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Putin not to take part in election debates

"The working program which has no prevailing election campaign events is Putin's basic line for upcoming weeks," he added

MOSCOW, January 12 (Itar-Tass) — Prime Minister Vladimir Putin, who is running for president, will not take part in election debates, his press secretary Dmitry Peskov told reporters on Thursday.

"Taking part in television debates implies certain actions: such as filling in a holiday leave notice, but doing it every time will interfere with his performing his duties; you know how busy his schedule is," Peskov explained.

"The working program which has no prevailing election campaign events is Putin's basic line for upcoming weeks," he added.

The press secretary underlined that the time allotted to a candidate on television will used for bringing home the outlook of the candidate’s program to voters."

"At present, an issue is under consideration on possible participation in debates of Putin's representatives."

"However, it is up to the candidate to make the final decision," the press secretary noted.

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