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Dr Grigory Alexeevich Yavlinsky

Chairman of the Russian Democratic Party YABLOKO

Head of the YABLOKO faction in the State Duma

Biography Main political projects
Publications and translations Contact address
References to other websites Photogallery
Biography

Grigory Yavlinsky was born on April 10, 1962 in Lvov, Ukraine and is the son of an officer. His father was an orphan and was raised in Anton Makarenko's (Ed. Famous Russian educator) children's colony, served in the army throughout the entire Second World War and devoted his life to working with problem children. His mother taught chemistry at an institute. Both his parents are buried in Lvov. His brother Mikhail also lives in Lvov.

In 1967 and 1968- he was the champion of Ukraine in junior boxing. He decided to become an economist during his school years. In 1967-76 he studied at Moscow Plekhanov's Institute of Economy and took a post-graduate course there. A candidate of economics (PhD), he worked in the coal sector.

From 1984 he held management position at the Labour Ministry and then the Council of Ministers of the USSR. He was head of the Joint Economic Department of the Government of the USSR. In 1989 - member of the Academician Abalkin's commission for economic reforms.

Main political projects

Transition to a market economy

1990 - "500 Days" - a programme for the transition to a market economy. To implement the programme, Yavlinsky was appointed Deputy Chairman of the Council of Ministers of the RSFSR, Chairman of the State Commission of the USSR for Economic Reform. Due to infighting among the federal authorities the programme was not implemented and Yavlinsky resigned from his post.

Integration into the World

1991 - "The Grand Bargain" - a progamme of integration of the Soviet economy into the world economy.

Preservation of a single post-Soviet economic space

1991- "Treaty on the Economic Union of the Republics of the USSR". Approved by the heads of the Soviet republics. Ruined by the Belovezhskiye agreements.

Reforms from below

1992 - "Nizhni Novgorod Prologue - Reforms from Below" - a regional development programme implemented by Yavlinsky's team in the Nizhni Novgorod region. It introduced for the first time in Russia a regional loan, targeted social assistance programme and application-based registration of entrepreneurs. 1994 - "Moscow Privatisation" - approved by the RF President as an alternative to voucher-based privatization, capable of creating of efficient owners; implemented in Moscow.

Civil Society

1993 - began working in the State Duma; leader of the most professional and efficient Duma faction of the first, second and third convocations of the Duma.

1995- creation of YABLOKO, a Russian civil democratic party.

1996, 2000 - presidential candidate; came fourth and third.

After the default in1998 proposed a way out of the governmental and economic crisis - the compromise figure of Evgeny Primakov as Prime Minister.

Since the mid-1990s he has been involved in developing tax and budget reforms. Active opponent of a military solution to the problems in Chechnya and of imports of radioactive waste into Russia. Rigorous and uncompromising critic of the government variant of the housing and utilities sector and electricity sector reforms. In April 2003 initiated a collection of signatures for the resignation of the government.

Married, has two sons born in 1971 and 1981.

Author of over 60 books and publications translated into English, German, French and Japanese, including: "Analysis of the Economy of the USSR" (1982), "The Grand Bargain" (1991), "Nizhni Novgorod Prologue. Economic and Politics in Russia" (1992), "Lessons of the Economic Reform" (1994), "Russia's Economy: the Heritage and Possibilities" (1995), "Russia's Phoney Capitalism" (1998), "Incentives and Institutions. The Transition to a Market Economy in Russia" (1999), "Demodernisation" (2002), "Periphery Capitalism" (2003).

Publications and translations

Publications in Russian see at http://www.yavlinsky.ru/

Russian Liberal Yavlinsky Awarded Prize for Freedom
MosNews, October 18, 2004 (Archive)
Yabloko head was nominated for the award by the faction Liberals, Democrats and Reformers of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe. This decision was made in October 2003 during a session of the Liberal International in Dakar, Senegal. The party had an observer status by the Liberal International since 1998, and became its full member in 2002.

The International Prize for Freedom has been awarded to Grigory Yavlinsky
Press release, October 16, 2004
The International Prize for Freedom will be handed to chairman of Russian Democratic Party YABLOKO Grigory Yavlinsky at special ceremony in Berlin on October, 18

Dark Age, Putin Gambles on Raw Power
By Steven Lee Myers, New York Times, September 19, 2004

"All this period of time was called democracy," Mr. Yavlinsky said in an interview. "The people looked at it and said, 'If that is democracy, then, thank you very much.' " But he added, angrily: "All these things had nothing in common with democracy. It was Potemkin democracy."

What Happened to Russia?
By Grigory Yavlinsky, Kommersant, September 17, 2004

Terrorists' acts leading to deaths of innocent, and unarmed people, children and women have no justification whatsoever either political, or moral, or religious, or ideological.

What Happened to Russia?
By Grigory Yavlinsky, www.yavlinsky.ru, September 15, 2004

What happened to Russia? It drowned. In lies and cynicism.
Still, we have to swim on. We cannot sink to the bottom of this sea of cynicism and lies. Many people cannot live on in this way. After getting a taste of truth and freedom once, hoping that it will be possible to live in Russia and human dignity will be observed, they have become inner defectors.

On the measures proposed by the President of the RF at the expanded meeting of the Cabinet
The Russian Democratic Party YABLOKO, Statement, YABLOKO's press-service, September 13, 2004

As the President virtually completely controls the regional authorities today, the legislative decision to appoint the heads of the regions without changing anything in essence, marks a step to revise the Constitution of Russia.

A Tragedy of Beslan
A complete text of Grigory Yavlinsky's interview published in a contracted version by Interfax, Interfax, September 6, 2004

"We insist on immediate resignation of the chiefs of the security, the interior and the defence ministries, creation of a parliamentary commission on the investigation of the events in Beslan, and direct public dialogue with the President on the problems of security, the policies on Chechnya and Caucasus in general."

Russia's Peripheral Liberalism
By Lilia Shevtsova, FOREIGN POLICY, September/October 2004

Yavlinsky first emerged as a promising young deputy prime minister in Russia's first post-Soviet government in 1990, under then President Boris Yeltsin. In a bold and rare move, he later left the government voluntarily and led his pro-democratic opposition Yabloko party into the Duma (Russian parliament), where he spent a decade storming the barricades of Russia's soft authoritarian rule.

Putin Faces His Biggest Challenge So Far
By Catherine Belton, St Peterburg Times, September 10, 2004

"If you have a system that has no independent sources of information, no independent parliament, no independent justice, or even any independent business, then you have a system that is very fragile," said Grigory Yavlinsky, a former presidential candidate and leader of the liberal Yabloko party. "This is a system that is not only dangerous to people but also to Putin."

Mixed reaction from Russian party leaders to Putin's political proposals
ITAR-TASS, September 13, 2004

Grigory Yavlinsky, leader of the Yabloko party, thinks that the president's plan to take control of regional gubernatorial elections is "anticonstitutional". In an official statement, he said the plan was "insulting" to the people of Russia.

Putin to Blame?
BBC, September 10, 2004

Grigory Yavlinsky blames the Kremlin for what happened during the siege which has left at least 353 people dead.

After the tragedy in Beslan
By Grigory Yavlinsky, www.yavlinsky.ru, September 6, 2004

The authorities should take three steps, which can be broken down into three areas. Economic: the people must have normal jobs, incomes and living conditions. Military: the local habitants should be able to trust the actions carried out to capture the bandits... Political: it is necessary to involve as many Chechens as possible in the discussion of developments in Chechnya...

Windfall Tax, Operation "Vacuum Cleaner"
By Mikhail Romanov, Alina Keshokova, Natalia Shipitsyna and Yelena Zvereva, Moskovski Komsomolets, August 3, 2004

"Why is building communism considered possible and unjust privatisation considered possible - but measures amending the situation are not? At the same time, the tax alone cannot be expected to fix the situation. The same legislation should specify the ceiling for concentration of capital in one person's ownership, transparent lobbying and transparent funding of political parties, public television. It should also specify separation of business and government at all levels, and must recognize the validity of the deals made in the 1990s."

It is time for Putin to make up his mind
A complete version of Grigory Yavlinsky's article published in an abbreviated version in "Forbes", No. 4, July 2004

If you open the newspapers, what are the economic topics in the headings? Tax problems, social privileges, GNP rates. However, everybody knows that you can improve the tax system indefinitely, develop new forms of mortgages and "mop up" banks, but all other measures are pointless until you resolve once and for all, clearly and unequivocally property issues. A political and legal estimate of privatisation in the mid-1990s is the main economic issue today. President Putin should finally make up his mind. Otherwise nothing will be achieved.

Letter to foreign journalists working in Russia
Grigory Yavlinsky, www.yavlinsky.ru, July 15, 2004

Paul Khlebnikov was a fearless man. He loved Russia and believed in its bright and fair future. However, he mistakenly believed that this future had already arrived. Please accept my deep condolences concerning the death of your comrade.

Grigory Yavlinsky: Authoritarianism leads to irreversible backwardness
Novaya Gazeta, July 1, 2004

Leader of Yabloko talked to Andrei Kosmynin about the political climate in Russia on the eve of the next Yabloko Party congress.

Griogry Yavlinsky: the state clan replaced the State Planning Committee in Russia
Rosbalt, June 8, 2004

"I categorically disagree with the political system that has been built in Russia recently." Such a statement was made by the leader of the YABLOKO party Grigory Yavlinsky during live broadcast by Ekho Moskvi radio station. According to Yavlinsky, despite some correct solutions, this system lacks an independent court, independent parliament and civil or some outer control over the secret services and law enforcement agencies: it also lacks politically important and independent mass media, and elections are controlled.

Griogry Yavlinsky: All the bright journalists have been shut up in Russia
Rosbalt, June 8, 2004

Yavlinsky is certain that the authorities should be criticised, “but there should be no insulting.” “And in general one should not insult any one, either the authorities, the public or people in jail,” noted Yavlinsky.

Griogry Yavlinsky on the work of the government
yavlinsky.ru, May 12 2004

The government has yet to present an economic programme. However, the range of measures outlined by the Cabinet, for example, in the social sphere may lead to a deterioration in the conditions for some population groups, above all the most vulnerable members of society.

Griogry Yavlinsky calls on democratic parties to unite
Rosbalt, May 1, 2004

According to a Rosbalt correspondent, YABLOKO’s leader also stated that the conditions requisite for the functioning of independent courts, parliament and mass media should be created in Russia. Public and civil control over secret services and the law and enforcement agencies should be installed.

Yavlinsky represents Russia in international conferences
special for www.yalvinsky.ru, April 23, 2004

On April 23-25, 2004, Griogry Yavlinsky will participate in the conference conducted by the Ditchley Foundation, and international non-profit organisation, and devoted to Russia Russia as a Stable and Flourishing Partner.
On April 27-30, 2004, Yavlinsky is invited to make a speech at the European annual meeting of the World Economic Forum.

Yavlinsky thinks that liberal reforms have not been conducted in Russia yet
special for www.yalvinsky.ru, April 22, 2004

There has been no modern, serious, systematic liberal approach to the Russian reforms for the past ten years, stated Yavlinsky.

Grigory Yavlinsky: The ban of the First of May march is symptomatic
Interview with Grigory Yavlinsky by Marina Gvozdevskaya, BBC, April 9, 2004

"...And this is connected with the fact that the action was announced as "Civil Society Against a Police State," and it was banned because it was stated in such an open and clear way."

Grigory Yavlinsky: the goal of boosting votes for United Russia to 40% and probably of raising turnout, affected the results of the parliamentary elections
Interview with Grigory Yavlinsky conducted by Denis Babichenko, Itogi, March 30, 2004

In my opinion, despite all our documented arguments, the courts will reject everything and the people will only start to believe that it was pointless seeking honesty at the elections.

Grigory Yavlinsky comments on the declaration by President Putin to fight against corruption
Anchor: Vladimir Baburin, Radio Liberty, March 25, 2004

If there is no public control, if there are no public organisations such as trade unions, political parties, different citizens' associations, if we have a one-party parliament which also belongs to the same party of power, in these conditions we can do nothing to fight corruption.

A meeting between Grigory Yavlinsky and members of the Russian branch of the PEN-club took place last week.
March 18, 2004
Most of the discussion evolved around developments with Russian democracy since 1985. According to Grigory Yavlinsky, with the beginning of perestroika people discovered that another life was quite possible: without fear. Lies and the absurd. The state can be arranged to ensure that citizens’ rights can be exercised, instead of a fight against them. The state should not only protect property rights, but also support an efficient social system. And people strived for such changes.

Yavlinsky Warns of 'Gosklan'
By Caroline McGregor, The Moscow Times, February 11, 2004

Less than 150 people make all key decisions in the country, and ultimately "all businesses, parliament, the media and the courts are controlled by one person," he said, in reference to President Vladimir Putin.

Grigory Yavlinsky: The country is slipping away and there is nothing that can be done about it
Interview with Grigory Yavlinsky by Natalya Gromova, Moskovsky Komsomolets, January 30, 2004

For the past ten years my critics have been saying that I'm unwilling to compromise; now they are criticizing me for seeking a compromise. Last spring, the papers praised YABLOKO for finding a common language with Putin to get into the Duma. Now they're asking why we tried to find common language with Putin - saying that's why we failed to get into the Duma. In such a situation, there's only one option: pay no attention, and do what you believe needs to be done.

"The Orchestra Greatly Impressed all Davos"
Interview with Grigory Yavlinsky, Gazeta, January 26, 2004

If we speak about Tchaikovsky, Gergiev and the Mariinsky Theatre, then the interest is huge here. Politics and economy do not represent any interest.

The state comes first for Vladimir Putin
Interview with Grigory Yavlinsky by Claudia von Salzen, Tagesspiegel, January 12, 2004

All elements of society are concentrated in the same hands which resemble the 1930s. This is a semi-Soviet system.

Yavlinsky Fears Totalitarian Slide
Reuters, January 12, 2004

Yavlinsky, speaking Thursday evening, said Russia has effectively reverted to a Soviet-style one-party parliament after the December elections. The pro-Kremlin United Russia party controls two-thirds of seats in the State Duma, and Yavlinsky said the other three parties there were indistinguishable from it on all major issues.

Grigory Yavlinsky: a Potyomkin village has been systematically built in Russia.
Novaya Gazeta, December 25, 2003

The reason is that elections have ceased to be even relatively democratic - honest, equal, or fair. With no judiciary independent from the administration, no independent mass media, no independent sources of funding, there cannot be real political competition - and that is the essence of elections.

Russian liberal fears slide to authoritarian rule
By Mark Trevelyan, Reuters, January 9, 2004

Russia's most prominent liberal says March's presidential election is a sham, and the country risks sliding towards totalitarianism under the unchallenged grip of Kremlin chief Vladimir Putin.

Grigory Yavlinsky: "He should do it, by he won't."
Politburo, December 22, 2003

The President should create over the next four years an independent court, independent mass media and, first and foremost, public television, stop the interference of his administration in elections and adopt decisive measures to reduce admnistrative pressure at elections at all levels.

Russian Politics: "No News Is Good News"
Grigory Yavlinsky, head of the opposition Yabloko Party, Business Week, December 8, 2003

It's certainly necessary to do a lot of positive things, but they can't be done at the moment. They can be done only after the Presidential election -- if the President is prepared to move in this direction.

Interview with Grigory Yavlinsky
Anchor - Vladimir Solovyov, NTV channel, "Apelsinoviy Sok" (Orange Juice) progamme, November 2, 2003

Yavlinsky: In our country, any political activities become complicated, if they are purposeful and serious. In Russia, many Stalinist methods of government are still in use.

Human Capital Is the Basis for Economic Growth
By Griogry Yavlinsky, RTR television channel, "Vesti" programme, October 5, 2003

As we know, economic growth has many factors, but in most cases we are talking about taxes, the economic structure and conjuncture.

On the Lessons of the Events of October 3-4, 1993
By Griogry Yavlinsky, Grigory Yavlinsky's web-site, October 5, 2003

The responsibility for unleashing the civil war in the centre of the Russian capital and fatalities should be borne by those who adopted the criminal decisions and considered victory in the fight for power to be more important than their compatriots' lives and civil peace.

Russia's Biggest Problem is the State
By Anna Skornyakova, Nezavisimaya Gazeta, October 2, 2003

As long as law enforcement agencies are virtually uncontrolled and can blackmail businessmen and participate in the redistribution of property, any qualitative improvement in the situation is out of question, something noted by virtually all the politicians and political scientists at the meeting of the Open Forum Club devoted to the prospects of Russia's economy and the problems of relations between the authorities and business.

Monopolists Are Being Put on the Meter
By Ksenia Veretennikova, Vremya Novostei, September 12, 2003

Yesterday the YABLOKO party disclosed to journalists the results of its action "Let's Put Monopolists on the Meter" which aimed to indicate toYABLOKO activists whether the utilities’ tariffs were fair.

"The Defeat of the USA is Our Defeat."
By Kseniya Veretennikova, Vremya Novostei, September 25, 2003

According to Yavlinsky, the defeat of the coalition troops in Iraq would mean Russia's defeat, as it would incite terrorism and extremism on a global level.

Grigory Yavlinsky: Russian politics is deliberately being transformed into a farce
Interview with Grigory Yavlinsky by Tatyana Chesnokova, Rosbalt, September 25, 2003

"This situation has been deliberately created to make less and less people engage actively in politics and lead more and more of the population to readily accept decision-making on their behalf by third parties".

Citizens' Payment for Water Exceeds the Real Costs by 3.5 Times
By Mikhail Dichev, Finansoviye Izvestia, September 12, 2003

If the person did not live in the flat and correspondingly did not use water, a fairly high figure still appeared on the bill.

Grigory Yavlinsky: Russia is experiencing a toughest system crisis
Press release, September 7, 2003

..."the crisis of lagging behind" - manifested in the quality of life, freedoms and liberties, as well as the state building and its directions.

YABLOKO's Congress discusses the electoral programme of the party
Press release, September 7, 2003

On Saturday YABLOKO members voted for the list of candidates for the federal and regional lists, as well as a list for single-mandate electoral districts proposed by the party for the parliamentary elections.

Yavlinsky thinks that YABLOKO will manage to make it into the State Duma
Press release, September 7, 2003

At the briefing where the leaders of the party summed up the results of the 11th congress of the party held Saturday-Sunday in Moscow, Yavlinsky explained that the final results would depend on how open and honest the election campaign would be, as well as on the political situation in the country.

YABLOKO may not support the draft federal budget in the first reading
Rosbalt, September 4, 2003

Yavlinsky said that a distribution, where 62% of the funds remain with the federal center, while the regions obtain only 38% of the funds is unjust.

Reforms that corrupted Russia
By Grigory Yavlinsky, Financial Times (UK), September 3, 2003

In those years two Marxist dogmas, albeit disguised in liberal phraseology, still shaped economic policy. The first was...

Grigory Yavlinsky: "It is impossible to create a real opposition in Russia today."
Moskovsky Komsomolets, September 2, 2003

By the way, there is a big difference between business and economics. Business is the ability to make money. And economics is a science on how to create the well-being of a country.

The YABLOKO party will conduct the election campaign honestly and within the framework of the law, but is not going to sign the "Elections 2003" agreement
Press release, August 21, 2003

"The Russian Democratic Party YABLOKO has always observed and will always comply with Russian legislation in all its actions."

War Between the State and Oligarchs Is Destructive for Russia
Interview with Grigory Yavlinsky, La Stampa, July 22, 2003

...The medicine turned out to be more dangerous than the illness...

To the Constitutional Court from YABLOKO
Selskaya Zhizn, July 17, 2003

This regards the problem that concerns most of our readers - pensions that render it impossbile to live a dignified life.

Stagnation and Profanation
By Natalia Rozhkova, Vremya Novostei, June 23, 2003

The Yabloko thinks it is possible to combine conscription with contractors for only one or two years while the reform is being carried out.

No-Confidence Motion in the Cabinet: After the Discussion
Commentary by Grigory Yavlinsky, Special for the web-site, June 19, 2003

It was important to say that a system of serious backwardness and demodernisation had developed in the country. It was important to say that both economy and history do not follow the Regulations of the Duma; that today we had to set the grounds for positive developments in the future.

Campaign Against the "Russian White House" Begins
Interview with Grigory Yavlinsky by Dmitry Chernov, Vremya MN, June 11, 2003

Everybody knows that social policy is based first of all on economic policy. Government proposals on the economic policy for next year are clear to us in general, as their proposals on the budget for 2004 have been submitted to the Duma. Whatever the Cabinet promises us now, this would not correspond to the real situation, as the economic base the Cabinet is going to reflect in the budget for the coming year is such that many of their promises have already turned into mere words today.

Grigory Yavlinsky explains his stance on the vote of no-confidence in the Cabinet
Interview with Grigory Yavlinsky by Andrei Shariy, Radio Liberty, June 11, 2003

"...our possibilities are extremely limited. But it is our duty to realise them to the full.
"

Grigory Yavlinsky called for an increase in state ecological controls
Vesti Programme, RTR channel, June 5, 2003

In particular, in autumn 2003 YABLOKO is going to submit to the State Duma the Kyoto Protocol for ratification.

YABLOKO determines the directions of Russia's environmental policy and calls on the State Duma to ratify the Kyoto Protocol
Press release, June 5, 2003

In addition to the prospects of ratification and entry into force of the Kyoto Protocol, the participants of the Round Table discussed a range of problems related to Russia’s environmental policy.

Patching Things Up at Putin's Picnic
By Grigory Yavlinsky, The Moscow Times, June 6, 2003.

The top-level meetings held in St. Petersburg last weekend produced positive results for Russia, Europe and the entire world.

To the 50th Anniversary of Radio Free Europe - Radio Liberty
Address by Grigory Yavlinsky to the conference devoted to the 50th Anniversary of Radio Free Europe - Radio Liberty conducted in Prague, on June 6, 2003

It would not be an overstatement to say that RFE/RL is the most reliable source of objective political information about world events and, even more importantly, Russian politics.

Grigory Yavlinsky on the reform of the armed forces in Russia
KM-Novosti, June 2, 2003

The Russian army should be cut by one third. This statement was made today by Grigory Yavlinsky in Rostov-Don.

YABLOKO: the Cabinet should account for its performance to the State Duma.
KM-Novosti, June 2, 2003

...the Russian government has never accounted for its performance for the past three years.

Grigory Yavlinsky: the Cabinet has never accounted for a single issue for the past three years.
RTR television channel, "Vesti", June 2, 2003

The YABLOKO party insists that the government should account for its performance to the State Duma in June.

Visit of Grigory Yavlinsky to Rostov Region
Yuzhni Region, June 2, 2003

... We are going to introduce a large programme for the development of small cities in autumn. We would like to discuss the possibility for such work in Rostov Region and the South Russia.
..

YABLOKO Decides to Help to Small Cities
By Sergei Andreyev, Komsomolskaya Pravda, June 4, 2003

After St. Petersburg another Russian city is preparing to celebrate its 300th anniversary. This is a small city, Belaya Kalitva, situated in Rostov region. The city was visited by Chairman of the YABLOKO party Grigory Yavlinsky during his trip to Rostov region, when he promised to help with the preparations of the celebrations.

YABLOKO Sets Its Eyes on Foreign, Interior and Foreign Trade Ministries
By Olga Redichkina, Rustem Falyakhov, Gazeta, No. 92, May 2003

However, Yavlinsky is still not ready for a compromise: "We will not exchange our values for positions and appointments."

Grigory Yavlinsky: We Should Not Tolerate This Government Any More
By Sergei Yuriyev, Komsomolskaya Pravda, May 23, 2003

On the threshold of the May bank holidays the YABLOKO party announced its decision to begin collecting signatures among deputies of the State Duma for the vote of no-confidence in the government.

Grigory Yavlinsky Called on the Residents of Perm to Watch Less TV
By Ksenia Veretennikova, Vremya Novostei, May 26, 2003

"We should not imagine anything. We should create such an economy that would survive even under a bad government."

On Presidential Address to the Federal Assembly of the RF for 2003
By Grigory Yavlinsky, Statement, May 16, 2003

Special for YABLOKO's web-site
The address was very sincere: the president said what he thought. He clearly stated that he believes in "statehood" rather than liberal ideas, and that his prime goal is to strengthen the state.

YABLOKO Against Monopolists
Delevoi Peterburg, April 15, 2003

According to Yavlinsky, the crux of this approach can be summed up as follows. Owing to constant tariff increases, in particular electricity prices and pressures from rolling blackouts, make the whole sector a debtor of RAO UES; and then privatize the key structures of the housing and communal services sector and the whole infrastructure of the sector in general.

Grigory Yavlinsky: Elections can be such a hassle
RTR, "News of the Week", April 13, 2003

...Russian needs politicians to save human lives. That should be the main political goal in Russia.

The law on the housing and communal services sector reform adopted by the State Duma will have serious consequences for both the population and the sector
Press release, April 9, 2003

...the actions of the government "do not make it possible to restore the housing and communal sector," and, on the contrary lead to "complete destabilization in the housing and communal services sector in the very near future."

More Effective Than War
By Grigory Yavlinsky, February 9, 2003

Attention! Unfortunately, the version published by Izvestia does not contain some important provisions of the original article and changed some of the key issues in the item. The author was not notified of such changes. We hope that this misunderstanding will never happen again and offer our reader the full version of the text. The abstracts changed by Izvestia are highlighted in bold.

Grigory Yavlinsky: the Iraqi war will not spoil US-Russian ties
BBC Monitoring, Radio Mayak, March 29, 2003

"The USA committed a major political mistake, which is leading to numerous casualties among civilian population and troops. TheYabloko party believes that there was no direct threat from Iraq at the time. Although it was not easy to carry out inspections and disarm Iraq, there was no direct cause for starting the war."

Grigory Yavlinsky: "The President Alone Cannot Control Everything."
Interview with Grigory Yavlinsky, Gazeta, March 25, 2003

Society needs an independent Duma. If we have an imitation Duma instead of a real Duma, and the court and elections, parties and politics are also an imitation, then we may end up with an imitation of presidential power. We should not forget about this.

Chairman of the Russian Democratic Party YABLOKO Grigory Yavlinsky on the military operation against Iraq
Special statement for YABLOKO's web-site, March 20, 2003
...Russia must seek to achieve several objectives.
First of all: to reduce the number of victims, by trying to ensure a termination of the war as soon as possible. Secondly the conflict will end and the situation will revert to a legal framework. This happened several times after the Second World War and the formation of the UN. Our country should preserve its strategic partnership with Europe and the USA.
Finally the third objective...

Grigory Yavlinsky: "Russia should not send a single soldier to the war."
Ekho Moskvi radio station, March 19, 2003
Speaking in an interview with Russian Ekho Moskvy radio on 19 March, Grigory Yavlinsky said a large international contingent should be amassed to bring political and military pressure to bear on Iraq, but that action should stop short of a large-scale military operation. In the same interview, the Yabloko leader also cast doubts on the value of the Chechen referendum, arguing that only a peace conference chaired by the Russian President could alter the situation in the republic.

Grigory Yavlinsky: "Mop-ups, robberies and violence should be stopped."
Interview with Grigory Yavlinsky, "Politbureau" journal, March 17, 2003
The consequences of an unprepared referendum can also bring dangers: they can aggravate contradictions inside the Chechen community: they can play into the hands of the forces interested in civil war.

Yavlinsky proposes applying military-political pressure against Baghdad instead of force
Interfax, March 18, 2003
The leader of YABLOKO Grigory Yavlinsky proposes applying military-political pressure against Saddam Hussein's regime to resolve the Iraqi crisis, instead of sheer force.

Grigory Yavlinsky: Russia will not veto US resolution on Iraq
Rosbalt, March 14, 2003

In the next few days Russia will take "unexpected steps" regarding the situation in Iraq, claims Grigory Yavlinsky, the leader of the YABLOKO party.

Yabloko Party opposes an unprepared referendum in Chechnya
Interfax, March 12, 2003

MOSCOW. March 12 (Interfax) - Yabloko Party leader Grigory Yavlinsky believes that the Chechen referendum has not been fully prepared and that a peace conference with all the warring parties should be held instead.

Grigory Yavlinsky on the reforms in the security agencies and staff reshuffles by the President
TVS channel, News, 11 March 2003

It would be important to understand the problems of these ministries, what was unsatisfactory in their work, what the difficulties were and where they did not perform properly.

Grigory Yavlinsky on the president's reshuffles in the security agencies and the appointment of Deputy Prime Minister Valentina Matviyenko as Presidential Plenipotentiary in the North-Western Federal district, March 11, 2003
I think that the appointments made today by the President clearly demonstrate how the President is establishing his priorities.

Grigory Yavlinsky: Russia's priority in the situation around Iraq should be guarantees of security for the citizens of Russia and the neighbouring regions
Press release, March 6, 2003

Russia's vital interests in the Iraqi conflict lie in guaranteeing security for the citizens of Russia and stability of neighbouring regions, rather than in setting a price for its support for America or in propping up the oil price.

Chechen Referendum Will Solve Nothing
By Grigory Yavlinsky, The Moscow Times, February 20, 2003

It is clearly unrealistic to expect a referendum can be held in just over a month that will foster a political process which will put an end to the bloodshed -- given the existing situation in Chechnya and the time constraints.

More Efficient Than War
By Grigory Yavlinsky, Izvestia, February 11, 2003

Nowadays it is difficult to find a politician in Russia who will not talk about the need to "join Europe". Russia is a European country. I am convinced that if everything goes well, Russia will be a member of all European political, economic and defence structures in 10-15 years. These will be mostly new organisations.

Remembrance of the Feat of Arms Will Spring Eternal
By Grigory Yavlinsky, Krasnaya Zvezda, January 30 , 2003

The previous week according to media reports deputies of the State Duma refused to discuss sending a parliamentary delegation to the celebration of the great battle at the Volga. The discussion fell one vote short. Deputie took three attempts to vote, but still failed to reach agreement on a common position.
"Krasnaya Zvezda" asked Chairman of the Russian Democratic YABLOKO party and the YABLOKO faction in the State Duma Grigory Yavlinsky to comment.

Grigory Yavlinsky: "Dangerous" Iraqi regime must be changed by peaceful means
Interview with Grigory Yavlinsky, RTR television channel, February 3, 2003

Our first point is that Russia should oppose war in Iraq. If there is a war, Russia must do everything possible to minimize the number of casualties, especially among civilians. Another important task for Russia is to contribute to a change of regime in Iraq.

Grigory Yavlinsky on the War in Iraq
By Nikolai Svanidzye, RTR television channel, February 1, 2003

Russia opposes the war with Iraq. If there is a war, Russia should do everything it can to minimize the number of victims, especially civilian casualties. In addition Russia must ensure a change of Iraqi regime. The totalitarian regime is dangerous for us.

To: Boris Nemtsov, Irina Khakamada
Letter from Grigory Yavlinsky and Sergei Ivanenko on SPS' proposals, January 28, 2003

As numerous media, including web-based publications, have already described your proposals in detail, thereby enabling us to learn about them, we no longer see any point in the meeting scheduled at your initiative for January 29, 2003.

US Omnipotence: What Lies Ahead?
World Economic Forum, Discussion Panel (with Grigory Yavlinsky's speech) Saturday 25 January

Panellists:

Alexander Downer, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Australia
Amre Moussa, Secretary-General, League of Arab States, Cairo
Marwan Jamil Muasher, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Jordan
Grigory A. Yavlinsky, Member of the State Duma; Leader, Russian Democratic Party Yabloko, Russian Federation
Lewis H. Lapham, Editor, Harper's Magazine, USA
Robert Portman, Congressman from Ohio (Republican), USA
Jean-Marie Colombani, Editor, Le Monde, France

Davos 2003. Schedule for Grigory Yavlinsky. "The Russian Issue."
Press Release, January 23, 2003

On January 23-26, 2003, Grigory Yavlinsky will participate in the meeting of the World Economic Forum in Davos, which this year will be conducted under the slogan "Creating Trust".

Open Letter, January 16, 2003
Most respected Mr. President,

We are concerned about developments in the Republic of Belarus concerning Russian media. Broadcasts of Mayak (Ed. "Beacon"), Yunost (Ed. "Youth"), and Golos Rossii (Ed. "Voice of Russia") that have for many years constituted a key source of information for the citizens of Belarus, have been closed.

Grigory Yavlinsky: RAO UES is responsible for the crisis in the housing and communal services sector
Press Release, January 15, 2003

The leader of the YABLOKO party and its faction in the State Duma Grigory Yavlinsky noted that RAO UES "bears most of the responsibility for the crisis in the housing and communal services sector."

Demodernization
Grigory Yavlinsky
The past few years have been relatively favourable for the Russian economy. Production increased visibly after seven years of recession from 1991 to 1998. In 2000 and 2001 real GDP increased by about 14% and, in view of the anticipated 4% rise in 2002, GDP growth will amount to 19% over three years. People's real incomes and consumer demand increased after a nosedive during the 1998 crisis. The past two years have also been marked by greater investor optimism regarding the export sector and some of the processing industries that compete with imports on the domestic market. For the second year running exports exceeded USD100 billion, yielding a significant trade and balance of payments surplus, which normalized repayment of the foreign debt and ensured a relatively stable national exchange rate.

Yavlinsky: Yabloko can't cooperate with Chubais and Kiriyenko
Interfax, December 23, 2002

MOSCOW. Dec 23 (Interfax) - Yabloko leader Grigory Yavlinsky has named the politicians who, in his opinion, have no role to play in the democratic coalition.

Freedom or Property?
"Svobodni Kurs" (Free Course), Barnaul, December 12, 2002
Interview with Grigory Yavlinsky, by Elena Fyodorinova and Dmitri Negreev

At the request of "Svobodni Kurs" the leader of YABLOKO Grigory Yavlinsky shared with us his forecasts for the coming year.

Return of the refugees residing in Ingushetia to Chechnya is inadmissible
Aliance Media, December 10, 2002

The leader of the YABLOKO party Grigory Yavlinsky said that the problem of refugees from Chechnya was discussed at the meeting of the Presidium of the Federal Council of the YABLOKO party. Earlier some human rights activists and journalists had informed the public that the Ingush authorities had made Chechen refugees leave the "Iman" camp. This information was subsequently refuted by Presidential Aid Sergei Yastrzhembsky.

Grigory Yavilnsky: It is up to the President to choose
By Anton Mukhin, "Izvestiya Peterburg", December 6, 2002

On the threashold of the elections to the Legislative Assembly [of St.Petersburg] a rare guest - the leader of YABLOKO Grigory Yavlinsky - visited St. Petersburg and answered the questions of Izvestia's correspondent Anton Mukhin.

Grigory Yavlinsky: YABLOKO learns to be an environmental party
Press Release, December 03, 2002

The meeting between the representatives of environmental organisations from Tomsk and Chelyabinsk regions, Krasnoyarsk Territory and the leaders of the YABLOKO party took place in the State Duma on December 3, 2002. YABLOKO was represented by Chairman of the party Grigory Yavlinsky, as well as deputy chairmen, deputies of the State Duma Sergei Mitrokhin and Igor Artemyev.

Russia Is Not Afraid of NATO expansion
Baltic News Service, Vilnius, December 2, 2002

Deputy of the State Duma of the Russian Federation and the leader of the opposition party YABLOKO Grigory Yavlinsky forecasts that after Lithuania enters NATO relationships between Russia and Lithuania will improve.

Housing and Communal Sector Reforms Postponed by Yavlinsky
gazeta.ru, By Marina Sokolovskaya, November 19, 2002

Yavlinsky calls untimely the Moscow conference of supporters of talks with Maskhadov
Interfax, November 9, 2002

President Putin expresses gratitude to Grigory Yavlinsky for his role in the liberation of the hostages
Press Release, October 29, 2002

Keynote Speech by Grigory Yavlinsky, Chairman of the Public Political Organization "Yabloko" in the 6th Yabloko Congress  at the Otrandoye Resort outside Moscow As translated by Dr. Richard Weitz, Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs, Harvard University, March 14, 1998

Russia's Phony Capitalism , Foreign Affairs, by Grigory Yavlinsky, May/June 1998

Yavlinsky Letter to Yeltsin Open letter to the President of Russia from Grigoriy Yavlinsky on behalf of the Yabloko public association: "Yabloko Has Reminded the Guarantor That He Is the Guarantor", Obshchaya Gazeta, No. 251, July 1998

Yavlinsky Interviewed on Russian Situation, Ekho Moskvy Radiostation, Studio interview with Grigoriy Yavlinsky, Yabloko faction leader, by Aleksey Venediktov -- live, September 8, 1998

Yavlinsky-Russia 'Needs a Different President' , Ekho Moskvy Radiostation, in Russian 1505 GMT, October 19, 1998

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