RUSSIA: Putin/Medvedev Rift Growing? Prez. Dmitry Allegedly Defying PM Putin In Push For Another Term.

GUARDIAN/ T.Parfitt

    A Russian MP claims that President Medvedev is ready to defy PM Putin and seek a second term.
    Ruling United Russia MP Konstantin Zatulin said Medvedev's allies are trying to undermine Putin.
    "Medvedev wants to stay, he has broken the agreement and now Putin will have to persuade him to back off," said Zatulin.
   But Medvedev controls no party.
   Putin leads United Russia and thru it exerts control over parliament, regional leaders and the bureaucracy.