Putin to return as Russian president

With just a few words, Russian President Dmitry Medvedev ends months of rumors and speculation on his political future.
[SOUNDBITE] (Russian) RUSSIAN PRESIDENT DMITRY MEVEDEV
"I think it would be right for the congress to support the candidacy of party leader Vladimir Putin for president of the country."
Thousands cheered his support for Vladimir Putin's presidential bid next year.
The two leaders were thought to be vying for their party's nomination for the presidency.
The question of who would run has gripped the country for months.
Putin also addressed the crowd, stating he was ready to take up the mantle once again.
(SOUNDBITE) (Russian) RUSSIAN PRIME MINISTER VLADIMIR PUTIN ON PODIUM ADDRESSING CONGRESS, SAYING:
" Ahead of us we have a task of enormous scale. We have to build an innovative economy, (OVER WIDE SHOT OF PUTIN AT PODIUM) strengthen democratic institutions. But if we really want to achieve success, at the centre of our attention must always be the citizen of Russia."
Medvedev isn't done with politics - Putin says Medvedev should become his prime minister after the 2012 presidential election.
Putin was forced to step down as president in 2008, because he could not run for a third consecutive term.
While some fear his conservative bent could stagnate Russia's economy, others say there will be little difference between Putin's policies and Medvedev's.
Jessica Gray, Reuters