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Medvedev set for annual address Medvedev set for annual address
(about 2 hours later)
Russian President Dmitry Medevedev is set to give his annual state-of-the-nation address. Russian President Dmitry Medvedev is set to give his annual state-of-the-nation address.
Although the contents of his speech are a secret, the president took the step this year of inviting members of the public to suggest what he should say.Although the contents of his speech are a secret, the president took the step this year of inviting members of the public to suggest what he should say.
He is expected to call for the strengthening of Russian democracy and for rampant corruption to be curbed.He is expected to call for the strengthening of Russian democracy and for rampant corruption to be curbed.
A year ago, in his first such address, he made a surprise announcement about deploying missiles close to Poland.A year ago, in his first such address, he made a surprise announcement about deploying missiles close to Poland.
He also announced an extension of the president's term in office from four to six years.He also announced an extension of the president's term in office from four to six years.
There may be more surprises this time.There may be more surprises this time.
But the focus is likely to be about transforming Russia into a more modern and open country.But the focus is likely to be about transforming Russia into a more modern and open country.
CriticismCriticism
This was the theme of a much-talked-about article which Mr Medvedev wrote for an internet site in September.This was the theme of a much-talked-about article which Mr Medvedev wrote for an internet site in September.
In the article, the president was scathing about what he called the country's primitive economy and its humiliating dependence on oil, gas and other raw materials.In the article, the president was scathing about what he called the country's primitive economy and its humiliating dependence on oil, gas and other raw materials.
He went on to criticise the level of corruption and the weakness of democracy in the country.He went on to criticise the level of corruption and the weakness of democracy in the country.
Now, he said, was the chance to prove that Russia could develop in a democratic way.Now, he said, was the chance to prove that Russia could develop in a democratic way.
These strong words have been seen as a criticism of his mentor and predecessor Vladimir Putin, who is now prime minister.These strong words have been seen as a criticism of his mentor and predecessor Vladimir Putin, who is now prime minister.
The president is keen to prove he is his own man and his speech on Thursday could be another chance to do that.The president is keen to prove he is his own man and his speech on Thursday could be another chance to do that.