Mikhail Kasyanov (file photo) (ITAR-TASS)
April 8, 2006 -- Russia's former Prime Minister Mikhail Kasyanov today officially assumed the leadership of a new political movement that could serve as a platform for him to run in the 2008 presidential election.
Addressing supporters, Kasyanov said his movement -- the Popular Democratic Union (NDS) -- would fight "for honest and fair elections" and strive to prevent the authorities from rigging votes.
Kasyanov also said his party would consult with other political forces with a view to drafting a long-term development program for Russia.
Kasyanov last December failed to win over the leadership of the Democratic Party.
(RIA Novosti, ITAR-TASS, lenta.ru)
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