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Russian opposition to hold session of 'alternative parliament' in May
Interfax

Moscow, 27 March: The first session of a so-called national assembly is to take place in May. The Other Russia opposition coalition's intention is that it should become an alternative parliament.

"The Other Russia executive committee has approved a date for the session, after agreeing it with potential members of the national assembly. The national assembly will hold its first session on 17-18 May," Marina Litvinovich, member of the Other Russia executive committee, told Interfax.

"Our idea is that the national assembly should become an alternative parliament, which means an alternative governmental body," Litvinovich said.

She said the meeting would be preceded by two Other Russia conferences: a conference of democratic forces will take place on 5 April in St Petersburg, and left-wing forces will gather in Moscow on 6 April. "This will be a sort of preparation for the national assembly," she said.

Litvinovich added that it is still unknown where and when the assembly's session will take place - on 17 or 18 May. "It is likely to take place in Moscow but there are certain difficulties," she said.

A press release distributed by the coalition on Thursday (27 March) has set out the national assembly's main principles, as approved by the Other Russia executive committee.

"The main purpose of the assembly is to widely represent and implement the public interest. Organizations taking part in the creation and activity of the national assembly are in favour of a strong, prosperous and democratic Russia taking a deserved place in the international economic and political system," the document says. "'National Assembly' will consider proposals and legislative initiatives from all organizations irrespective of their number and whether they have formal registration. Organizations taking part in the creation and activity of the national assembly are thereby expressing their readiness to struggle for the implementation of citizens' social and political rights," the statement says.