Russia's Medvedev backs Putin for president

Russian President Dmitry Medvedev has backed PM Vladimir Putin to succeed him next year, ending speculation over which man would run for the post.

Mr Medvedev made the announcement at the annual congress of the United Russia party, which Mr Putin leads.

The party dominates Russian politics and observers say Mr Putin's return to the Kremlin is now all but guaranteed.

He had already served two terms as president before Mr Medvedev took over in 2008.

Earlier, Mr Putin told the congress that Mr Medvedev should head the party's list of candidates in December's parliamentary elections.

Mr Medvedev then told delegates: "Given the offer to top the party list and engage in party work, and given a successful run at the elections... I believe that it would be appropriate for the congress to back the candidacy of the chairman of the party, Vladimir Putin, for the post of the president of the country."

There was no immediate reaction from Mr Putin or the party.

There have been months of speculation that Mr Putin plans to return to the Kremlin when elections are held in March.

Correspondents say most Russians believe he has greater influence in the country and far more power than Mr Medvedev.