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Vladimir Putin:

Dear citizens of Russia,

In accordance with Article 117 of the Russian Constitution, I have made the decision to dismiss the Government.

This decision is not linked to the achievements of the previous Government, which I consider on the whole to be satisfactory. It is dictated by my wish to once more set out my position on what the country's course of development will be after March 14, 2004.

I think that citizens of Russia have the right to know, and should know the proposals for who is to be part of the supreme executive body if I am elected to the position of President of Russia.

It is on the Government that the advancement of all state and socio-economic changes vitally depend. So I think it is correct to announce right now, without waiting for the end of the election campaign, who will be on the executive body of state power, which will take on its share of responsibility in the further development of our country. Forming the Government at the right time will make it possible to avoid uncertainty in the structures of federal executive power, and accordingly to support the efficiency of the state to maintain the existing rate of changes, including in administrative reform that has been started.

In accordance with Article 111 of the Constitution of the Russian Federation, I intend to submit a candidate for Prime Minister of the Russia Government to the State Duma within the established time frame.

A week after appointment, the Prime Minister should give me proposals on a new structure for the federal bodies of executive power.

At the same time, I would like the existing Government to continue to perform its duties until a new Government of the Russian Federation is formed.