[an error occurred while processing this directive]

Russia's inflation still too high - President Putin

MOSCOW, October 25 (RIA Novosti) - Russia's inflation has been brought down, but not enough, President Vladimir Putin said during his annual televised question-and-answer session Wednesday.

The government had reported Tuesday that 2006 inflation reached 7.4% as of October 16.

"We have managed to suppress inflation, but not to the levels we would like; nevertheless, the trend exists and this is very important," Putin said.

Inflation is expected to be 9% in Russia this year, in line with the target set by the government earlier in the year.