Putin Says New Government To Be Appointed 'Very Soon'

Putin was in Sochi with the man many people had tipped to become prime minister, First Deputy Prime Minister Sergei Ivanov (left) (ITAR-TASS) September 21, 2007 -- President Vladimir Putin says Russia's new government will be announced "very soon."

Speaking at an economic forum in Sochi today, Putin said he had received cabinet nominations from new Prime Minister Viktor Zubkov, who was nominated by Putin last week in a surprise move ahead of a key election period.

Putin also said that the new government would maintain current economic policies.

The Sochi-2007 economic forum brings together top-ranking ministers, local officials, and Russian and foreign investors.

(AFP)