Communist leader Zyuganov to run for President

Moscow, Jun 11 (UNI) Russian Communist Party leader Gennady Zyuganov today said he would participate in the presidential elections to be held early next year.

''I am ready to run for President. The Party's will is an order for the leader,'' Zyuganov told Interfax news agency.

He said party units in southern Russia had nominated him, adding similar party sessions are to be held in Siberia, the Urals region and the Far East to confirm his nomination.

The final decision to endorse his candidacy for the presidential elections would be taken at a Communist Party session in September, Zyuganov said.

He addressed rallies in Northern Caucasus last week, mapping out strategies for the upcoming parliamentary and presidential elections.

Zyuganov also weighed in on the discussion of possible successors to the incumbent President Vladimir Putin, saying he believed that First Russian Deputy Prime Minister Sergei Ivanov was the main contender to secure the Kremlin's support.

UNI