RA’s Daily Russia News Blast – Jan. 2, 2007

Dmitri Medvedev “looks like someone who might sell you a flat-screen TV in John Lewis” according to one UK reporter, who nonetheless predicts that Medvedev’s presidency will herald “a new Russia”. The Swedish Foreign Minister says that Russia cannot continue its recent “authoritarian” trend if it is to develop a modern society and economy. Russian artist Alexander Rodchenko’s work is to appear in Britain at an exhibition funded by Roman Abramovich. Russian pet shops are reporting a shortage of domestic rats, as shoppers are buying them in preparation for the Chinese New Year – the Year of the Rat. PHOTO: A woman walks past the print “2007” during an open museum night in the Winzavod art centre in Moscow May 18, 2007. (REUTERS/Denis Sinyakov)