Citing Age, Daghestan Leader Steps Down

Magomedov (left) with President Putin in February 2000 (AFP) 16 February 2006 -- The leader of Russia's southern republic of Daghestan has resigned, citing his age.

Magomedali Magomedov, who is 75, said President Vladimir Putin accepted his resignation.

He spoke to reporters at the airport in the regional capital, Makhachkala, after arriving from Moscow.

Magomedov has been in effective charge of Daghestan since before the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991.

(AP, Reuters)