Putin pledge to voters

Moscow, Feb. 1 (Reuters): President Vladimir Putin pledged today to give Russian voters a “free democratic choice” in next year’s presidential election but urged them to elect a leader who would build on his legacy.

Answering questions at an annual news conference, Putin denied reports he will orchestrate a succession when his second and final term in office ends in March 2008.

US warning

Washington (Reuters): Iran is supplying Iraqi insurgents with weapons technology used to kill American troops, a senior US diplomat said on Wednesday.

Potter book

London (Reuters): The fate of fictional boy wizard Harry Potter will finally be revealed on July 21, the publication day for the seventh and final instalment of J.K. Rowling’s hugely successful book series. — Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows.