Gorbachev Says Putin's View 'Important' In 2008 Election

Mikhail Gorbachev at a concert in his honor in Moscow this February (epa)

August 15, 2006 -- Former Soviet President Mikhail Gorbachev has called on Russians to pay heed to President Vladimir Putin's opinion when they elect a new leader in 2008.

In an interview published today by the Russian daily "Nezavisimaya gazeta," Gorbachev said it was "important to hear who the president will name" as his preferred successor.

The Russian Constitution requires Putin to step down after the end of his second term, in 2008.

(Interfax)