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Russia Might Extend Top Job

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The Associated Press

Published: November 7, 2008

MOSCOW - Russia's constitution will be amended by year's end to extend the presidential term to six years, lawmakers promised Thursday - a move that could pave the way for Vladimir Putin's return to the Kremlin.

It would be the first change to the Russian constitution since its adoption in 1993. A six-year term could mean 12 more years as president for Putin, the current prime minister,who has not ruled out getting his old job back.

Current President Dmitry Medvedev, a Putin protege, suggested raising the term from four years to six Wednesday in his first state of the nation address.

The respected business daily Vedomosti quoted an unnamed Kremlin official as saying Medvedev may even step down as early as next year to get Putin back at the helm.

"Under this scenario, Medvedev could resign early, citing changes to the constitution, and then presidential elections could take place in 2009," the paper said.
Spokesmen for Putin and Medvedev could not be reached Thursday.

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