Voorzitter Europees Parlement teleurgesteld over weigering erkenning oppositiepartij Rusland (en)

Following the reports that Russia's Justice Ministry had denied the right to register the liberal Party of People's Freedom, the President of the European Parliament Jerzy Buzek i said:

"I am very disappointed by the decision of the Russian Justice Ministry. Democratic elections require real and free competition among political parties. The decision means some political parties will be unable to take part in the parliamentary election; this puts into question the fairness and pluralism of the forthcoming Duma elections this December.

I call on the Russian authorities to allow for a free and fair election process. It will be to the benefit of the Russian people and European partners who will respectfully welcome it."