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President Medvedev asks Alexei Kudrin to resign

In reply, Alexei Kudrin said he had to consult Prime Minister Vladimir Putin

DIMITROVGRAD, September 26 (Itar-Tass) —— President Dmitry Medvedev has asked Vice-premier and Finance Minister Alexei Kudrin to resign. In reply, Alexei Kudrin said he had to consult Prime Minister Vladimir Putin.

President Medvedev said in the beginning of a meeting of the Commission for modernization that anyone who disagrees with the presidential politics might resign. In particular, Medvedev demanded explanations from Finance Minister Alexei Kudrin.

"Once you disagree with the course of the president which the government pursues you have one way out - to tender your resignation," Medvedev said. «If you believe that there are differences in our positions you might tender your resignation notice here and immediately," Medvedev declared.

"I will make a decision after consulting the prime minister," Kudrin replied.

President Medvedev emphasized that he intends to cut short declarations of all those who disagree with the course of the government, but do not dare tender their resignation. "Anyone who doubts the presidential course is entitled to appeal to me, but do this openly; otherwise, I will have to cut short any irresponsible talk," Medvedev said.

The president’s reaction was provoked by Alexei Kudrin's declaration about differences with Medvedev on matters of budgetary expenditures. "There nothing to justify a statement of this kind, and moreover, a statement made in the United States," Medvedev stressed. He demanded that the finance minister should "give a reply today". "Either we proceed from the assumption that there are no differences, or if the differences do exist I see no other way out, even if it is not a pleasant one," Medvedev stressed.