said the fire was a criminal act and those responsible must be punished.
More than 140 people were reported injured at the Lame Horse club in Perm, some 1,400km (870 miles) east of the capital Moscow. Speaking on Saturday, Mr Medvedev said those responsible “have neither brains, nor conscience”, calling for the toughest possible punishment. Source: BBC