Did you know the Russian constitution barred two consecutive presidencies for one person? No wonder the Putinese powers have placed him as Prime Minister. I wonder how long the gap has to be? Can he be el presidento, say, next Tuesday and the week's intermission be enough to satisfy the constitution?

"Russia is respected once again," Medvedev said. Medvedev suggested Putin would have a strong influence on Russian policy for years to come. He said Putin had been involved in setting goals for the country's development through 2020 and "as Cabinet chairman will play a key role in their realization."