Putin announces about the government's dismissal

/INTERFAX, Moscow, February 24, 04/ - Russian president Vladimir Putin announced on Tuesday about the government's resignation in a live television broadcast. "In accordance with article 117, I decided today that the government has to resign. The decision is not linked to any government's activities assessment, which in my opinion are satisfactory. It was dictated by the desire to express my personal position on the issue about further country's development course after March 14, 2004", the president stated. "I guess that Russian citizens have to be aware of the suggestions for ministers' candidacies in case if I'm elected as the president of Russia", he added. The president claimed that "the government is the key factor in promotion of all state and socio-economic reformations". "Therefore, I believe that instead of waiting till the end of election campaign, the members of higher federal executive body Еhave to be appointed now", Putin noted. Referring to the Article 111 of the Russian Federation's Constitution, the president stated he intends to recommend the PM's candidacy to State Duma (the parliament) within established time frames. "Within a week after appointment, the Prime minister will have to present his/her own suggestions about new structure of federal executive bodies to me...", the president concluded. [2004-02-24]