Medvedev, Yeltsin's successor outlines plans

Russia's probable next President has been outlining what he sees as the country's future direction. Dmitry Medvedev says the development of freedom, private property and an independent judiciary will be central to his future plans. Mr Medvedev - who is expected to storm into the Kremlin in next month's presidential elections - was speaking at an economic forum in Siberia. Mr Medvedev said: "One of the key elements of our work in the next four years will be ensuring the independence of our legal system from the executive and legislative branches of power."The 42-year-old also spoke about the direction of Russia's economy and his involvement in social welfare projects. His remarks were in stark contrast to some of Mr Putin's more abrasive comments over the past few months.