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Putin under spotlight in phone-in Putin wants US date to quit Iraq
(about 1 hour later)
Russian President Vladimir Putin is answering questions from people across the country in a live TV broadcast. Russian President Vladimir Putin has said the US should set a date for a withdrawal from Iraq.
Russians have submitted more than one million questions by telephone, text messages or via the internet, the Kremlin says. He was speaking during a live televised question-and-answer session with Russians covering both domestic and foreign policy issues.
It says the questions range from concerns about Russia's economy to environmental worries. Mr Putin said that while the US avoided setting a pull-out date "the Iraqi leadership... won't rush to build up its own security forces".
Mr Putin also said Russia would greatly strengthen its armed forces.
Russians submitted more than one million questions by telephone, text messages or via the internet, the Kremlin said.
The phone-in comes as speculation grows about Mr Putin's plans after his second presidential term ends in March.The phone-in comes as speculation grows about Mr Putin's plans after his second presidential term ends in March.
Under the Russian constitution, he is not allowed to run for a third consecutive term as president.Under the Russian constitution, he is not allowed to run for a third consecutive term as president.
Earlier this month, Mr Putin, 55, raised the possibility of becoming future prime minister.Earlier this month, Mr Putin, 55, raised the possibility of becoming future prime minister.
He said he had accepted the proposal by the pro-Kremlin United Russia to head the party's list in December's parliamentary election - a move that would guarantee him a seat in the next parliament.He said he had accepted the proposal by the pro-Kremlin United Russia to head the party's list in December's parliamentary election - a move that would guarantee him a seat in the next parliament.
That was the clearest indication yet that Mr Putin is determined to stay at the centre of power in Russia, correspondents say.That was the clearest indication yet that Mr Putin is determined to stay at the centre of power in Russia, correspondents say.
This is the sixth time Mr Putin has done the phone-in since coming to office.This is the sixth time Mr Putin has done the phone-in since coming to office.