Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin said Tuesday the dismissal of Moscow mayor Yuri Luzhkov was necessary due to his conflict with President Dmitry Medvedev, news agencies reported.

"Yuri Mikhailovich has done a lot for the development of Moscow...However, it is perfectly obvious that the Moscow mayor had a conflict with the president, and in the meantime the mayor reports to the president, not vice versa. For that reason, the necessary steps should have been taken in a timely manner to normalize this situation," said Putin.

Earlier Tuesday, Medvedev sacked Luzhkov with a presidential decree, citing loss of confidence.

"The Russian president acted in strict compliance with the law and his powers," said Putin remarking on Medvedev's decision.

The Russian Prime Minister meanwhile told reporters he had discussed nominations of candidates for Moscow mayor with Medvedev, and he as the head of the ruling United Russia party would offer Medvedev these candidates on behalf of his party members.

However, Putin denied a list of candidates had been compiled.

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