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Russia's Medvedev takes power, pledges freedom
Dmitry Medvedev was sworn in as Russian president on Wednesday and nominated his predecessor Vladimir Putin as prime minister, ushering in an unprecedented period of dual rule.Medvedev, a 42-year-old former corporate lawyer and longtime Putin ally, stressed freedom and the rule of law in his first remarks after taking the oath of office in a solemn, emotional ceremony in the Kremlin's glittering St Andrew's Hall. "I believe my most important aims will be to protect civil and economic freedoms," he told guests at the inauguration, broadcast live on state television. "We must fight for a true respect of the law and overcome legal nihilism, which seriously hampers modern development."
The new leader, who arrived at the Kremlin alone in an armoured black stretch Mercedes limousine flanked by 11 motorcycle outriders, inherits a booming $1.3 trillion economy fuelled by high oil prices -- and a sobering set of challenges. They include rampant corruption, rising inflation, a falling population, sickly industry and agriculture and increasingly tense relations with former Soviet neighbours and the West. A White House spokeswoman said U.S. President George W. Bush wished Medvedev well in his new role and was looking forward to working with him. The two leaders will probably meet at the Group of Eight summit in Japan this summer, she said. Posted by: Fred 2008-05-08 |
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