Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD)

DATE=12/18/2003

TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT

TITLE= RUSSIA / PUTIN (S)

NUMBER=2-310979

BYLINE= LISA MCADAMS

DATELINE= MOSCOW

CONTENT=

VOICED AT:

INTRO: Russian President Vladimir Putin has announced his intention to run for re-election in next year's presidential election, scheduled for March. The long-awaited confirmation of his candidacy came during a nationally-televised question-and-answer session with the Russian public, just two weeks after pro-Kremlin parties won a strong majority in parliamentary elections. V-O-A's Lisa McAdams in Moscow reports.

TEXT: For the third time during his presidency, Mr. Putin took to the airwaves to answer questions from ordinary citizens across Russia about everything from communal housing to salaries and pensions.

But the question on most people's minds was is Mr. Putin going to run for re-election?

The Russian president told the questioner from Krasnodar that he would definitely be a candidate.

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Yes, I am going to run, President Putin said, then added, as if for emphasis, My answer is affirmative.

Mr. Putin said he would make a more formal announcement in the next few days.

His re-election bid was widely expected after pro-Putin parties won control of the lower house of parliament, the Duma, in the election earlier this month. President Putin is widely expected to win a second term, which, according to the Russian constitution, would be his last. (Signed)

NEB/LAM/AWP