Fradkov Confirmed As Russian Prime Minister

Mikhail Fradkov takes office 12 May 2004 -- Russia's lower house of parliament has confirmed Mikhail Fradkov as prime minister.

The State Duma voted 356 to 72 today to approve President Vladimir Putin's candidate to head the cabinet.

Fradkov replaced Mikhail Kasyanov as prime minister in March. Fradkov resigned along with the rest of the government after Putin's May 7 inauguration, as required by the constitution.

(AP/AFP)