Putin names new cabinet

Vladimir Putin has named his new cabinet, retaining some of the outgoing government's key figures but adding a few fresh faces, and tightening his grip on power as he begins his third presidential term.

Those who have kept their seats include the Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, Defence Minister Anatoly Serdyukov and Finance Minister Anton Siluanov.

But some of the most unpopular ministers, including those who were in charge of health, education and the interior, have left the cabinet.

AP