Putin takes reins again

RUSSIAN President Vladimir Putin was set to be sworn in for what will be his fourth term, after winning a record 76.7 per cent of votes in March’s disputed elections.

About 5000 guests were invited to yesterday’s swearingin at the Kremlin in Moscow.

Mr Putin has already been in power for 18 years. He sidestepped the constitutional ban on serving more than two consecutive terms by serving as prime minister between 2004 and 2008. His swearing-in was overshadowed by the violent police handling of protests.