Strasbourg, 16/02/2012 (Agence Europe) - On Thursday 16 February, the European Parliament called on the Russian authorities to enter into dialogue with the opposition. Presidential elections in Russia are under a month away, on 4 March. In a joint resolution, MEPs speak of their concerns regarding the ban on opposition candidates to stand for elections, which “once again undermines political competition and pluralism”. Parliament mainly regretted the decision by the Kremlin to deny Liberal candidate Grigori Iavlinski, who heads the Yabloko Party, the right to stand as a candidate.
Parliament also points out that peaceful demonstrations are an expression of the Russian people's desire for free and fair elections. It calls on the authorities of that country to consider this as an opportunity for taking measures to bring about the necessary reforms for greater democracy, political participation and primacy of law. MEPs also note the announcements by President Dmitri Medvedev regarding major reform in the political system and invite the government to introduce a package of legislative proposals aimed at developing a truly democratic political system.
MEPs furthermore call on the Russian authorities to continue to carry out a full and transparent investigation into the fraudulent practice during voting at the Duma on 4 December. (CG/transl.jl)