The New Nation - Internet Edition

Putin's successor?

Russian leader Vladimir Putin has backed First Deputy PM Dmitry Medvedev to replace him as president next year, Russian media report. "I fully support this candidacy," Putin was quoted as saying. Mr Medvedev was nominated by Putin's United Russia Party and three other pro-Kremlin parties on Monday. Medvedev was previously Putin's chief of staff and is chairman of the gas giant Gazprom. He hails from Putin's native St Petersburg. The 42-year-old former lawyer managed Mr Putin's election campaign in 2000.

Merchant of fear

India's election officials have sought an explanation from a ruling party leader over remarks she made during an election meeting in western Gujarat. Congress party chief Sonia Gandhi reportedly described the opposition-ruled government in the state as "merchants of fear and death". Gujarat, ruled by the Hindu nationalist BJP, has been criticised for the treatment of its religious minorities. More than 1,000 people, mostly Muslims, died in religious riots in 2002.

Saudi succession body

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia's ruling monarch has appointed his half-brother to head a committee that will choose the desert kingdom's future kings and crown princes, the official SPA news agency reported on Monday. King Abdullah chose Prince Meshal bin Abdul Aziz al-Saud to lead the 35-member committee, set up to ensure a smooth transition of power in the world's biggest oil producer, ruled by the al-Saud dynasty for 75 years.