SOCHI, May 13 (RIA Novosti) - Russian President Vladimir Putin said Saturday he would state his position on candidates in the 2008 presidential election, but the final choice would have to be made by the people.
"I will responsibly perform my duties until the last minute in the presidential office, but the choice - one way or the other - can only be made by the citizens of the Russian Federation," Putin said at a meeting with senior officials of the All-Russia State Television and Radio Broadcasting Company.
Putin has repeatedly said that he will not seek a third term in office.
Asked whether he was thinking about a successor, Putin said: "I have always been thinking about this - at least since 2000."
He said the Russian people treasured the current stability in the country and were concerned about what might happen after 2008, adding that trying to impose a candidate could produce a backlash.
"At the same time I consider it appropriate to state my position on a particular candidate," he said.
