diff --git a/NEWS b/NEWS
index 35269e53a..9989537f2 100644
--- a/NEWS
+++ b/NEWS
@@ -1,3 +1,6 @@
+Noteworthy changes in version 1.2.3 (unreleased)
+------------------------------------------------
+
 Noteworthy changes in version 1.2.2 (2003-05-01)
 ------------------------------------------------
 
diff --git a/configure.ac b/configure.ac
index 9b8baabdc..b99fd47ca 100644
--- a/configure.ac
+++ b/configure.ac
@@ -25,7 +25,7 @@ AC_PREREQ(2.52)
 
 # Remember to change the version number immediately *after* a release
 # and remove the "-cvs" or "rc" suffix immediately *before* a release.
-AC_INIT(gnupg, 1.2.2, bug-gnupg@gnu.org)
+AC_INIT(gnupg, 1.2.3-cvs, bug-gnupg@gnu.org)
 # Set development_version to yes if the minor number is odd or you
 # feel that the default check for a development version is not
 # sufficient.