Sergei Filatov: I shall return democracy in electing head of the Tula administration

www.tsn-news.ru, September 30, 2009

September 29 was the expiration date for submitting documents to the post of the head of the Tula administration. Sergei Filatov, coordinator of the Tula regional branch of YABLOKO and deputy of the Tula City Duma, is one of the candidates for the post.

In his interview to the Tula Information Service agency Filatov told why he had adopted such a decision to run for the head of the city administration.

Hands off from Olga Kolokolova!

Statement of the Russian United Democratic Party YABLOKO September 29, 2009

The YABLOKO party expresses its resolute protest against pressure on behalf of the Public Prosecutor Office on the Territorial Electoral Commission of Krasnokamensk municipal district of the Perm Area so that to prevent Olga Kolokolova, candidate from the YABLOKO party and the leader of the Perm branch of YABLOKO to participate in the election of the head of the region

The YABLOKO party considers the increased attention from the Public Prosecutor's Office to the opposition candidate as a political order of the governmental party trying to prevent one of the key candidates to be elected the district head.

Governmental United Russia asks the Central Electoral Commission to defend it from YABLOKO

Press-Release, September 29, 2009

The web-site of the Central Electoral Commission published on September 24 an appeal signed by the leaders of the United Russia, the Fair Russia, CPRF, LDPR and the Right Course parties. The indicated parties complained of “discrediting of their registered candidates” by the YABLOKO and the Patriots of Russia parties in the Klin district, Moscow Region...

Deputy head of the Moscow Region branch of YABLOKO and member of the Federal Council of the party Dmitry Ilyushin commented such a complaint as follows, “Frankly speaking I was surprise to learn that we had managed to scare the judicial and law-enforcement bodies in such a way that now the governmental party decided to protect them from us.”

YABLOKO’s Political Committee determined the tasks of the responsible opposition in modern Russia

Press-Release, September 26, 2009

A meeting of YABLOKO’s Political Committee took place on September 26. The Committee developed the goals of the party in modern Russia.

YABLOKO’s leader Sergei Mitrokhin indicated in his report to the Committee that a system of bureaucratic cronyism developed in modern Russia. Its goal is to maintain in power one and the same ruling group for an unlimited period of time.

“Supporting a number of President Medvedev’s recent statements on the need of modernisation in Russia YABLOKO states that their realisation is incompatible with the real goals of this system,” Mitrokhin said.

Mitrokhin expressed his certainty that this system “can lead Russia to stagnation reminiscent of the stagnation of the Brezhnev period in the USSR, when the political elite lost the chance to conduct modernisation of the USSR, thus dooming it to disintegration”.

According to Mitrokhin, the task of the opposition is to offer an alternative to the political course of the country present leaders, such as building of a modern state based on democratic institutes and procedures.

Sergei Mitrokhin: Success of the FDP represents a major break-through of the liberal movement

By Olga Demidova
www.dw-world.de, September 28, 2009

In his interview to the Deutsche Welle the leader of the Russian opposition party YABLOKO Sergei Mitrokhin congratulated a “sister liberal party” – the German FDP party - with their success at the parliamentary election on September 27. “I think this represents a major break-through of the liberal movement not only in Germany, but also worldwide,” he said.

No infill development at Tverskoi Boulevard

Press-Release, September 25, 2009

The YABLOKO party succeeded in prohibiting infill construction of a residential and cultural complex at Tverskoi Boulevard 17/7-8. The Moscow Government issued a resolution prohibiting construction works in the historic area.

YABLOKO together with the residents of the house No 8 at Bolshaya Bronnaya has been fighting against infill construction at the historic Moscow boulevard since 2007.

YABLOKO to continue development of law on education of the handicapped

Press-Release, September 25, 2009

On September 24, Commission on Education and Science of the Moscow City Duma discussed draft law “On Education of the Handicapped in Moscow”.

Chair of the Moscow Duma Commission and member of the YABLOKO faction Eugeni Bunimovich stressed that neither Moscow nor Russia had seen a clear system for social rehabilitation of handicapped children, despite some emerging practices in this sphere, especially in Moscow. Bunimovich stressed that one of the key tasks of the law would be to legalise the experience accumulated in Moscow.

Deputies of the Moscow Duma agreed with Eugeni Bunimovich that the draft should be adopted in the first reading. YABLOKO plans in its work over the draft law to introduce amendments with regard to the proposals of public organisations working with the disabled.

YABLOKO’s Political Committee to discuss the political course of the government and the tasks for the opposition

Announcement, September 25, 2009

A meeting of YABLOKO’s Political Committee will take place tomorrow on September 26 at 11 a.m.

YABLOKO’s leader Sergei Mitrokhin will submit to the Political Committee a draft resolution on the political course of the government and the tasks for the opposition. Alexei Arbatov, member of the Political Committee, head of the Centre of International Security and corresponding member of the Russian Academy of Sciences, will propose a draft statement on the problem of anti-ballistic missile defence.

The Political Committee will also hear Boris Misnik’s report on the socio-economic situation in Russia’s regions and the policies of the regional branches of the party.

Liberal International, Newsletter, Issue 154

LI Prize for Freedom 2009 laureate receives standing ovation
At the Liberal Democrats Annual Conference in Bournemouth on Wednesday, LI President Lord Alderdice presented the Liberal International Prize for Freedom to the 2009 laureate Lord Avebury. When presenting the award, Lord Alderdice said the Prize for Freedom honours individuals who have made outstanding contribution to the promotion of freedom and human rights, and that this year Liberals from around the world voted for Lord Avebury for his inspiring dedication and awareness of human rights issues in countries all around the world.
Read more

LI Prize for Freedom 2009 laureate receives standing ovation
LI Deputy President meets with Nicaraguan opposition leader
ALN delegation welcomed at LibDems Conference
LibDems Conference sets course for the next elections
RELIAL hosts seminar on creating prosperity in Latin America
Olofsson calls for a ‘New EU vision’ to tackle downturn
New issue of Liberal Matters focuses on the economic crisis

United Russia interferes with YABLOKO’s election campaign with the help of police

Press-Release, September 24, 2009

Today campaigning of YABLOKO’s candidates to the Moscow City Duma was again hampered by the United Russia. This time representatives of the United Russia questioned lawfulness of YABLOKO’s campaigning by Skhodnenskaya metro station in Moscow. In these minutes YABLOKO’s candidates are expecting police which was called by the United Russia representatives.

Shamil Amirov, YABLOKO’s candidate, who was campaigning by the metro station, told that by 6 p.m. representatives of the United Russia appeared by the metro station. They installed their tents and began their campaign. Soon a representative from the United Russia came up to YABLOKO’s candidates stating that YABLOKO’s campaigning was unlawful as the Prefect’s Office did not gave a “permit” for it. Naturally, it turned out that the United Russia had a “permit” (however, the law does not envisage any “permits” for conducting election campaigns of registered candidates). “Fighting” for “fair campaigning” the United Russia representative called the police.

Governor Matviyenko puts Gazprom above law

Statement by the Russian United Democratic Party YABLOKO, September 23, 2009

The YABLOKO party expresses its indignation by the decision of the government of St.Petersburg allowing Gazprom to build a 403 m high skyscraper opposite the Smolny Cathedral.

In accordance with the City Planning Code Gazprom cannot get such a permit: Gazprom’s motive that construction of a lower building within the 100 m limit envisaged by St.Petersburg law is commercially unprofitable can not serve as grounds for allowing the company to build a skyscraper. In addition the skyscraper will distort historical panoramas of St.Petersburg, and this is also prohibited by the St.Petersburg laws. This will inevitably lead to excluding of St.Petersburg from UNESCO’s World Heritage, and the city government has been warned about this many times.

The decision by the city government (first of all by Governor Valentina Matviyenko who has been stubbornly supporting the project) despite of all this to do a service to Gazprom represents flagrant negligence of public opinion, a striking example of legal nihilism (the heads of the country are so eager to fight against) and a flagrant example how Gazprom’s commercial interests overweight the law.

St.Petersburg Governor Valentina Matviyenko should think about the inevitable trial of history and not only this

Statement by the St.Petersburg branch of the YABLOKO party, September 22, 2009

Trampling down the law and neglecting public opinion and protests by the renowned cultural figures, scientists, architects, including those who developed the City Planning Code of St.Petersburg, the government of St.Petersburg allowed Gazprom to build a 403 m high skyscraper.
This is a pert spit to all of us, who value the historical look of St.Petersburg.
This is a desire to demonstrate to us that the opinion of the villains is worth nothing compared to the will of the lord.
This is announcing war to the society and Law.
We are accepting the battle. And shall conduct it until victory over vandals who are temporarily set to rule our favourite city.

Grigory Yavlinsky: no discords in the tandem

Grigory Yavlinsky’s interview to the Radio Liberty
www.svobodanews.ru
September 22, 2009

Radio Liberty: Many Russian politicians are enthusiastic about Barack Obama abolishing the plans of deployment of the elements of the American ABM system in Central Europe. Do you share such feelings?

Grigory Yavlinsky: No, I don’t, as these missiles and the decision of deployment of the ABM system adopted by President Bush did not threaten Russia in any way. It had a symbolic meaning. What Barack Obama did, was done because he was amending an error made by george Bush, rather than yielding to Russia, as President Bush’ decision was absolutely inefficient - technically, economically and strategically. He had enough courage to shelve the erroneous plan created by George Bush.

R.L: How do you assess the reaction of the Russian politicians who are speaking about this as of a large diplomatic victory of Moscow then?

G.Y.: As immature, it stirs pity. Such a reaction can not serve as a basis for further development of reasonable, earnest, and, if we further elaborate on this thought, grownup relationships with the developed countries. In general this is a trade-in approach – if you give something to me, then I give something to you, if you take away your missiles, we shall help you or will not help you somewhere in Iran – such an approach to the world politics is extremely primitive. Such approaches proved leading to deadlocks and inefficient, but, unfortunately they have been widely spread not only in Russia, but in the West too...

YABLOKO agreed on strategic partnership with the Russian Medical Association

Press-Release, September 22, 2009

A meeting of YABLOKO’s leader Sergei Mitrokhin and President of the Russian Medical Association Prof. Dr. Ashot Sarkisyan took place today, on September 22.

Representatives of YABLOKO and the Russian Medical Association expressed their concern of the present situation with health care and the system of its organisation in Russia.

The sides also concluded an agreement on strategic partnership and also adopted a decision that the YABLOKO party supports the programme of modernization of the system of health care in Russia developed by the Association and also considers the issue of including it into the party’s programme.

On the need of further steps for creation of a joint Russian-European ABM system

Statement by Chairman of the Russian United Democratic Party YABLOKO, September 21, 2009

The Russian United Democratic Party YABLOKO considers that urgent conclusion of multi-lateral agreements on creation of an anti-ballistic missile defence (ABM) system for Europe jointly with the USA, NATO and the European Union is a challenging and strategically important task for Russia.

Implementation of this project is of global significance. At the expected rates of nuclear missile proliferation, the number of potential threats of missile attacks against Russia, the US, Europe and any country of the world will only broaden. A joint ABM system of the technologically developed states and Russia as a country with one of the largest nuclear missile potentials will become the most important element for protection of the planet from nuclear threats in the 21st century. For Europe creation of ballistic missile defence (BMD) jointly with Russia will represent the first large step towards creation of such a system and will be also important for raising the efficiency of nuclear non-proliferation policy.

Progovernmental United Russia sends police against YABLOKO

Press-Release, September 20, 2009

On September 19 police from the Arbat Police department interfered with the work of YABLOKO’s mobile office at the Arbat street. On the telephone call from a member of Political Council for the local United Russia branch head of the local police department colonel Alexei Platonov and policemen with guns arrived “to restore order” at the place where YABLOKO’s office was stationed.

Colonel Platonov demanded that YABLOKO’s candidates to the deputies of the Moscow City Duma Alexandra Vassilyieva and Shamil Amirov should stop their communication with the local residents threatening with arrest and drawing of a protocol of administrative violation.

Four YABLOKO’s activists detained in Ekaterinburg

Press Release, September 19, 2009

YABLOKO’s activists were detained in Ekaterinburg on September 19 and brought to the local police department for investigation. Four YABLOKO’s activists (including three minors) were handing leaflets inviting citizens to join YABLOKO’s picket against growth of tariffs for housing and utilities services on September 20.

The police told to Maxim Petlin, leader of regional YABLOKO branch, that the activists did not have a right to distribute leaflets without publisher’s imprint data.

Maxim Petlin called these claims absurd, as “the law does not require to indicate imprint data on the leaflets outside the election period”.

Corruptive-prone legal consciousness

Sergei Mitrokhin’s blog at the Echo Moskvi web-site,

September 18, 2009

Yesterday I made a speech at the State Duma hearings devoted to the problems of city building. The main idea of my speech was as follows: the notorious “vertical of power” is the main source of corruption today.

The modern state President Medvedev is dreaming about does not imply only the vertical of the executive power, it should also imply horizontal of control over the executive by the legislative and the judicial power.

When such a horizontal is lacking, we have an archaic and weak state, or a corrupt state, to put it shortly, instead of a modern and strong state. I told this to Dmitry Medvedev during our meeting on June 11.

The term “modern state” shifted from that discussion to the topic of the conference in Yaroslavl. The term shifted, however, the mechanisms of democratic governing I was speaking about did not.

YABLOKO supports the decision of US President Barack Obama not to deploy ABM system in the Czech Republic

Press Release, September 18, 2009

The Russian United Democratic Party YABLOKO thinks that the statement made by US President Barack Obama on abolishing of the plans to deploy elements of the ABM system in the Eastern Europe opens new opportunities for the Russian-American strategic partnership.

“This is a correct decision made by President Obama, it wipes away the issue which has been continuously producing unnecessary tensions and makes space for constructive cooperation between Russia and the USA in strengthening of the European security,” that is how Sergei Mitrokhin, leader of the YABLOKO party, commented on the US decision to abolish plans on stationing US radar in the Czech Republic.
Sergei Mitrokhin also noted that “signs that the approach of the new US administration as regards deployment of the ABM system in the Eastern Europe would be rational” appeared during President Obama’s visit to Moscow in July.

Round table “Women of Russia: Rights and Opportunities”

Press Release, September 16, 2009

Round table “Women of Russia: Rights and Opportunities. The problem of gender equality” took place in Omsk on September 11. The round table was organised by the Interregional Trade-Union “The 8th of March” at organisational support and participation of the YABLOKO party. About 40 activists from nonprofit organisations, regional administration, ombudsman’s office and mass media participated in the discussion.

Galina Mikhalyova, Chair of the Gender faction of the YABLOKO party was one of the main speakers covering the topics of gender equality and prospects of cooperation for different public institutions in this field.

Liberal International, Newsletter, Issue 153

LI Bureau hosted in Belfast by President Lord Alderdice
SILC delegation visits LI Headquarters
LI attends the 62nd UN NGO Annual Conference in Mexico City
African Liberals visit Germany and meet LI VP Gerhardt
DPP concerns over former President’s “flawed” verdict
Venstre reflective and forward looking after Norway elections
Slovenia lifts veto on Croatian EU entry

Read more

The authorities prohibit YABLOKO’s campaigning in public transport

Press Release, September 17, 2009

Moscow authorities interfere with YABLOKO’s campaigning in public transport. Moscow Department of Transport and Communication urged the owners of private taxies carrying YABLOKO’s slogans “Protecting Muscovites, Helping Everyone” to dismantle them threatening that taxi owners will have “problems in business”. About 130 taxis with YABLOKO’s slogans have been commuting in the city since September 11, after the taxi owners signed corresponding agreements with YABLOKO.

Also YABLOKO did not manage to conclude and agreement on placing its slogans on the municipal transport (buses, trolley-buses and trams). Mosgortrans (the Moscow City Transport company) which owns the transport means in the city indicated that the Moscow Property Department should give a permit for placing slogans on the municipal transport means. The latter, however, send YABLOKO a bureaucratic note recommending to “work out the issue” with Mosgortrans and also apply to the Interdepartamental Commission for Advertising of the Moscow Government.

An action against memorizing Joseph Stalin in the interior of the Kurskaya metro station, Moscow

Press Release, September 15, 2009

An action against memorizing Joseph Stalin in the interiors of the Kurskaya metro station, Moscow, will take place on September 16. YABLOKO’s activists will hand to all passers-by a book “1937” published by the Memorial society in commemoration of the victims of the Great Terror. This action will take place in the Zemlyanoi Val street (by the metro station).

Deputy head of the Moscow branch of YABLOKO and Chair of the Moscow City Duma Commission for Science and Education Eugeni Bunimovich and member of the Youth Chamber at the Moscow City Duma Alexander Gnezdilov will participate in the action.

Here comes a nice “modern state”

Sergei Mitrokhin’s blog at the Echo Moskvi web-site,

September 15, 2009

...No fair elections, no division of powers, no freedom of manifestations, meetings, etc. And monopoly on power for one party. The conclusion was that we do not have democracy as a modern state system, and modernization of Russia’s economy (Dmitry Medvedev’s dream) is impossible without this in the 21 century. By the way, I told this to Dmitry Medvedev during our meeting on June 11.

As all the foreigners spoke about their theories at the section, I also could not help speaking about my theory. Here it comes in a nutshell. Belated modernization is prone of disintegration for countries with vast territories. The USSR lost a favourable moment for modernization as early as in 1970s (in contrast to China). That is why perestroika and the beginning of Boris Yetlsin governing represented stages of disintegration rather than its causes. A catastrophic governing may take place both in the democratic and the authoritarian governing.

Klin residents demand resignation of head of the district A.Postrigan

Press Release, September 13, 2009

A rally organised by the YABLOKO party in Klin, Moscow region, took place on September 13. About 500 people came to the rally demanding Alexander Postrigan, head of the Klin district to resign.

Speaking at the rally Yuri Samsonov, leader of the YABLOKO list of candidates in Klin, noted that Alexander Postrigan “experimented” with introduction of an “absolutely proportional” system at the election and putting under control of the local authorities virtually all the local branches of political parties, but for YABLOKO and Patriots of Russia. The former two parties were not allowed to participate in the election by the local Electoral Commission.

An action against memorizing Joseph Stalin in the interior of the Kurskaya metro station, Moscow

Press Release, September 15, 2009

An action against memorizing Joseph Stalin in the interiors of the Kurskaya metro station, Moscow, will take place on September 16. YABLOKO’s activists will hand to all passers-by a book “1937” published by the Memorial society in commemoration of the victims of the Great Terror. This action will take place in the Zemlyanoi Val street (by the metro station).

Deputy head of the Moscow branch of YABLOKO and Chair of the Moscow City Duma Commission for Science and Education Eugeni Bunimovich and member of the Youth Chamber at the Moscow City Duma Alexander Gnezdilov will participate in the action.

YABLOKO wins another victory in the debate

Press Release, September 15, 2009

On September 14, Rosbalt information agency held a debate among several political parties participating in the Moscow City Duma election. The discussion was devoted to the loud and disputable liquidation of the Cherkizovsky market place in Moscow and problems of the small-scale business in general. Representatives of the expert community, departments heads of different state and municipal agencies, representatives of political parties and businessmen (those whose business suffered with liquidation of the market place inclusive). Roman Zhigulsky, Chair of the For the Fair Market movement and candidate to the Moscow City Duma from the YABLOKO party represented the interests of the business community.

The “ring” was taken by Galina Mikhalyova, Executive Secretary of YABLOKO’s Political Committee and Leonid Olshansky, member of the Central Council of the Just Russia party.

Congratulations to Vladimir Yefimov with appointment on the post of the head of the Federal Anti-Monopoly Service in Moscow

Press Release, September 15, 2009

Vladimir has been a longtime YABLOKO’s activist and a colleague of Igor Artemyev, member of YABLOKO’s Political Committee and head of the Federal Anti-Monopoly Service.

Valdimir Yefimov’s performance as the head of the Department for Control over the Housing and Communal Services Sector, Construction and Natural Resources of the Federal Anti-Monopoly Service. I am certain that under his guidance the Moscow branch of the Federal Anti-Monopoly Service will consistently oppose mopolism which is one of the most acute problems in Moscow now.

Ex-head of a Moscow district to compete with human rights activist for the post
gzt.ru, September 15, 2009

Deputies of the Moscow City Duma asked a candidate to the post of Ombudsman to show his passport.

Yesterday’s meeting of the Moscow City Duma Commission on Staff Issues adopted a decision to develop and submit to the Moscow Duma in accordance with the Moscow law “On the Ombudsman in Moscow” two candidacies for the post of Moscow Ombudsman: city Mayor Yuri Luzhkov proposed ex-Prefect of the Central District of Moscow and ex-minister of the Moscow government for information and public affairs Alexander Muzikantsky, and the YABLOKO faction of the Moscow City Duma proposed member of the Bureau of the YABLOKO party, Chairman of the Board of the Social Partnership Foundation and renown human rights activist Valery Borschyov.

YABLOKO’s candidates to deputies of the Moscow City Duma arrested by police

Press Release, September 14, 2009

The police detained three candidates to the Moscow City Duma from the YABLOKO party (candidates in the South-Eastern administrative district of Moscow), who conducted a meeting with voters by Aviamotornaya metro station. On September 13 (at about 8 p.m.) policemen approached Tatyana Ovcharyenko, Pavel Gerasimov and Yulia Timakova accusing them in unsanctioned picketing and took them to the police station. According to the police, YABLOKO’s candidates lacked a permission for putting a desk and an umbrella with YABLOKO’s symbols, as well as for the use of megaphone.

All the arguments that the law does not stipulate for any permissions in campaigning did not work. YABLOKO’s candidates were taken to the Lefortovo police department in YABLOKO’s coach decorated with YABLOKO’s symbols.

Leaders of the Moscow branch of YABLOKO commemorated victims of fascism

Press Release, September 14, 2009

Today on the International Memory Day of the Victims of Fascism, Deputy Chair of the Moscow branch of YABLOKO and deputy of the Moscow City Duma Eugeni Bunimovich, member of the Youth Chamber at the Moscow City Duma and member of the Regional Council of the Moscow YABLOKO Alexander Gnezdilov and number of two in YABLOKO’s list of candidates in the Western Administrative District of Moscow Shamil Amirov have laid 70 red carnations to the monument to the prisoners of concentration camps.

Youth YABLOKO of St.Petersburg commemorated five years since abolishing of gubernatorial elections in Russia

zaks.ru, September 14, 2009

Activists of the Youth YABLOKO organisation of St.Petersburg conducted an action to commemorate five years since abolishing of gubernatorial elections in Russia, writes Zaks.ru correspondent. Activists wearing masks of governors Valentina Matvienko, Yuri Luzhkov, Valery Serdyukov, President of Chechnya Ramzan Kadyrov and a mask of “Vladimir Medvedev” (a photoshop merging Vladimir Putin and Dmrity Medvedev) showed a theatrical performance.

On infringement of freedom of speech in the Republic of Karachayevo-Cherkessia

Statement of the Karachayevo-Cherkessian branch of the YABLOKO party, September 11, 2009

Everywhere and everyday, almost every hour speakers from television screens assure Russian citizens that freedom of press and freedom to speak openly without fear is the greatest achievement of democracy. And they say that in the sake of this freedom we should endure everything: growth of food-stuffs prices, skyrocketing communal services tariffs, rise of unemployment, growth of crime, as well as drug and alcohol addiction. However, where is the freedom which costs us so much?

The recent developments around official printed media in Karachayevo-Cherkessia demonstrate that we don’t have freedom of press in our Republic and are unlikely to have it until the governments realise that newspapers and other media are not a toy.

Round table on the Ossetian-Ingush conflict took place on the Initiative of YABLOKO in Nazran

Press Release, September 10, 2009

On September 8 round table devoted to the elimination of the Ossetian-Ingush conflict took place in Nazran. The discussion was initiated by renown human rights activist Valery Borschyov, Chair of the Board of the Social Partnership Foundation and member of YABLOKO’s Bureau, Anatoli Sidakov, Chairman of the North-Ossetian YABLOKO branch and Magomed Mutzolgov, head of the MAShR human rights organisation.

The round table turned out to be an event of great importance in the Republic. Yunus-Bek Yevkurov, President of Ingushetia, Vladimir Lukin, Russia’s Ombudsman, Thomas Hammarberg, Human Rights Commissioner of the Council of Europe, Daud Garakoyev, leader of the Ingush YABLOKO, heads of human rights organisations and Public Prosecutor of the Republic of Ingushetia participated in the discussion.

Round table “Preservation of Historical Heritage: Public Voice” took place in the Moscow City Duma

Press Release, September 9, 2009

On September 8 round table “Preservation of Historical Heritage: Public Voice” took place in the Moscow City Duma. The round table was organised by Eugeni Bunimovich, Chair of the Moscow City Duma Commission for Education and Science and member of the YABLOKO faction.

Representatives of different public organisations, Moscow museums, architects, artists and journalists participated in the discussion. The discussion evolved around the present Moscow laws for preservation of historical and cultural heritage.

Commission for Education and Science of the Moscow City Duma approved YABLOKO’s draft law targeted at support of vocational training

Press Release, September 10, 2009

On September 10, draft federal law “On introduction of amendments into Article 39 of the Russian Federation law “On Education” submitted by the YABLOKO faction was discussed by the Moscow City Duma at its first meeting after summer vacation.

Chair of the Commission and member of the YABLOKO faction Eugeni Bunimovich in his speech noted that the present law grants research and high school institutions a right to create entities for application of the results of their research. However, institutions of vocational education have not enjoyed such a right yet.

Liberal International

Newsletter, Issue 152
Euro liberals a decisive force in EU politics – says LI Deputy President
CALD launches live broadcast for workshop on political communication.
National security most important issue in his presidential campaign - says Guevara.
Finnish PM says coordination key to economic recovery.
Russian liberal party registered for Moscow city election.
Taiwan PM resigns over mishandling of typhoon relief.
"We can do better” says LPC leader Ignatieff.
Venezuelan opposition protest Chavez growing authoritarianism.

Read more

Mitrokhin demands that deception of the electorate should be stopped

Press Release, September 10, 2009

Today speaking at the round table devoted to registration of candidates for elections to local self-government bodies that will take place on October 11, 2009, Sergei Mitrokhin, leader of the YABLOKO party, has said that procedure of collection of signatures turned into a nightmare for the candidates.

“It is more or less bearable for the parties, as they have administrative staff [who can help in the organisation of collection of signatures], however, the task becomes simply back-breaking for single-mandate candidates,” Sergei Mitrokhin noted in his speech.

Head of the Klin district Alexander Postrigan to face criminal proceedings

Press Release, September 9, 2009

On September 8 Public Prosecutor of the Moscow Region opened a criminal case against head of the Klin district Alexander Postrigan. However, representatives of the Public Prosecutor’s Office refused to give any details referring to the confidentiality of the investigation.

However, a source told YABLOKO that Postrigan is accused of fraud with real estate. The source also mentioned that as head of the district Postrigan first turned into municipal property and then privatized several objects of the city connected with the military complex. That is why the case is stamped as confidential. It also turned out that Postrigan’s wife heading the local Registration Chamber helped him to privities these entities.

All the non-registered candidates should be registered

Statement of the Regional Council of the Moscow YABLOKO branch, September 9, 2009

The Moscow branch of YABLOKO expresses its deep concern with the developments around registration of candidates to the Moscow City Duma election.

The practices when candidates are not allowed to run in the election violate the fundamental constitutional rights of the citizens to be elected into the legislative bodies.

In this situation we demand that the Moscow Electoral Commission should register all the candidates who submitted documents for registration in the race.

Sergei Mitrokhin,
Chairman of the Moscow YABLOKO branch

ELDR Newsletter, September 2009

Yabloko runs in the next Russian elections
Germany - FDP winner in regional elections
Olofsson: Green jobs- a solution to combat recession
ELDR members - upcoming national congresses
Forthcoming events 2009-2010

Read more: www.eldr.eu

Muscovites together with YABLOKO preserved Sadovniki park

Press Release, September 9, 2009

Two resolutions of the Moscow Government allowing for construction works in Sadovniki park, Moscow, were recalled.

It is not the first time that the authorities allow construction works in the park and the residents of the area together with the YABLOKO party oppose it. Due to the efforts of the initiative group of the residents of the area and YABLOKO’s support, construction works in the park did not start and moreover were prohibited.

YABLOKO’s candidates registered for the election in the Leningrad region

Press Release, September 8, 2009

On September 8 the District Electoral Commission of Vsevolzhsk city (Leningrad region) registered member of the YABLOKO party Olga Nikitina for the municipal election that will take place on October 11.

Earlier the Electoral Commission had expressed its doubts in the authenticity of seven signatures out of the total submitted by Nikitina. The commission had stated that “people different from those who signed in the lists” lived at the indicated addresses. The doubts of the commission were assuaged only after Nikitina submitted to the commission copies of the passports (containing their residence addresses) of those persons whose signatures were questioned.

Youth YABLOKO organisation of St.Petersburg for the protection of an orphanage

Press Release, September 8, 2009

Today on September 8, Youth YABLOKO organisation of St.Petersburg made a statement where it expressed concern about the situation developing around social orphanage Zhizn (Life) in St.Petersburg. The orphanage can be ousted out of its building, as obviously some wealthy investors came to liking these premises.

The Youth YABLOKO sent the statement to Valentina Matviyenko, Governor of St.Petersburg, and Alexei Golovan, Ombudsman for Children’s Rights.

The YABLOKO party: organisers of the murder of Galina Starovoitova may be found in resumed investigation

Interfax, September 7, 2009

The YABLOKO party states that the resumed investigation of the murder of Galina Starovoitova gives hopes that those who ordered this crime will be identified.

“We would like to hope for the better, and that there is political will in this case so that not to close the case when those who implemented the crime are found, but to find those who ordered the murder, maybe not the very top persons, but still those who ordered and organised the crime,” Mikhail Amosov, member of YABLOKO’s Political Committee told Interfax

YABLOKO organisation in Klin refutes the allegations of the criminal past of its candidates

Press Release, September 7, 2009

On September 3, the official web-site of the Klin District Administration (Moscow region) published an article entitled Klin YABLOKO Conceals Criminal Past of Its Candidates.

YABLOKO assesses such a publication as a campaign targeted at the discrediting of the party, whose activists have been criticising Alexander Postrigan, head of the Klin district, and prepared a meeting (scheduled on September 13) where they are going to demand his resignation.

YABLOKO’s branch in Tula registered in the elections

Press Release, September 7, 2009

The Electoral Commission of the Tula region has registered YABLOKO’s list of candidates in the elections of the regional parliament (the Tula Region Duma) which will take place on October 11.

The Electoral Commission was dissatisfied with only 2% of the total number of the signatures submitted by the regional YABLOKO branch for registration in the election campaign. In 12 days the regional branch of the party managed to collect 17,640 signatures at required 14,180.

The Moscow Electoral Commission registered YABLOKO for the Moscow City Duma election

Press Release, September 4, 2009

The Moscow Electoral Commission has registered YABLOKO’s election list for the Moscow City Duma election. Such a decision has been adopted by the Moscow Electoral Commission today.

Fayas Khalilulin, head of the working group which checked signatures for registration of the list, released the results of his audit. “The fact that only 1,077 signatures out of total 17,736, i.e. 7,1%, were acknowledged void, allows us to adopt a decision on registration of the list of candidates [for the Moscow election]”, runs the conclusion of the working group.

Sergei Mitrokhin wins the debate among four parties

Press Release, September 3, 2009

Debates of candidates to the deputies of the Moscow City Duma took place at Gazeta.ru on September 3.

Vladimir Platonov, Speaker of the Moscow City Duma and candidate from the United Russia party, Sergei Mitorkhin, deputy of the Moscow City Duma and leader of the YABLOKO party, Nikolai Gubenko topping the CPRF list and Natalya Borodina, candidate from the Fair Russia party, participated in the debate.

Yuri Samsonov about criminal actions of the head of the Klin district (Moscow Region) and non-registration of YABLOKO at the municipal election

Press Release, September 3, 2009

Press-conference “On the criminal and political situation in the Moscow Region” took place in the Independent Press Centre on September 3. Yuri Samsonov, leader of the YABLOKO election list in Klin told the journalists about unlawful actions of local administration headed by Alexander Postrigan who has been heading the district for 17 years already. According to Samsonov, Postrigan has managed to try all the top posts (sometimes he even held several posts at once) for these years. Samsonov also quoted the head of the Klin district saying that “no one will dare to do anything in the district without his personal permission”.

On supporting Andrei Malitsky in his litigation of violation of constitutional rights of the Russian citizens having residence permits in other countries

Statement of the Regional Council of the Moscow branch of YABLOKO

The Regional Council of the Moscow branch of the Russian United Democratic Party YABLOKO expresses support to Andrei Mikhailovich Malitsky in his litigation of the norm of the Federal Law “On the Basic Guarantees of Franchise and the Right to Participate in a Referendum”. Being a citizen of Russia Malitsky received a residence permit in Lithuania in June 2009. In view of this he was expelled from the Territorial Electoral Commission of Preobrazhenskoye District, Moscow, where he represented the interests of the YABLOKO party. Expelling Malitsky the Commission referred to the norm of the law which prohibits to the citizens having residence permits in other countries or other documents confirming the right of the citizens to a permanent residence in the foreign state to be members of electoral commissions.

Roar: Stalin divides Russians even in metro

Russia Today, September 2, 2009

By Sergei Borisov

An inscription praising Joseph Stalin at a refurbished metro station in Moscow has sparked a new controversy over the Soviet political and architectural heritage.

Passengers at the Kurskaya metro station, unveiled after the repairs, have been surprised recently to see it decorated with a powerful symbol of the past. A restored inscription contains a line from an old version of the Soviet national anthem...

Sergei Mitrokhin, leader of the liberal YABLOKO party called on the management of the Moscow metro to remove the inscription that “insults the memory of millions of victims of political repressions.”

Book “Overcoming of Stalin’s Legacy” available now

Press Release, September 2, 2009

The book “Overcoming of Stalin’s Legacy” published by the YABLOKO party is available now. The book addresses broad circles of readers.

“Creation of a democratic Russia, its competitive capacity, its respect in the world and its fate in general would be under question without clear and unequivocal state and public assessment of the key issues of our history in the 20th century.”

Grigory Yavlinsky

YABLOKO’s leaders opened YABLOKO’s book stand at the International Book fair in Moscow

Press Release, September 2, 2009

YABLOKO’s deputies of the Moscow City Duma Sergei Mitrokhin and Eugeni Bunimovich opened the book stand of the YABLOKO party at the 22nd International Book Fair in Moscow.

Sergei Mitrokhin personally presented the visitors with YABLOKO’s election programme and Eugeni Bunimovich signed his books of verse.
The stand presented the books published by the party for the recent years, in particular, books by Grigory Yavlinsky, Alexei Yablokov and Alexei Arbatov.

Press-conference “On the criminal and political situation in the Moscow Region”

Press Release, September 2, 2009

Press-conference “On the criminal and political situation in the Moscow Region” will take place on September 3, at 3.15 p.m. Sergei Mitrokhin, leader of the YABLOKO party, Seregi Kryzhov, member of the Bureau of the Moscow Region branch of YABLOKO and deputy of Sergiyev Posad municipal council, Dmitry Ilyushin, deputy head of the Moscow Regional branch of YABLOKO and Yuri Samsonov topping YABLOKO’s list at the election in Klin will participate in the press-conference.

Updated (see YABLOKO's home page) - Announces, Soon! For Your Interest! it's Important! Was! Author!

YABLOKO to participate in the International Book Fair in Moscow

Press Release, September 2, 2009

The YABLOKO party will participate in the 22 Moscow Book Fair opening at the Exhibition Centre today, on September 2.

Free distribution of YABLOKO’s programme “City Comfortable for Living” will take place at YABLOKO’s stand. The stand will also display books written by YABLOKO’s leaders: Sergei Mitrokhin, Grigory Yavlinsky, Alexei Yablokov, Eugeni Bunimovich, Alexei Arbatov and other.

Five YABLOKO’s activists brought to trial

Press Release, September 1, 2009

Today on September 1, the court of the first instance will examine the cases of five YABLOKO’s activists accused in unsanctioned picketing at the Red Square.
On August 16 the police detained nine activists of the YABLOKO party collecting signatures (required for registration of the party in the Moscow City Duma election) at the Red Square. Six activists were accused in unsanctioned picketing and three are charged with resisting police.

Young YABLOKO’s activists conducted an action by the Okhta-Centre in St.Petersburg

Press Release, August 31, 2009

Early in the morning on August 31 activists of the Youth YABLOKO organisation of St.Petersburg conducted an action at the planned location of the projected Okhta-Centre. The residents of the city oppose construction of this centre – another Gazprom’s skyscraper. The activists hang a cross-street banner “Here comes a traffic jam! Gazprom”.

Underfinancing of the educational sector leading Russian to fall behind

Statement of the YABLOKO party, August 31, 2009

The Russian United Democratic party YABLOKO considers Government’s statement on abolishing of indexation of wages of the budget sphere workers in 2010 absolutely unacceptable.

In particular, such a decision makes government’s announcing of 2010 the Year of Teacher, as well as all the words about respect of this profession that many state bureaucrats will say on September 1 [the day when children go to school after summer vacation] cynical and void.