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Russia military spy boss 'sacked' Russia military spy boss 'sacked'
(10 minutes later)
Russian President Dmitry Medvedev has dismissed the head of the country's powerful GRU military intelligence service, the Kremlin has said.Russian President Dmitry Medvedev has dismissed the head of the country's powerful GRU military intelligence service, the Kremlin has said.
Mr Medvedev signed a decree on Friday replacing Gen Valentin Korabelnikov with Gen Alexander Shlyakhturov. Officials gave no reason for the move.Mr Medvedev signed a decree on Friday replacing Gen Valentin Korabelnikov with Gen Alexander Shlyakhturov. Officials gave no reason for the move.
Gen Korabelnikov had led the Main Directorate of Intelligence since 1997.Gen Korabelnikov had led the Main Directorate of Intelligence since 1997.
He reportedly tendered his resignation earlier this year over objections to proposed reforms of the agency.He reportedly tendered his resignation earlier this year over objections to proposed reforms of the agency.
Defence ministry officials had earlier told Russian media that Gen Korabelnikov's service had been extended by two years. Defence officials later announced that Gen Korabelnikov's term of service had been extended by a further two years.
The Main Directorate of Intelligence (GRU) of the General Staff is Russia's largest intelligence agency. It is believed to have six times as many agents in foreign countries as the Russian Foreign Intelligence Service (SVR), one of the successors to the Soviet KGB.The Main Directorate of Intelligence (GRU) of the General Staff is Russia's largest intelligence agency. It is believed to have six times as many agents in foreign countries as the Russian Foreign Intelligence Service (SVR), one of the successors to the Soviet KGB.