EASTERN EUROPE

COURT DELAYS DECISION IN KHODORKOVSKY TRIAL

MOSCOW – A Russian court abruptly delayed a verdict in the trial of jailed oil tycoon Mikhail Khodorkovsky yesterday in a case that has alarmed foreign investors, tipped oil prices, and called into question President Putin’s commitment to democracy.

Mr. Khodorkovsky, the founder of Russia’s largest oil company, is accused of tax evasion and fraud – charges many see as political with the goal of putting him in prison long enough to prevent him from being a factor in the 2008 presidential elections. The verdict had been expected yesterday, but an unsigned notice posted at a Moscow courthouse said the verdict in his case and that of two associates had been postponed until May 16.

The unexplained delay in Russia’s biggest post-Soviet era trial came hours before Mr. Putin was to begin the first visit of a Kremlin leader to Israel, where some fear the oil tycoon is being targeted partly because he is Jewish.

The Interfax news agency reported that a court official had said the chief judge in the case, Irina Kolesnikova, had not yet finished writing the judgment.

When asked why the postponement took place, Yevgeny Baru, a defense lawyer, said: “It remains a secret.”

– Associated Press

MIDDLE EAST

LEBANON LEGISLATURE WINS VOTE, ALLOWS FOR STAGGERED ELECTIONS

The new Cabinet of Prime Minister Mikati of Lebanon won a vote of confidence in Parliament yesterday, clearing the way for the government to hold elections by the end of May.

The legislature, whose term was set to expire May 31, approved a bill extending its term until June 20. Politicians have said the country cannot logistically hold elections in all regions in a single day, opting for staggered voting.

Mr. Mikati’s government was approved by a 109-1 vote, with three lawmakers abstaining, Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri announced after a count. The legislature has 128 members. Before the vote, Mr. Mikati repeated his pledge to hold parliamentary elections before May 31.

“Our hands are extended to agree on any election law. We have only one condition: to abide by the constitutional deadline [for elections],” Mr. Mikati told Parliament. “We will not hesitate to carry out this constitutional requirement on time.”

– Associated Press

CARIBBEAN

CUBAN, VENEZUELAN ECONOMIES STRENGTHEN TIES

HAVANA – Political allies Cuba and Venezuela began weaving their economies together even more tightly yesterday as scores of business people from the South American nation opened a trade show on the communist-run island.

The opening of offices for Venezuela’s state oil company and a government bank were among other major events planned for this week’s trade and business meetings between the two left-leaning developing nations – a growing alliance that has increasingly alarmed Washington.

Members of the administration of President Bush have expressed concerns that Venezuela has become increasingly authoritarian as it reinforces links to communist Cuba. President Chavez of Venezuela, who considers himself a close political ally and personal friend of President Castro of Cuba, was expected to at the activities here today.

A communique from the Venezuelan presidency said the two leaders this week planned to sign 10 new cooperation agreements, covering areas including energy, health, education, infrastructure, housing and culture.

– Associated Press