diff --git a/NEWS b/NEWS
index dd48c249b..61ad2f10a 100644
--- a/NEWS
+++ b/NEWS
@@ -1,3 +1,7 @@
+Noteworthy changes in version 1.2.?
+------------------------------------------------
+
+
 Noteworthy changes in version 1.2.7 (2004-12-27)
 ------------------------------------------------
 
diff --git a/configure.ac b/configure.ac
index 4dce72998..3d9031ca8 100644
--- a/configure.ac
+++ b/configure.ac
@@ -26,7 +26,7 @@ min_automake_version="1.9.3"
 
 # Remember to change the version number immediately *after* a release
 # and remove the "-cvs" or "rc" suffix immediately *before* a release.
-AC_INIT(gnupg, 1.2.7, bug-gnupg@gnu.org)
+AC_INIT(gnupg, 1.2.8-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.