Russia`s acting First Deputy Prime Minister Sergei Ivanov said he deeply respected Minister of Defense Anatoly Serdyukov for his decision to step down.
"The final decision rests with the supreme commander-in-chief, if the matter concerns the defense minister," Ivanov told reporters.
Commenting on his attitude towards Serdyukov`s resignation, Ivanov said "it evokes deep respect, because Anatoly Serdyukov, proceeding from ethic norms, has written such a request." It evokes respect and understanding," he reiterated.
"I can only comment the request which Anatoly Serdyukov indicated in his statement," Ivanov added.
On Tuesday, Prime Minister Viktor Zubkov said at a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin that the defense minister had tendered his resignation.
"We discussed another issue with Putin today," Zubkov told reporters. "Before the discussion of my candidature at the Duma, I talked with the defense minister. As you know, he`s a close relative of mine /son-in-law - eds Itar-Tass/," he underlined.
"We had a talk and arrived at the onion that, taking into account our relation, he should tender his resignation to the president."
Serdyukov was appointed defense minister on February 15, 2007.
sections: Politics |