Grigory Yavlinsky: I would like to stress that today the other resolutions [of the Chechen problem] that we witness in Russia are based on violence, rather than negotiations. This is demonstrated not only in the Northern Caucasus: it can be easily seen even in the State Duma, when the Kremlin and its allies, the communists, decide the key issues behind the formation of the structure of the State Duma for the long term. When we discuss whether this union was tactical or strategic, in my opinion, there is no doubt that this is a strategic union. It is strategic not only in the forms and methods of their alliance, but mainly owing to the union between the Kremlin and the communists. Gennadi Seleznyov, one of the leaders of the communists, became Chairman of the State Duma, while the key committees of the Duma were distributed among the communists and the main directions of Duma work in international policy were transferred to the nationalists, such as Zhirinovsky. We have all the grounds for believing that this will also be the way in which the Russian government will be formed by "Unity" and Putin after their victory at the presidential elections. In this sense, the danger is great and we must not let this happen.

Question: What can you say about yesterday's tragedy near Grozny, when OMON soldiers from a Moscow region died? What can you propose in terms of a political solution right now?

Yavlinsky: I commiserate deeply with all the families of the dead soldiers and wish with all my soul that all Russian soldiers stay alive and return home with a clear conscience. This is all I can say. I sent a plan for political regulation of the situation in Chechnya to Vladimir Putin. I insisted that this plan should be considered. This plan has already been discussed in part with Putin. I will continue this work and the plan will soon be made known to the general public.

Question: What do you think about Sergei Stepashin's decision not to stand as candidate for Governor of St.Petersburg?

Yavlinsky: Sergei Stepashin takes such decisions independently. I support Sergei Stepashin, and if he considers it necessary to take such a decision, I am ready to share his opinion.

Question: Will you support Valentina Matvienko?

Yavlinsky: We have scheduled a number of meetings and will conduct meetings with Valentina Matvienko about the prospects. As you know, Yabloko in St Petersburg had and has, in addition to Sergei Stepashin, its own candidate, former Deputy Governor of St Petersburg for Economics and Finance Igor Artemyev. We are continuing our work here and we are going to conduct all our consultative work from these positions.

Question: What do you think about the possibility of a single candidate?

Yavlinsky: It is a good idea, if it is implemented.

Question: Can you talk about any developments in your negotiations with other presidential candidates?

Yavlinsky: We conducted negotiations with Eugeni Savostyanov, but we only discussed what could be done to gather all the votes together. Our consultations continue.

Question: What do you mean be saying " if it is implemented "?

Yavlinsky: I do my job. I am participating in the presidential elections. I am not going to abandon my candidacy under any conditions. This is what I would like to tell to my electorate.

Question: What will happen in the Caucasus? The military announced the end of the third phase of the operation. Does this mean that the war has already stopped?

Yavlinsky: No. It does not mean that. It means only what the military announced. Nothing more. Today the main danger in the Northern Caucasus is the partisan war and a wave of terrorism that may spread from the Northern Caucasus all over the country. This is the most dangerous thing that happens there today.

Question: Could you tell us if you think that negotiations with Maskhadov are possible?

Yavlinsky: [Negotiations are possible] with everybody who recognises the Constitution of Russia and did not participate in any torture, hostage-taking and brutalities. We can conduct negotiations provided that two conditions are met: recognition of the Constitution of Russia and non-participation in tortures and brutalities.

Question: Would you introduce the post of Vice-President?

Yavlinsky: The introduction of a Vice-President position would be a good solution. I think that the post of Vice-President is required in Russia to expand the President's ability to co-ordinate of interests, both political and those of different groups in Russia. I think that if the post of Vice-President existed in Russia, it should be taken by a woman.

Question: Do you have such a candidate?

Yavlinsky: Yes, there is such a candidate. For example, Tatyana Yarigina.

Question: What do you think about the "aluminium deal"?

Yavlinsky: These issues are related to a consolidation of the oligarchic system in Russia. We are simply witnessing a consolidation of monopolies. This is how monopolies are strengthened in the country. Consequently, when the acting President is asked this question, he answers that no concentration has taken place, that it was simply a transfer from one hands to the other. This may be compared to the following response to the question "Is this round?" "No, it's green".