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United Russia congress to support Medvedev for Party chairman

"I believe all our Party will give its support, all the delegates of the congress," Gryzlov said

MOSCOW, April 25 (Itar-Tass) — Chairman of the United Russia's Supreme Council Boris Gryzlov expressed confidence that the extraordinary congress of the Party in May would support Dmitry Medvedev's candidacy for the post of Party chairman.

"I believe all our Party will give its support, all the delegates of the congress," Gryzlov said at a meeting between the Party leadership and Vladimir Putin on Tuesday.

"Dmitry Anatolyevich ran the /parliamentary election/ campaign in the capacity of Party leader, and we got a worthy result," the United Russia's official said.

For his part, Putin stated he was hoping for the approval of Medvedev's candidacy by the congress.

"I very much count on the delegates of the future congress of the Party supporting the candidacy of Dmitry Anatolyevich," the premier underlined.

Leader of United Russia's parliament faction Andrei Vorobyov confirmed that Untied Russia members were expecting a meeting with Medvedev shortly within the framework of consultations over the candidacy for premiership.

"We'll be expecting Dmitry Medvedev at the State Duma in the nearest future; the faction will hold a meeting and discussion after you bring forward his candidacy. United Russia members are set to work," Vorobyov said.

He said he was hoping that the government and the president’s decisions would rest on the Party platform. "Of course, we realize that our contacts will be based on regular meeting. We reserve the right to compare our legislative initiatives and ideas in general," he said.

The lawmaker praised Medvedev speech at the State Council meeting on Tuesday as "magnificent," as it confirmed the logic of pre-election articles and initiatives voiced by Vladimir Putin during the election campaign.

"I believe it is a very important stage for the country - to dare and realize what worries people today, worries every family," the State Duma faction leader said, noting that these issues included education, health care and public utilities.

"We'll do so," Putin assured him in response.

At a meeting with United Russia officials on Tuesday, Vladimir Putin stated his intention to step down as United Russia chairman after his inauguration on May 7. He suggested that the Party hold its congress in the second half of May to elect the new chair person. He also suggested Dmitry Medvedev's candidacy for the post.

State Duma speaker Sergei Naryshkin confirmed that the house would hold an extra plenary session on May 8 to consider the candidacy of new prime minister. The candidate should hold consultations with the factions before the session.