Russian President Vladimir Putin has said that the liberalization of Russia's political laws must not allow "destructive forces" to in the country, Russian Interfax news agency reported on 19 July.

file photoAt a meeting with the leaders of the Duma factions on 19 July, Putin reminded them about earlier decisions to simplify the creation of political parties, and introduce new rules for the nomination of governors and proposals to change the rules for the formation of the Federation Council.

"These decisions, which were taken at the legislative level, must be put into practice carefully, calmly, and in strict accordance with the spirit and the letter of the laws we have adopted. However, they must not allow any destructive forces yet again to destabilize the situation, especially in a destructive and terrorist way," said Putin.

Putin admitted that he had had doubts about the usefulness of the new law on political parties, but believed that interested political forces should be allowed to create their own associations.

"I had some doubts about whether it was sensible to allow small parties. We need to see how this will work in reality. At least we should make an attempt and let all those who want to express their opinions do so legally," Putin said at the meeting with the leaders of the Duma factions.

Putin does not think that the introduction of criminal liability for defamation is excessive, but he said that over time this decision might be reversed.

"I do not think this is excessive, but, as certain principles of relations between people and different areas develop in society, I think that maybe we will repeal them (the amendments) at some point," Putin said.

Putin urged the Duma deputies not to be afraid of democracy, but to develop it on the basis of the existing laws, Russian RIA Novosti agency reported.

"We must not be afraid of democracy. We must understand that democracy and anarchy are two different things. Democracy means law, of course. There can be no democracy without respect for the country's laws," Putin said during the meeting.

"If we follow this logic, I am confident that we will be on the right track. We will develop the country's political system and will ensure that it corresponds to the current level of development of our society and would help Russia to take a worthy place in the world," Putin said.

Keywords: Russia, Government, Politics - Russian News - Russia - Johnson's Russia List

Russian President Vladimir Putin has said that the liberalization of Russia's political laws must not allow "destructive forces" to in the country, Russian Interfax news agency reported on 19 July.

file photoAt a meeting with the leaders of the Duma factions on 19 July, Putin reminded them about earlier decisions to simplify the creation of political parties, and introduce new rules for the nomination of governors and proposals to change the rules for the formation of the Federation Council.

"These decisions, which were taken at the legislative level, must be put into practice carefully, calmly, and in strict accordance with the spirit and the letter of the laws we have adopted. However, they must not allow any destructive forces yet again to destabilize the situation, especially in a destructive and terrorist way," said Putin.

Putin admitted that he had had doubts about the usefulness of the new law on political parties, but believed that interested political forces should be allowed to create their own associations.

"I had some doubts about whether it was sensible to allow small parties. We need to see how this will work in reality. At least we should make an attempt and let all those who want to express their opinions do so legally," Putin said at the meeting with the leaders of the Duma factions.

Putin does not think that the introduction of criminal liability for defamation is excessive, but he said that over time this decision might be reversed.

"I do not think this is excessive, but, as certain principles of relations between people and different areas develop in society, I think that maybe we will repeal them (the amendments) at some point," Putin said.

Putin urged the Duma deputies not to be afraid of democracy, but to develop it on the basis of the existing laws, Russian RIA Novosti agency reported.

"We must not be afraid of democracy. We must understand that democracy and anarchy are two different things. Democracy means law, of course. There can be no democracy without respect for the country's laws," Putin said during the meeting.

"If we follow this logic, I am confident that we will be on the right track. We will develop the country's political system and will ensure that it corresponds to the current level of development of our society and would help Russia to take a worthy place in the world," Putin said.