Putin says term-extension bill not meant for him

MOSCOW (AP) - Prime Minister Vladimir Putin said Wednesday that a bill that would extend the Russian president's term to six years was not tailored for him and would be a boost for democracy in the country.

The measure could pave the way for a new 12-year presidency for Putin if he decides to seek Russia's highest office again. Lawmakers are moving to fast-track the constitutional change that President Dmitry Medvedev submitted to parliament Tuesday.

Putin said the change "has no personal dimension" and cast it as aiding democracy—which critics say was rolled back dramatically during his two four-year presidential terms.