TODAY: Russia to bolster security over North Korea nuclear tension; Russia-NATO ice thaws; Georgia accuses Kremlin of blackmail; NGO reforms meager; police to declare income; art reaches Perm

Russia is undertaking ‘an appropriate package of precautionary measures’ against the possibility that tensions with muscle-flexing North Korea may spin out of control.  North Korean Ambassador Kim Yong-jae has been summoned to the Russian Foreign Ministry to be told that ‘urgent measures’ to ease tensions should be made.  The Washington Post examines how Russia’s reaction to the situation has evolved.  It appears that the tensions between Russia and NATO have diminished as yesterday’s meeting was ‘positive’.  NATO envoy Dmitry Rogozin has commented that relations ‘should be conducted on the basis of equality and mutual respect‘ and  ‘must avoid unpredictability and provocation’.  Both NATO and Rogozin have said that a ministerial meeting should be the next item on the agenda.