Moscow, 7 July: The chairman of the State Duma, Boris Gryzlov, has said it would be more expedient for the West to invest in the development of the economy rather than in support of democracy in Russia.

"They are trying to support our democracy from abroad. I believe there can be no return to the past in Russia - it is a democratic country," Gryzlov told journalists in response to a request to comment on the US Senate's decision to allocate money for the development of democracy and democratic parties in Russia.

"The parties that entered parliament are supported by the state," Gryzlov said. He recalled that in line with a law just passed by the State Duma the financing of them has been increased 10-fold and now depends on the number of voters who give their votes to one party or another.

According to the speaker, these funds are enough for parties to develop successfully and prepare for future elections.

"If the West wants to help Russia, it should rather support the development of the economy in our country," Gryzlov said. "Let them invest, let them invest in the infrastructure and create joint ventures."