TODAY: Medvedev sets out his program; Russia could join WTO this year. Vladimir Putin’s Kremlin press conference dominates the news. Duma to extend presidential term? Dmitry Medvedev has set out his program, pinpointing “freedom, private property and an independent judiciary” as the central tenets of his administration, and calling for tax reform. “The harmony between freedom and rule of law is the most important thing at this stage,” he said. It is also being reported in the UK that one of Medvedev’s priorities is to reduce the economic role of the state. European Trade Commissioner, Peter Mandelson, has said that the “good progress” in talks between Russia and the World Trade Organisation could result in the country joining this year.