South Ossetia's parliament will discuss the official language of South Ossetia on March 28, a lawmaker said, Vestnik Kavkaza reported March 22.

Russian naval ships may carry out port calls in Beirut after a bilateral agreement, but the supply and maintenance base at Syria's Tartus port will remain at the disposal of the Russian navy, a military source said March 22, Interfax reported.

Moscow remains concerned about U.S. plans regarding missile defense despite recent changes, which Russia is not yet ready to assess, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov said, RIA Novosti reported March 21.

European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso will listen to Russia's concerns regarding the Eurogroup's handling of Cyprus' bailout, Barroso said, Voice of Russia and Interfax reported March 21.

Cyprus and Russia are discussing cooperation in the banking and energy sectors in addition to a loan from Moscow, Cypriot Finance Minister Michalis Sarris said March 21, Reuters reported.

Cyprus and Russia did not reach a decision on a loan from Moscow during talks March 20, Cypriot Finance Minister Michael Sarris said, Reuters reported.

Cypriot Finance Minister Michalis Sarris traveled to Moscow on March 19, AFP reported.

As many as 150 workers at the Dzidziguri mine in Georgia have gone on strike, Trend news agency reported March 15.