Putin accepts presidential nomination

Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin Sunday officially accepted his party's nomination to run for president. At a meeting of the United Party in Moscow, Putin announced he wants to solve the problem of social inequality and seek justice as president of the country, RIA Novosti reported. "It is not the first time that Russia has set noble goals and achieved successes, uniting around particular values. These values are the truth, dignity and justice," he said. Putin proposed a wealth tax, saying there's no reason lower-income citizens should be burdened "while luxury and overconsumption should be taxed at a higher rate." Putin and President Dmitry Medvedev announced their intentions to switch jobs in mid-October. Medvedev is expected to become prime minister when parliamentary polls take place Dec. 4 and presidential elections are scheduled for March 4, 2012.