Medvedev to curb all 'irresponsible chatter' by officials

Russian President Dmitry Medvedev said on Monday he will stop short all "irresponsible chat" by state and government officials, firing them if need be, as long as he is president. "Anyone questioning the course pursued by the president or the government or anyone who has his own agenda has a right to ask me but do that openly," he said. "I will have to curb any irresponsible chatter and I will make all the necessary decisions by May 7 of next year," said Medvedev, who earlier in the day invited Finance Minister Alexei Kudrin to step down over his reported disagreements with the president.