RUSSIAN MILITARY LAWMAKERS LOSE THEIR FREE RIDE.

The Russian Defense Ministry abolished its reserve as of yesterday. This means that military personnel elected to political posts must choose between politics or the armed forces. In the past they have had it both ways: while serving in their elected post they were also members of the ministryÕs reserve and were guaranteed an active duty military billet once their elected term was completed. (NTV, February 1)

Russia Would Offer Cyprus Means to Defend S-300 Missiles.