Russian President Vladimir Putin, whowas officially sworn in earlier Friday, sent a letter to the StateDuma, the lower house of parliament, asking it to approve Mikhail Fradkov as prime minister, Russian news agencies reported.

The cabinet led by Fradkov resigned shortly after Putin's inauguration as required by the constitution.

The resignation is viewed as purely technical and Putin is likely to retain all the ministers.

During a meeting with Fradkov after his inauguration, Putin asked Fradkov and the government members to continue fulfilling duties until the State Duma's approval.

Lyubov Sliska, Duma Deputy Chairman, said that the State Duma may give its consent to the appointment of Mikhail Fradkov as the head of government as early as next Wednesday, May 12, according to the Interfax news agency.

Putin dismissed the previous government led by Mikhail Kasyanovthree weeks ahead of the presidential elections and named Fradkov new prime minister at the beginning of March.

Source: Xinhua