Poetin ontslaat zijn kabinet (en)

The Russian president, Vladimir Putin has dismissed his entire cabinet led by the Prime Minister Mikhail Kasyanov in a televised statement.

"In accordance with article 117 of the Russian Constitution, I have made the decision to dismiss the Government." the Russian President said today to viewers of Channel One Russia.

The announcement came as a surprise, just three weeks before a presidential election in Russia in which the incumbent head of state is expected to win by a landslide.

According to the Russian President, this decision is not linked to the achievements of the previous Government, which he considers "on the whole to be satisfactory."

Mr Putin finds it correct to "announce right now, without waiting for the end of the election campaign, to announce who will be on the executive body of state power."

Viktor Khristenko, the deputy Prime Minister from May 1999 was immediately appointed as the new head of government.

"It is an internal development of Russia and we do not think it will affect relationships with the EU, including the PCA ratification" - the Commission spokesman told this website.

The presidential election in Russia is scheduled for 14 March.