Ex-PM Kasyanov to run for president

cctv.com 09-15-2005 09:32

The former Russian prime minister, Mikhail Kasyanov, says he will run for president in the 2008 election. He also urged Russia's fragmented opposition to unite. Kasyanov made the announcement during a live talk show on Russia's popular radio station Echo Moscow. Kasyanov served as prime minister for most of President Vladimir Putin's first term. He was dismissed by Putin last February. In July, prosecutors accused the 47-year-old Kasyanov of signing documents while in office that helped him to acquire a luxury riverside villa in one of Moscow's grandest areas. He denied any wrongdoing. Under the constitution, Putin must stand down at the end of his second term in 2008.

Editor:Wang Ping  Source:CCTV.com