Moscow - Russian President Dmitry Medvedev moved to quash speculation of a rift with Prime Minister Vladimir Putin Sunday, telling CNN the pair worked very well together. Putin, who served the full permitted two terms as president before stepping down last year to become prime minister, has recently stoked speculation he may return to the presidency in 2012.
In an interview broadcast Sunday Medvedev said "I think I work very comfortably with the government and with Putin."
But he emphasized that "of course, all directives, all decisions, are taken by the president."
Medvedev repeated earlier controversial criticisms he had made of Russia, saying it was in matters of democracy and justice behind other countries.
He also ruled out dismissing the government as a show of strength, saying: "I won't do that that now."
