Concerns raised about Putin as next President

In Russia, concerns are being raised about the possible longtime rule of Prime Minister Vladimir Putin if he reclaims the presidency next year.

At a convention of the ruling United Russia Party on Saturday, President Dmitry Medvedev nominated Putin as a candidate for the next presidential election in March.

Putin immediately accepted the offer and described it a great honor.

The former President said he would appoint Medvedev as prime minister if he returns to the presidential office that he left 3 years ago.

Without a powerful opposition contender, Putin's victory in the presidential race is widely seen as virtually certain.

The constitution was revised to extend the presidential term in office to 6 years and allows a second consecutive term if re-elected. Therefore, the next Russian president could conceivably rule the country for 12 years until 2024.

There is some concern that Russia's relationship with the United States may retreat from the current state of affairs under Medvedev's Presidency where bilateral ties had deepened.

Japan is also concerned that Russia may continue to maneuver over the territorial issue involving Russian-held islands claimed by Japan.

Attention is now focused on whether Putin can maintain his popularity among Russian voters in a parliamentary election in December and the presidential race in next March.