Russian president sparks Twitter rush among his officials

More than 25 senior Russian officials have followed the president and opened accounts on the micro blogging site Twitter. In their blogs, most officials report on the business meetings and conferences they have attended and upload news links.

More than 25 senior Russian officials have followed the president and opened accounts on the micro blogging site Twitter.

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"The blogosphere has become very popular because the president takes it seriously. That's why other officials decided to follow his example," blogger Alex Exler said.

Medvedev, who portrays himself as a young and technologically savvy leader, registered on Twitter in June and also has a blog on LiveJournal and an account on YouTube.

In their blogs, most officials report on the business meetings and conferences they have attended and upload news links.

In May, the governor of Tver region suggested that the region's main municipalities create Twitter accounts.

Gallery owner and political consultant Marat Guelman says he is not surprised there is a rush among Russian officials to join Twitter as it is common for the country's bureaucrats to copy Kremlin leaders.

"When Yeltsin played tennis, everyone else played tennis. Putin took up judo, and everyone began to do the same. Medvedev started a blog and officials started developing the Russian internet space,' Guelman said.

Internet expert Anton Nosik says officials are only blogging because they "want to please the president".