Putin promises 'total renewal' of Russian leadership

0 Comments | AFP, November, 2007

MOSCOW (AFP) — Russian President Vladimir Putin promised on Wednesday a "total renewal" of the country's leadership after forthcoming parliamentary and presidential elections.

He also hit out at his political opponents, likening them to "jackals" and accusing them of seeking foreign funding to help undermine the country.

"In the months to come we will have a total renewal of the top leadership of the state," Putin told a rally of thousands of supporters in Moscow.

Putin urged his supporters to work for victory at the forthcoming elections -- parliamentary on December 2 and presidential in March -- in order to ensure a smooth transition.

"So that this renewal takes place in the right way... and so the future parliament and president cooperate...