October 1, 2007 (LPAC)--Russian President Vladimir Putin today accepted an offer to head up the United Russia slate in the Dec. 2 elections for the State Duma. In announcing this decision, Putin opened the door to the prospect of his becoming prime minister, after a new President of the Russian Federation is chosen next March 2. These indications followed a speech to the United Russia party congress, in which Putin emphasized the stabilization of Russian society over the past seven years, the need for continuity of policy, and the magnitude of problems still facing the country.

Keynoting the meeting, Putin attributed Russia's "state of depression" when he became President the previous year, to two main factors: the "shock therapy" policies of the 1990s, with their culmination in the financial collapse of 1998, and the threatened fragmentation of Russia through the North Caucasus insurgencies. Now, he said, "we cannot miss the historic chance for peaceful and stable development." As Putin presented the case, the key to such "stable development" of Russia is a victory by United Russia, the party he helped to found in 2001. Now is the time, he added, "that we have every opportunity to provide that Russia is truly a great country."

Among today's pressing issues, he mentioned infrastructure construction, especially roads, and the gap between rich and poor in Russia.

While saying that he is "not a party man," Putin agreed to head the United Russia slate. As for the other "suggestions," put forward by people at the United Russia meeting, Putin said, "Heading up the Government would be an entirely realistic proposition. But it's early to think about that, because it would require at least two preconditions: United Russia has to win in the Dec. 2 State Duma elections, and a decent, competent, efficient and modern person, with whom it would be possible to work as a team, has to be elected President."

The speech was carried on the Kremlin web site, the United Russia website, and major Russian media, with excerpts aired on national television.