Russia opposition backs Kasparov to run for president

MOSCOW, Sep 30 (Reuters) The Russian opposition alliance, the Other Russia, today backed world chess champion and outspoken Kremlin critic Garry Kasparov as its candidate in next year's presidential election.

''Kasparov was confirmed by an overwhelming majority of votes as the single candidate from the opposition,'' said Other Russia spokeswoman Lyudmila Mamina by telephone.

Russia's presidential election, in which President Vladimir Putin must step down, will take place in March 2008.

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