Main news of March 8

RUSSIA

* Outgoing Russian President Vladimir Putin did not rule out that jailed ex-Yukos CEO Mikhail Khodorkovsky could be pardoned by his successor, president-elect Dmitry Medvedev

* Vladimir Putin said Dmitry Medvedev will defend Russia's interests as actively as he did

* Two trains caught fire in the north of Moscow last night, emergencies services said

WORLD

* President Vladimir Putin said Russia could recognize Kosovo's independence only in line with international law, and if Serbia agrees to that

* Russia's outgoing president praised Russian-German relations at a meeting with the German chancellor, who came to Moscow on a visit

BUSINESS

* Russian President Vladimir Putin said the construction of the Nord Stream gas pipeline will proceed in line with the schedule