MOSCOW. Sept 12 (Interfax) - Russian President Vladimir Putin has signed a decree On the Russian Government, ordering Acting Prime Minister Mikhail Fradkov's government to retain its duties until new government has been formed.

The text of the decree is as follows:

"In line with Clause C of Article 83 and Part 1 of Article 117 of the Russian Constitution I decree to:

1. Announce the resignation of Russian Government;

2. Appoint Mikhail Fradkov as acting prime minister;

3. Order the Government to act in its current capacities until the new Government is formed;

4. Enforce the decree on the day of signing."

According to Article 111 of the Russian Constitution, the president nominates a candidate for the position of prime minister no later than two weeks after a government's resignation.