MOSCOW, Feb 15, SPA - Russian President Vladimir Putinpromoted a close ally widely tipped as a possiblepresidential candidate to the rank of first deputy primeminister on Thursday, from defence minister, according to Reuters. Sergei Ivanov, 54, a longtime KGB veteran, is considered themore hawkish of the two leading candidates to succeed Putin inpresidential elections in March 2008. More than 20 years of service in the KGB and its successororganisations have given Ivanov close contacts in Russia'smilitary and intelligence community. Speculation about the presidential succession has beenintense, with Putin refusing to give any hint of his intentions. Putin's huge political influence and unchallenged power meanshis electoral preference is likely to be decisive. Following the promotion from the lower rank of deputypremier Ivanov will have equal status to Dmitry Medvedev, theother presidential front-runner, who is generally viewed asrepresenting the more liberal factions within the Kremlin. "We agreed with the prime minister to expand the sphere ofresponsibilities of Sergei Ivanov ... he will be coordinatingpart of the civilian sector of the economy," Putin said at aweekly cabinet meeting. "Sergei Borisovich coped with all the tasks that were putbefore him at the defence ministry and dealt with themsuccessfully," Putin added in televised remarks, using Ivanov'spatronymic middle name. Putin said the new defence minister would be AnatolySerdyukov, 45, the little-known former head of the Federal TaxService. --SPA www.spa.gov.sa/425754