The United States has completed a military operation in Afghanistan"s Hilmand Province and is preparing a new operation, in Kandahar. The U.S. says its new strategy in Afghanistan does not emphasize action against drug producers.
The head of the Russian Orthodox Church has congratulated Pope Benedict XVI and all those who celebrate Christmas on December 25 in line with the Gregorian calendar.
The 30th anniversary of the Moscow Olympic Games will be celebrated under the aegis of the International sports forum “Russia – A Country of Sports” at the Luzhniki sports complex this year. The Russian president, Moscow mayor and renowned Russian athletes and cultural figures are expected to participate in the event.