By empty (12/28/2004 issue of the CACI Analyst)

Hamid Karzai has held the first meeting of his new cabinet following his inauguration as Afghanistan\'s first elected president. He told ministers to avoid party politics and commit themselves to helping the war-torn country rebuild. He said the Cabinet should direct its loyalty to the Afghan people, not to tribal and regional interests.

By empty (12/28/2004 issue of the CACI Analyst)

The Council of the Assembly of the People of Kyrgyzstan has criticized the U.S. ambassador in Bishkek, Steven Young, saying his activities can be regarded as preparations for a velvet revolution.

By empty (12/28/2004 issue of the CACI Analyst)

Russian border guards have been told to remain alert to prevent potential terrorists from using this year\'s hajj - the pilgrimage to Muslim holy places - as an opportunity to move mercenaries and weapons into Russia, North Caucasus Division Border Guard Service press chief Sergei Livantsov told Interfax on Tuesday. \"Border guards will also make it impossible for extremist leaders or wounded militants to leave the country and will prevent the delivery of materiel or finances to illegal militias inside Russia,\" he said. \"Such attempts cannot be ruled out,\" Livantsov said.