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Russia's deputy education minister has resigned in a policy clash with his new boss, whom he criticised for being too pro-Communist. Alexander Asmolov, a psychology professor, left within days of the appointment last month of Vladimir Filippov, former rector of Moscow's Peoples Friendship University. Filippov told Kommersant daily that Asmolov had been critical of his moves to forge bonds with the Communist-dominated Russian parliament. "But without contacts with the Duma it will be impossible to change laws or do anything to help the education system," he said.