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Russian Government resigns -- TV

MOSCOW, Jan 15 (KUNA) -- Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev announced on Wednesday his cabinet's resignation and President Vladimir Putin released instructions that the government should pursue its tasks as a caretaker cabinet.
Medvedev, during a meeting with President Putin, said the government decided to step down in response to proposals by the president in a speech to the parliament earlier today, according to the Russian Television.
For his part, Putin said he had decided to create a new post, deputy chairmanship for the Russian Security Council, and that Medvedev would occupy the position.
Putin is chairperson of the council that includes the ministers of foreign and defense affairs and chairperson of the parliament (the Duma).
Putin had proposed expanding the Duma jurisdictions to include endorsement of appointing prime minister and ministers. (end) as.rk