TODAY: Medvedev fires four governors in one day, fears of social unrest are suspected; Medvedev signs declaration of shared interests with Bolivia, promises helicopters; BBC Russian Service to stop making features; no change to Iran policies. Prosecutor blames foreign workers for rise in crime; Politkovskaya lawyer says real killers are still at large.

President Dmitry Medvedev fired four of his governors and demoted his Minister of Agriculture in a single day. Some call the move a publicity stunt but The Moscow Times notes that ‘the dismissals show that the Kremlin only tolerates governors whose power dates back to the time of President Boris Yeltsin in rich regions’.  Others say it is a sign of the Kremlin’s concern that the economic slump could lead to social unrest.  Alexei Gordeyev, the Minister of Agriculture, was put forward to take over as governor of the Voronezh region.  ‘[I]ncomplete reforms, disillusionment, joblessness and clumsy policing make for a volatile mix. Keep an eye on Russia,’ writes Mary Dejevsky.  The Independent weighs up the likelihood of revolt.