The Central Bank of Russia said inflation in the first quarter of 2009 hit 5.3 percent and predicted an annual drop to less than the 2008 rate of 13.3 percent. Bank Chairman Sergei Ignatyev said a weaker ruble had pushed inflation higher, but the ruble's fall ended in January, RIA Novosti reported Friday. Further, an absolute break in the ruble supply in the past few months and the consistently low level of global food, energy and commodity prices, would continue to slow inflation, he said. Inflation will be some 13 percent in 2009, according to our estimates.

A Russian Central Bank official said Saturday the banking group will widen exchange rate parameters for the ruble in light of the poor economic conditions. First Deputy Chairman Alexei Ulyukayev said in an attempt to aid society and business in Russia, the Central Bank is widening the exchange rate of the country's main currency, RIA Novosti reported.

The following is a selection of quotes from articles published in the 15 September editions of Russian newspapers, as available to the BBC at 2300 gmt on 14 September. A challenge to the state Nezavisimaya Gazeta [Moscow daily aimed at liberal elite. Often critical of government.

Text of report by Russian Mayak radio on 14 Septem

The murder of a prominent Russian banker is seen as a challenge to the authorities, and a threat to the banking reform currently under way, the Russian media reported.