Representatives of More than 10 Russian Regions Call on PM Mikhail Kasyanov to Stand in Presidential Elections

Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Kasyanov was asked to stand in upcoming presidential elections by participants at an interregional conference in Nizhni Novgorod today, devoted to the nomination of the Russian prime minister for the presidency. Ruslan Kutayev, chairman of the committee for Kasyanov's nomination, said that Mikhail Kasyanov is the most acceptable candidate for the presidency of the multi-racial Russian Federation. He said that 'in order to raise Russia from its knees, economic growth is needed and Mr Kasyanov is a good economist.' Mr Kutayev added that Russia has to pay off more than USD 100 million in debts and Mr Kasyanov is the best debt negotiator. Furthermore Mr Kasyanov supports the provision of credit and the lowering of taxation for small and medium-sized businesses. 'Only a person with this professional experience can solve Russia's social and economic problems,' said Mr Kutayev. Representatives of over 10 Russian regions took part at the conference, including the Kostroma, Yaroslavl, Ivanova and Moscow Regions.