The New Nation - Internet Edition

AFP, Moscow

President Vladimir Putin heralded a wealthy Russia able to compete in a new "arms race" with a speech Friday setting long term priorities for his hand-picked successor ahead of next month's presidential election. Putin used the televised address in an ornate Kremlin hall before Russia's ruling elite, including the full government, parliamentary leaders and top generals, to outline a roadmap up to 2020. Putin said his "plan to bring Russia out of systemic crisis" meant the country was again "respected" and that "lawlessness is over." However more must be done in coming years to pull the economy from "extreme inefficiency" and to guard against Western pressure, said Putin, whose eight year presidency has seen a flood of energy export revenues and the return of military clout.