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Putin: I will agree to become PM
Russian president Vladimir Putin said Monday he will take on the role of prime minister if the man he is backing to be president when he steps down wins elections scheduled for next year."If citizens of Russia support Dmitry Medvedev and elect him for president, I will be ready to head the government," he told the congress of his United Russia party. Medvedev, Putin's choice as successor, was officially confirmed as the presidential candidate of the United Russia party, it was announced on state television Monday. In a secret ballot of party members, a total of 478 delegates endorsed Medvedev with only 1 voting against, according to the Russian news agency Interfax. Monday's announcement of Medvedev's confirmation was seen as a formality after Russia's incumbent leader threw his weight behind Medvedev, endorsing him as the party's presidential candidate last week. Medvedev, who is also chairman of the state energy giant Gazprom, returned the favor 24 hours later when he asked Putin to serve as prime minister if he is elected leader. Posted by: ed 2007-12-18 |
| http://www.rantburg.com/poparticle.php?ID=214048 |