Russian defence minister resigns - PM Zubkov

MOSCOW, Sep 18 (Reuters) Russian Defence Minister Anatoly Serdyukov has resigned but the full lineup of the new cabinet was still being considered by President Vladimir Putin, the new prime minister said today.

''I spoke with Serdyukov and we came to a decision that considering our close family ties he should submit his resignation,'' Prime Minister Viktor Zubkov said in comments shown on Russian television.

Serdyukov is married to Zubkov's daughter. Zubkov said he had submitted his proposed cabinet lineup to Putin for consideration and that the government's new structure would be announced by Friday.

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