WASHINGTON -- The United States said Monday that it will work with the successor of President Vladimir Putin and expects Putin to play a future role determined by the new Russian leader.
"We, of course, look forward, as well, to working with his (Putin's) successor. As to President Putin's role in a future government or in that future government in Russia, that's obviously something that will be determined by the new president, as well as with the various political parties there," State Department deputy spokesman Tom Casey said.
"There's going to be a lot of internal discussions in Russia about how they organize and manage their political system ... What we would of course expect in Russia, as in any country, is that whatever decisions are made follow the laws and the constitution of that country," Casey said.
According to media reports, Putin is likely to accept the leadership of the dominant United Russia party on Tuesday and that could further strengthen his position after he leaves the Kremlin to become prime minister.
Putin is due to step down as president in May.
