Bulgaria in his heart: A South African exile recalls

Thabang Makwetla, South Africa’s deputy defence minister who was hosted in exile in Bulgaria in the early 1980s, interviewed by The Sofia Echo Editor-in-Chief Clive Leviev-Sawyer.

Saab awarded $2.4M military training equipment contract in Bulgaria

The funding is provided under the foreign military sales programme of the US army's Program Executive Office of Simulation, Training and Instrumentation.

Czech Republic, Romania mull shale gas moratoriums

Governments in Prague and Bucharest could soon join Sofia in instituting temporary moratoriums on shale gas exploration.

Bulgaria secures one-year extension on Belene loan - minister

The option to postpone the due date was contingent on securing 55 million euro for immediate repayment of the amounts loaned by Belgium's Dexia and Japanese bank Mizuho.

Putin takes Russian presidency for historic third term

World leaders acknowledged Putin's victory with reservations, and international observers say the election was skewed in the former president's favour.

France elects first socialist president in nearly two decades

Hollande's call for more spending and economic growth has struck a chord with French voters.

Two Brits fined for hooliganism in Bulgaria’s Veliko Turnovo

The UK nationals were arrested after throwing beer bottles at people after being refused entry to a restaurant that had closed for the night.

Tourism: Bulgaria to spend 300M leva on restoring castles, ancient sites

Restoration and development projects include Madara Horseman, Arbanassi fortress, Magura cave.

Move Russia’s capital from Moscow to Siberia?

Russia Watch

Sergei Shoigu, the newly appointed governor of the Moscow Region, recently proposed that Russia move its capital to Siberia. The idea was immediately squelched.

Serge Sarkisian’s ruling party wins Armenian parliamentary elections – exit polls

Gallup International Association poll gives president Sarkisian’s party 44 per cent, while three main challengers alleged ‘machinations’ by ruling party in what – in contrast to 2008 – reportedly was a largely peaceful election.

Super Moon 2012 show: Photo Gallery

On average, the moon is about 378 195 km away. At its furthest it is nearly 400 000 km away. During a lunar perigee and full moon, however, the lunar surface can appear up to 14 per cent bigger and 30 per cent brighter than any other full moon.

Serbia: Tadić leads as presidential elections head for second round

Coalition around ruling Democratic Party has largest share of vote in Serbia's parliamentary election, according to exit polls.