DATE=11/12/1999
TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT
TITLE=RUSSIA POLITICS (L ONLY)
NUMBER=2-256092
BYLINE=EVE CONANT
DATELINE=MOSCOW
CONTENT=
VOICED AT:
INTRO: Russia's prime minister, Vladimir Putin, has
confirmed he plans to run in next year's presidential
elections. V-O-A correspondent Eve Conant reports the
prime minister's popularity ratings have risen
dramatically since the start of Moscow's military
campaign in Chechnya.
TEXT: The man tapped by President Boris Yeltsin to be
his successor had made few comments about his
presidential ambitions since becoming prime minister
in August. Now, Vladimir Putin has erased any doubt
he plans to run for the Russian presidency next year.
/// PUTIN ACT - IN RUSSIAN - FADE UNDER
///
He says, "As far as running for the presidency is
concerned, I was asked that question on the first day
I was appointed as prime minister and I answered yes."
He says, "If you've paid attention you'll see I don't
retract my words."
But Mr. Putin denied reports that a campaign
headquarters was being set up for him at his
government offices, saying that is not allowed under
Russian law.
Before being appointed prime minister, Mr. Putin was
head of Russia's Federal Security Services and an
agent for the K-G-B.
Recent polls show Mr. Putin has become one of Russia's
most popular politicians, even outstripping another
popular former prime minister, Yevgeny Primakov. Most
Russians support Moscow's military campaign in
Chechnya and Mr. Putin's high approval ratings are
largely attributed to the offensive.
So far, according to government information, the
current Chechnya conflict has resulted in fewer troop
casualties than Moscow's disastrous 1994-1996 war with
the breakaway republic. But analysts say Mr. Putin's
popularity could be damaged if the present military
campaign stretches on too long. (Signed)
NEB/EC/JWH/LTD/JP
12-Nov-1999 11:33 AM EDT (12-Nov-1999 1633 UTC)
NNNN
Source: Voice of America
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