MOSCOW, December 22 (Itar-Tass) — Dmitry Medvedev is of the opinion that attempts at stirring up social strife in Russia are unacceptable and that attempts at interference from the outside should be cut short.
"The people's right to express their opinion by all legitimate ways is guaranteed. However, attempts at manipulating the citizens of Russia and at misleading them and at stirring up social strife in society are unacceptable," the President of the Russian Federation said in an annual state-of-the-nation Address to the Federal Assembly (parliament) here on Thursday.
"We shall not allow provocateurs and extremists to draw society into their ventures. Neither shall we permit an outside interference in our internal affairs," the Head of State emphasized.
"Russia needs democracy, not chaos. It needs faith in the future, and in justice," he said.
Commenting on the results of the Dec 4 elections to the State Duma, Medvedev pointed out that the authorities "attentively and with respect regard any criticisms leveled at state institutions or at individual officials". "All kinds of statements have been made both inside and outside Russia about the results of the parliamentary elections. Some people are satisfied with the elections’ results while other ones are not quite satisfied and there are also people, who are not contented altogether," he said.
"We draw conclusions if criticism is a just one and restore legality, where it was violated. We make the necessary decisions on the basis of consultations with the main political forces, and express our stand and object when necessary if criticism was unfounded," the President assured those present.