MOSCOW. Feb 24 (Interfax-AVN) - President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday dismissed the Russian government, the Kremlin press service told Interfax.
Putin also announced the government's dismissal in a speech televised by Rossiya and First Channel.
"I have made a decision on the dismissal of the government under Article 117 of the Constitution of Russia," Putin said.
"This decision bears no relation to any assessment of the performance of the former composition of the government. It was dictated by my desire to once again delineate my position on the issue of what development course the country will take after March 14, 2004."
March 14 is the date set for presidential elections in Russia.