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)
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Source: Voice of America
.