Xinhua world news summary at 1530 GMT, Dec. 27

MOSCOW -- Russia has supplied weapons and equipment to Tajikistan recently to strengthen its defense capability, President Vladimir Putin said Monday.

The shipments were aimed at helping Tajikistan effectively counter threats coming from outside, Putin said during a meeting with visiting Tajik President Emomali Rahmon in Russia's St. Petersburg. (Russia-Tajikistan-Afghanistan)

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BAGHDAD -- Th