VLADIMIR PUTIN says he won’t seek a third term:

Putin’s second term in office ends in 2008, and he is constitutionally barred from running for a third. While many observers have suggested he would try to stay in office, Putin has consistently dismissed the idea and did so again Thursday.

“The next state of the nation address will be given by another head of state,” he said.

He then acknowledged that many had expected this speech would be his opportunity to openly state which person he wants to follow him, but instead he drew a laugh by saying “it is premature for me to declare a political will.”

Putin’s compliance with the requirement is a good thing — or, rather, his failure to do so would be the final nail in the coffin for Russian democracy. Things still aren’t good, they’re just not as bad as they might have been.