Putin supports Medvedev for president

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Source: CCTV.com | 12-11-2007 08:45

Russian President Vladimir Putin and First Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev attend a meeting of Russian party leaders in the Kremlin in Moscow December 10, 2007. REUTERS/RIA-Novosti/Kremlin

Profile: Putin´s nominated successor Dmitry Mdevedev

Party leaders from Russia's four major parties have jointly nominated First Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev as the candidate for next March's presidential election.

President Vladimir Putin says he will support Medvedev's run for presidency.

Putin announced his support after a meeting with party leaders and representatives.

He says the support of the four parties including United Russia for a single candidate means there is a realistic chance of building a stable government.

Vladimir Putin, Russian President, said, "In terms of the candidacy of Dmitry Anatoliyevich Medvedev, I can say I have known him for more than 17 years, and I have worked closely with him over these years. And I fully support this proposal."

President Vladimir Putin, left, and First Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev seen prior to a Kremlin meeting in Moscow, in this Thursday, June 8, 2006, file photo. (AP Photo/ITAR-TASS, Dmitry Astakhov, Presidential Press Service, File)

Medvedev will officially be nominated for presidential candidacy at next Monday's United Russia congress.

The party has praised Medvedev for his achievements in improving medical care, education, agriculture and other areas.

Medvedev who is 42, was promoted to the position of presidential chief of staff in 2003 and took up the first deputy prime minister's post in 2005.

Under Russia's constitution, the current president is not allowed to seek a third term. Putin has promised to step down next year but has vowed to contribute to the nation after that.

Russian President Vladimir Putin (L) and First Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev are seen here in Moscow in October 2007.(AFP/File/Yuri Kadobnov)

Editor:Zhang Pengfei