Medvedev won polls 'on merit'

Russia's president-elect Dmitry Medvedev is a "charming" and "capable" leader, says China's ambassador to Russia Liu Guchang.

Posted in Russia since 2003, Liu has had discussions on bilateral ties with Medvedev on many occasions. "He has treated me as a friend whenever we've met." He is "quick and direct", and has never dodged a question.

Liu says it is not true that Medvedev won the recent elections only because of Russian President Vladimir Putin's recommendation, as has been reported by the Western media.