Alexy II supports prime ministership for Putin
{image-Vladmir
Putin01_13122007.jpg
news.oneindia.in}
Moscow,
Dec
13:
The
Patriarch
of
Moscow
and
All
Russia
Alexy
II
has
supported
an
appeal
to
President
Vladimir
Putin
to
become
Prime
Minister
after
the
March
2
election,
in
order
to
ensure
continuity
of
power.
''If we have such a combination-- a new President, and Vladimir Vladimirovich (Putin) gives consent, I think it will be a great blessing for Russia,'' Patriarch Alexy II said in an interview to NTV television channel today supporting the appeal by the presidential candidate and First Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev.
The Patriarch noted that during Mr Putin's term, Russia has become a more prosperous country and has enhanced its influence in the world.
''We are not recognizing Russia after eight years, how it is reckoned with in the world community,'' he stressed.
Alexy II emphasised Mr Putin's devotion to ''our Fatherland, love for the Fatherland which he has demonstrated, his tremendous efforts towards the benefit of our Fatherland, its power and its development for the good of our people.''
''Having known Vladimir Vladimirovich for many years, I can testify that he has never been possessed by ambition and pride in his activity,'' the Patriarch said.
UNI