Russian President Vladimir Putin said Monday he would lead the dominant United Russia party in the parliamentary elections scheduled for December and may seek premiership after second term ends. (Xinhua/Reuters Photo)
Photo Gallery>>>

    MOSCOW, Oct. 1 (Xinhua) -- Russian President Vladimir Putin said Monday he would lead the dominant United Russia party in the parliamentary elections scheduled for December and may seek premiership after second term ends.

    "I am accepting your invitation to lead United Russia with gratitude," Putin was quoted by the Itar-Tass news agency as saying at the United Russia's pre-election congress. 

    Meanwhile, the president said he may consider to contest the premiership on two conditions after his presidency expires.

    "Leading the Cabinet is quite realistic a proposal, but time is not ripe to consider it yet. At least two conditions will have to be met," Putin was quoted by the Itar-Tass news agency as saying.

    "Firstly, United Russia is to emerge the winner in the State Duma elections on December 2, and, secondly, in the presidential seat there must be a decent, capable, effective and modern-type politician, with whom I might work in tandem," he said.

    Putin's second term as president expires in 2008 and he is barred by the Constitution from running for a third term.

Russia's President Vladimir Putin (C) waves as Duma speaker Boris Gryzlov (R) and Emergencies Minister Sergei Shoigu (L) stand by at the congress of the main pro-Kremlin United Russia party in Moscow October 1, 2007. (Xinhua/Reuters Photo)
Photo Gallery>>>

    U.S. terms Putin's parliamentary bid as Russia's internal matter

    WASHINGTON, Oct. 1 (Xinhua) -- The United States said Monday the decision by Russian President Vladimir Putin to participate in Russia's upcoming parliamentary elections is Russia's internal matter while calling for free and fair elections.

    "This is ultimately a matter for the people of Russia to decide. We will be paying very close attention to the upcoming elections in Russia," White House press secretary Dana Perino said.