Putin says backs longer presidency

Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin, who some analysts say may want to return to the Kremlin, on Wednesday supported extending the presidential term of office but said it was too early to talk of candidates, according to Reuters via International Herald Tribune.

"I support (President) Dmitry Medvedev`s proposal. As regards who and when can run for the next term, it is premature to talk about this," Putin told a news conference.

Medvedev asked lawmakers on Tuesday to approve a draft law extending the presidential term of office to six years from four, a change some observers say is part of a plan to bring Putin back to the Kremlin.