Putin endorses Medvedev for president

MOSCOW, Dec. 10 (UPI) -- Russian President Vladimir Putin endorsed First Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev for the presidency in next year's election.

"I have known Dmitry Medvedev well for over 17 years and I completely and fully support his candidature," Putin said.

Parliamentary Speaker Boris Gryzlov, head of the ruling United Russia party, said Medvedev's nomination has been backed by four pro-Kremlin parties, Novosti reported Monday.

"We would like to nominate the candidate who we all support. This is First Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev," Gryzlov said at a meeting that included Putin, the leaders of United Russia, A Just Russia, the Agrarian Party and Civil Force.

Gryzlov said Medvedev would receive a formal nomination Dec. 17 at a United Russia congress.