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Russia's Medvedev warns against 'extremists' Russia: Medvedev urges bold political reforms
(40 minutes later)
Russia's President Dmitry Medvedev has warned that "provocateurs and extremists" will not be allowed to create divisions in society. Russia's President Dmitry Medvedev has proposed reinstating direct elections of regional governors, in a far-reaching plan for political reform.
He also proposed "comprehensive" political reforms, including direct elections of regional governors. Direct elections were abolished by his predecessor Vladimir Putin in 2004, since when the governors have been Kremlin appointees.
He was addressing the full Russian parliament, live on television. Mr Medvedev was addressing the full Russian parliament, live on television.
"Attempts to manipulate Russian citizens, to confuse them, stir up divisions in society are unacceptable," he said.
His speech comes after tens of thousands of people demonstrated in Moscow over alleged election abuses.His speech comes after tens of thousands of people demonstrated in Moscow over alleged election abuses.
"We must give all active citizens the opportunity to take part in political life," Mr Medvedev said in his state of the nation speech.
The procedure for registering political parties must be simplified, he continued.
"The presidential elections [next year] must be honest, transparent, responding to the requirements of legality and justice," he said.
But he warned that "provocateurs and extremists" would not be allowed to create divisions in society.
"Attempts to manipulate Russian citizens, to confuse them, stir up divisions in society are unacceptable," he said.
Another big opposition demonstration is expected on Saturday, amid continuing demands for a re-run of the 4 December parliamentary election.Another big opposition demonstration is expected on Saturday, amid continuing demands for a re-run of the 4 December parliamentary election.
The ruling party, United Russia, lost a quarter of its seats in the vote - a big slump in its support.The ruling party, United Russia, lost a quarter of its seats in the vote - a big slump in its support.
"We won't let provocateurs and extremists drag society into their adventures," Mr Medvedev said in his state of the nation speech.
"We must give all active citizens the opportunity to take part in political life," he said.
The procedure for registering political parties must be simplified, he continued.
"The presidential elections must be honest, transparent, responding to the requirements of legality and justice," he said.