Russian government resigns: reports

The Russian government resigned Wednesday, Russian news agencies reported, quoting Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev. The decision was announced after President Vladimir Putin addressed the Federal Assembly.

Putin outlined in his annual address to the Federal Assembly a series of fundamental changes, Medvedev was quoted by RIA Novosti news agency as saying.

"In this context, it's obvious that we, as the government of the Russian Federation, should provide the president of our country with the opportunity to make all decisions necessary for this," Medvedev said, announcing the resignation of his government.

Putin asked the government to keep fulfilling its duties until the new cabinet is formed, RIA Novosti said.