I am ready to be PM: Putin

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Monday declared his readiness to be the next prime minister if his hand-picked successor Dmitry Medvedyev wins the March 2 presidential poll, confirming that he intends to continue running the Kremlin.

Speaking at the congress of the ruling party United Russia, which swept the December 2 parliamentary poll, Putin, however, said he will not try to divest powers from the President once he takes up the new post. Russia's Constitution grants most powers to the president, who appoints the prime minister and can fire him.

The 55-year-old former KGB agent, who inherited a country in social and economic turmoil from Boris Yeltsin, said that he would be willing to continue the 'common cause with Medvedev in new capacity' after stepping down in May.

Putin, who served two four-year terms and has no right to seek re-election, officially nominated close political ally Medvedev as his party's presidential candidate.

"If the citizens of Russia trust Dmitry Medvedev and elect him the country's president, I will be ready to chair the government," Putin said after walking into the congress hall near the famous Red Square accompanied by Medvedev amid applause from dark-suited men and women delegates.

Putin hinted last year that he may become prime minister after his presidential term expired - but this is the first time he has confirmed his intentions.

Medvedev has already pledged to adhere as a leader to the policies outlined during the Putin presidency. The 42-year-old former lawyer is now chairman of state energy giant Gazprom.