Local view for "http://purl.org/linkedpolitics/eu/plenary/2012-03-14-Speech-3-431-000"
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"en.20120314.25.3-431-000"2
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"Mr President, I was in Russia to observe the Duma elections and, three months later, the Presidential elections. Despite the fact that during the Duma elections in one of Moscow’s districts, I bore witness to electoral fraud, this was also recorded on video by one of the members of the Central Election Commission, and as I returned from Russia, I was not overly depressed. My biggest impression was the huge public interest in the elections in Moscow and St Petersburg and the sincere desire of many people, particularly young people, to prevent any fraud. Undoubtedly, this was mostly demonstrated by those members and observers of the Central Election Commission who supported opposition parties and opposition Presidential candidates. It is therefore very regrettable that more parties and Presidential candidates were artificially prevented from participating in both elections, and that in the media, the government’s party and candidates enjoyed greenhouse conditions, while the opposition had to endure political draughts and cold.
However, that desire to finally organise honourable and fair elections ran through not thousands, but hundreds of thousands and millions of Russian citizens, as demonstrated by the mass demonstrations in Moscow, St Petersburg and elsewhere. Surveys show that 10 years ago, Russia’s progress down the European road would have been supported by approximately 20% of the country’s population, whereas now such a route would be chosen by 30%, and more than half of Russia’s youth. This tendency allows us to take a more optimistic view of Russia’s future, but it should be remembered that around 40% would like a particular Russian road that may lead even further from democracy and human rights. I therefore very much support those colleagues who are in favour of intensifying dialogue with Russia at all levels and using all European Union opportunities so that we encourage Russia to take the European road."@en1
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