March 6, 2009 By Citizen M

RA’s Daily Russia News Blast – March 6th, 2009

060309.jpgTODAY: NATO agrees to restore normal relations with Russia; Kremlin working on anti-satellite weapons; Khodorkovsky trial in the news; media owner attacked; Medvedev orders investigation into elections; Gorbachev criticizes United Russia.

In a western push led by US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, NATO has agreed to restore normal relations with Russia, whose foreign ministry spokesman called the decision a ‘triumph of common sense’.  The decision is seen as a move by allies to seek a broad front against Afghan militants, and Lithuania was the only country with initial objections to the call.  Russia has expressed cautious optimism for its upcoming meetings with the US.  The Kremlin has criticized US plans for space-based weapons, saying it opposes a space arms race, but is working to develop anti-satellite weapons to match those held by other nations.