SECURITY COUNCIL CHIEF TURNS CIVILIAN

Russia’s President Vladimir Putin has signed a decree discharging Sergei Ivanov, Secretary of the Security Council, from military service, Mr. Ivanov himself told journalists yesterday after the council’s meeting. In his words, he is a “civilian” from now on, Interfax reports. He explained the President he could not carry out his duties both inside and outside the country staying FSB general, Mr. Ivanov added.