Moscow, August 22

Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed hope Sunday that the Kremlin's United Russia party would continue its dominance in Parliament after the country's parliamentary election in September.

The September 19 vote is widely seen as an important part of Putin's efforts to cement his rule before the next presidential election in 2024. The

68-year-old Russian leader pushed through a constitutional reform last year that would potentially allow him to hold onto power until 2036. — AP