Russian parliament votes on PM

Mr Kasyanov (left) expects support of most parties

The Russian parliament is preparing to vote on whether to approve President Vladimir Putin's choice for prime minister, Mikhail Kasyanov.

It is widely expected that Mr Kasyanov will be confirmed in the post during the vote scheduled for 1400 local time (1000 GMT).

Most parties in the centrist-dominated lower house, the Duma, said they would support Mr Kasyanov, a pro-reform politician expected to focus on the economy.

Some analysts estimate that Mr Putin's nominee will receive as many as 300 votes in the 450-seat parliament.

Completing two days of consultations with Duma factions, Mr Kasyanov said: "The general tone and spirit of the questions I was asked and of our discussions fill me with optimism."

Friendly parliament

The current Duma, elected in December 1999, is much friendlier to the Kremlin than the previous house, which was often at loggerheads with former President Boris Yeltsin.

Putin does not need to battle with the parliament

Mr Yeltsin always had to battle with the Duma to get his favourites for prime minister approved.

It took plenty of political bargaining, often plenty of threats, and he did not always succeed.

But Mr Putin does not have that problem. He easily won the presidential election on a platform of restoring law and order and is respected in the parliament.

Top negotiator

Mr Kasyanov, 43, has impressive credentials.

After a decade of service in the Soviet state planning ministry, he embraced market economics.

He became one of the Russian finance ministry's top negotiators with foreign creditors, and as finance minister, he helped persuade the West to write off billions of dollars in Soviet-era debt.

When Vladimir Putin was busy running for president, it was Mr Kasyanov he trusted to keep an eye on the cabinet, appointing him first deputy prime minister.

But Mr Kasyanov does have his critics - he is widely suspected of having links to some of Russia's wealthiest and most politically influential business figures, although he denies the charge.

He has promised that he will try to avoid big economic jolts, but some analysts remain sceptical about his ability to build on the economy's recent good health.

Even if Mikhail Kasyanov is confirmed as prime minister, it is unclear just how much power he will enjoy.

Most Russian analysts believe that from now on, it is the Kremlin, not the government, which will create and dictate policy in Russia.