MOSCOW. Jan 27 (Interfax) - Leader of the Russian People's Democratic Union, ex-Prime Minister Mikhail Kasyanov has described the decision to deny him registration as a presidential candidate as politically motivated and said the state leadership will bear responsibility for the consequences of this decision.

Undoubtedly, the decision not to register my candidacy, as well as all important political decisions emerging in the 'vertical' system, were made personally by Vladimir Putin," Kasyanov said in a statement on Sunday.

"Authoritieis will bear the entire responsibility for this," he said.

"The hopes that the political process will develop within the constitutional field have not been justified," he also said. The current political system in Russia, "as in the USSR, will not respond to change either from inside, or from outside," Kasyanov said.

"Those who think we are losers are wrong. In spite of all circumstances, we have won because we have held our honor and dignity, and we have done all we could in the current situation. Those who think our campaign is over are mistaken. Our campaign is just beginning. Everyone is free to make his contribution to the construction of a new Russia," he said.

In conclusion Kasyanov thanked all who supported him for the past thee years.