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Vladimir Pekhtin may return to State Duma if he wishes – United Russia faction leader

On February 20, Pekhtin said he was resigning his post of his own accord in connection with the allegations that he had undeclared property in the United States

MOSCOW, April 26 (Itar-Tass) – Leader of the United Russia faction at the State Duma lower house of the Russian parliament Vladimir Vasilyev said his former colleague Vladimir Pekhtin, who resigned of his own accord, would settle the issue of his foreign property and that there were no reasons to accuse him of law-breaking. Furthermore, Vasilyev said Pekhtin would be able to return to the State Duma.

"If he /Pekhtin/ so wishes, he'll return and the faction will welcome him back," Vasilyev told a news conference on Friday.

The former lawmaker has already landed a job in the area he was trained, and it seems he finds it interesting. Earlier reports said Pekhtin had been given a post at the RosHydro company.

First deputy chairwoman of the house committee for family Olga Batalina confirmed that the lawmaker would be able to come back. "The law allows it," she underlined.

Pekhtin was elected to the State Duma on United Russia's regional list in the Arkhangelsk region. On February 20, he said he was resigning his post of his own accord in connection with the allegations that he had undeclared property in the United States.

He explained his decision by his wish to avoid any insinuations and provocations against the United Russia Party.

Pekhtin's powers were officially terminated on March 29, and on April 4, the dedicated house commission closed the issue of his income declaration check in connection with his stepping down. His mandate was handed over to Yelena Vtorygina, who was "number two" on United Russia’s Arkhangelsk region list.

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