Russian political parties are urged to promote tolerance

In the light of the upcoming parliamentary and regional elections in 2007 fighting extremism and terrorism appears to be one of the key factors in promoting social stability.

Russian political parties have been urged to avoid sounding extremist in their election campaigns.

At the meeting with the heads of main political parties, including “United Russia”, “Fair Russia”, the “Union of Right Forces”, the Liberal-Democrat party and the Communist party, Russian President Vladimir Putin called on them to bear more responsibility for guaranteeing social stability.

It was pointed out that during election campaigns it is rather easy slip into extremism but those who profess racial, ethnic or religious hatred would face adequate resistance.