Dmitry Medvedev

Western observers criticized Russia's weekend presidential election on Monday saying it was not fully fair or democratic, but said its outcome broadly reflected the will of the people. President Vladimir Putin's hand-picked candidate, Dmitry Medvedev, won the ballot by a landslide on Sunday. Russia's liberals criticized the election as a farce, saying it was stage-managed by the Kremlin from the outset.

Serbia intends to rule parts of Kosovo where loyal citizens still look to Belgrade for government, Prime Minister Vojislav Kostunica said on Monday.

President Vladimir Putin may become the next chairman of Russian gas export monopoly Gazprom when he steps down following a presidential election in March, Vedomosti business daily reported on Friday.

Dmitry Medvedev, named by Russian President Vladimir Putin as his preferred successor, said on Tuesday he wanted Putin to become prime minister under him, mapping out a route for the outgoing leader to retain influence.

Russian President Vladimir Putin's United Russia party will name its candidate for next year's presidential vote on December 17 when it could become clearer who Putin wants to be his successor.

President Vladimir Putin's party won a big majority in Russia's election on Sunday, but the opposition alleged fraud and vowed to contest a result that could help Putin keep a hold on power after he leaves office.

The party set to win a big majority in Russia's parliamentary election next month has boiled down its central idea to two words: Vladimir Putin.