MOSCOW - Vladimir Putin has staked out his claim to a leadership role in Russian for the foreseeable future.
Speaking at the final annual news conference of his eight-year presidency, Putin told reporters he would have plenty of power if he becomes prime minister, as expected, in March.
Putin is barred by the Russian constitution from running for a third consecutive term as president.
He has entrusted that role to his favoured successor, Dmitry Medvedev, who is expected to be elected handily in the country's March 2 presidential vote.
Putin hints that he could remain prime minister for as long as he sees fit and, as such, would have the power to achieve the goals he has set for Russia.
He also said there is nothing to prevent him from returning to the presidency in the future.
"The premiership is not a transitional post,'' Putin said, adding that he had recently set out goals for Russia's development through 2020.
"If I can see that in this capacity I can fulfil these goals, I will work as long as possible. There is no other answer.''
Putin used the nationally televised marathon of more than 4 1/2 hours to burnish his image as a competent, caring president in control of a resurgent country with growing influence.
Russia wants good relations with the West, but will stand up to any perceived threat from the United States or Europe, he said.
As in previous years, the popular Putin peppered the news conference with warm words for Russia and its people _ while choosing strong language to lambaste the West and his critics.
European countries supporting independence for the Serbian province of Kosovo should be ashamed of their double standards, he said.
Putin, who has presided over a resurgence fuelled largely by energy revenues, proudly reported that "2007 was successful'' for Russia in economic terms.
Russia has become the world's seventh-largest economy, Putin said as he touted increased incomes and 8.1 per cent growth in gross domestic product. But he called for stronger efforts to combat inflation, which exceeded projections.
"I don't see any serious failures,'' he said when asked about his main successes and failures as president. "All the goals that were set were reached, and the tasks fulfilled.''
Putin could use the prime minister's post, which Medvedev has offered, as a springboard back to the presidency in 2012 -- or earlier -- or he could stay on just long enough to ensure a smooth transition.
He indicated he would not step away from a leading political role any time soon, suggesting he would govern in tandem with Medvedev and saying the No. 2 post would give him sufficient power.
While the president sets the main course for the country, he said, "the highest executive power in the country is the government of the Russian Federation'' -- which he would head as prime minister.
As in previous news conferences, Putin unsparingly criticized western actions he characterized as unprovoked threats to Russian or international security.
Speaking about U.S. plans for missile interceptors in Poland and a radar system in the Czech Republic, Putin said Russia's response would be to "retarget our missiles toward a system that we aren't creating.''
"We are warning people ahead of time: If you take this step, then we will make this step,'' Putin said.
He also lashed out angrily at the United States and other NATO countries over their refusal to ratify an amended version of the 1990 Conventional Forces in Europe Treaty. Putin suspended Russia's participation in the pact in December in retaliation.
With Kosovo expected to declare independence within days, Putin said the U.S. argument that the Serbian province was a special case is a "lie'' and warned that recognizing its independence would set a dangerous precedent.
"I don't want to say anything that would offend anyone, but for 40 years northern Cyprus has practically had independence,'' Putin said. "Why aren't you recognizing that? Aren't you ashamed, Europeans, for having these double standards?''
Some 1,000 journalists packed the Kremlin's Round Hall for the news conference. It lasted four hours and 40 minutes, over an hour longer than the record set last year.
