Putin may lose presidential election, Medvedev saysSeptember 30, 2011 - 12:40 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Russian President Dmitry Medvedev has said his mentor, Vladimir Putin, could lose next year's presidential election, RIA Novosti reported. Medvedev and Putin, the Prime Minister, have backed one another to switch roles, ending months of speculation over which man would stand in elections to the presidency next March. "It is the people who make the choice, and these are not empty words," Medvedev said in an interview with state TV channels due to be broadcast on Friday. "Any political leader can lose at the elections." Observers say Putin, who had already served two terms as president before Medvedev took over in 2008, is now all but certain of returning to the Kremlin. But Medvedev - often viewed as a junior partner in Russia's ruling duo - dismissed suggestions Putin was "predetermined" to win the polls. "What predetermination? Let the people decide who to vote for, who has the greater authority," Medvedev said. "That's what democracy is all about." Top stories Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". The earthquake caused a temporary blackout, damaged many buildings and closed a number of rural roads. Partner news | The Power of One Dram to benefit Road of Life charity The companies inform that the May beneficiary of The Power of One Dram is the “Road of Life” charitable organization. Ucom General Director gives lecture at French University in Armenia The General Director of Ucom Ralph Yirikian delivered a lecture at the French University of Armenia. Kazakhstan welcomes Yerevan, Baku’s agreement to meet in Almaty Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has welcomed the agreement of Baku and Yerevan to hold negotiations in Almaty. Armenia offers to temporarily host, preserve Gaza manuscripts The Armenian Foreign Minister has said Yerevan is ready to help preserve manuscripts from the conflict zone in Gaza. |