RUSSIAN PRESIDENT STAYING PUTIN

President Vladimir Putin claimed victory early Monday after easily winning a second term in elections with more than 69 percent of the vote -- according to partial official results -- confirming widespread expectations of a commanding victory. "I promise you that for the next four years, I will work in the same mode", Putin said, appearing before reporters. However, unaware that his mic was still on, Putin turned and could be heard whispering to his advisors: "And after the next four years, I will permanently change that mode."

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