This is your World Wrap for Wednesday October 22, 2008.

We’re tracking perspectives from news organizations around the world.

Today we’re highlighting coverage from CCTV, Al Jazeera English, Russia Today, the BBC, and India’s NDTV. 

We begin with CCTV’s report on the dismantling of North Korea’s nuclear facility, which is dependent on foreign aid.

But a controversial kidnapping issue with Japan has thwarted international talks.

“Seoul wants Japan to join South Korea, China, Russia and the United States in providing energy aid promised under a six-way agreement to end Pyongyang's nuclear program.”

However, “Japan will not provide energy aid unless there is progress in the case of the 12 abducted people.” (english.cctv.com)

Foreign aid is also on the agenda for Georgia as it undergoes reconstruction.

Al Jazeera English spotlights the country’s economic decline.

“When Russia and Georgia went to war in August, the fighting scared away foreign investors and caused a sharp economic downturn. What’s needed now, says the World Bank, is a huge injection of money to establish new infrastructure.” (english.aljazeera.com)

Now Russia is reaching out, offering financial aid to Georgia.

But Russia Today announces this isn’t the only relationship Russia is looking to develop, as it moves to create a three-way gas alliance with Iran and Qatar.

“The three biggest gas producers in the world have agreed to join a gas organization similar to OPEC. The consortium of Iran, Russia and Qatar would control over 60 percent of the global national gas reserves. It’s estimated Russia owns about a quarter of them. The U.S. and the EU fear an OPEC-style gas cartel would lead to a monopoly on supplies and higher prices.” (www.russiatoday.com)

While Russia seeks to protect its gas-driven economy in light of the global financial crisis, the BBC reports on the fall of European markets.

An economic expert explains that the fall comes after the Governor of the Bank of England “warned that Britain was probably entering its first recession in 16 years.”

In doing so, he “sent a shudder through the foreign exchange and equity markets.” (bbc.co.uk)

On a more positive note, NDTV takes an inside look at India’s mission to the moon.

India aims to join other global powers with its first lunar launch.

“Once Chandrayaan-1 reaches the lunar orbit, it will be reoriented for the special task. A small square computer-sized instrument will carry the satellite and it will then be released. On its way down it will take pictures of the moon, analyze the moon’s atmosphere and moon soil. Most importantly, this probe will have placed India’s flag on the moon’s surface, announcing that India has arrived.” (ndtv.com)

That’s your World Wrap for October 22, 2008. We invite you to visit our sources and please comment on these stories.