Moscow, August 12, 2003 (MK-Novosti). The electoral head-quarters
of the Russian Democratic Party YABLOKO carefully studied the sensational
statement made by the head of the electoral head-quarters of the Union
of Right-Wing Forces (SPS) Alfred Kokh to one of the information agencies
on the intention of the SPS to conduct a tough struggle against YABLOKO
in order to win over YABLOKO's electorate.
Today the press service of the YABLOKO faction of the State Duma informed
MK-Novosti that Deputy Head of the Russian Democratic Party YABLOKO Sergei
Mitrokhin had commented on his [Kokh's] statement and expressed his
satisfaction that Kokh had confirmed the information that the SPS had
allotted considerable funds for the project aimed at discrediting YABLOKO.
For the first time an official representative of the SPS openly admitted
that this party was going to fight against YABLOKO," stressed Mitrokhin,
reiterating that previously the right-wing forces had announced that they
would compete for votes with United Russia and regarded YABLOKO as their
partner in the democratic movement.
Mitrokhin also said that in spring this year YABLOKO proposed that the
SPS clearly state that unethical methods of election struggle are inadmissible.
He also explained that these proposals contained an item which stated
that if [the parties] held different positions on vital issues for the
country (for example, reforms at RAO UES, the housing and utilities sector,
etc.) both the parties would criticise each other openly without adopting
underhand methods. The SPS refused at the time.
Mitrokhin also stressed that YABLOKO does not consider the SPS as an
enemy, but will unmask those who order dirty campaigns. "I honestly
want the SPS to make it into the new Duma, however, I am afraid that it
will not be easy to achieve with such managers. It was difficult to find
a less appropriate figure for making a statement on their desire to win
over our electorate than Kokh who is in the eyes of YABLOKO's supporters
the executioner of the NTV [television company]," said Deputy Head
of the YABLOKO party.
At the same time Mitrokhin thinks that it is still possible to avoid
a senseless struggle between the two democratic parties. "It is to
be hoped that soon Kokh's statement will be disavowed by the political
leaders of the SPS," added Mitrokhin.
See also:
State Duma elections
2003
YABLOKO and SPS
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