Putin urges Russians to vote for United Russia party

Moscow, Nov 29 (UNI) President Vladimir Putin urged the electorate to vote for pro-Kremlin United Russia party in the State Duma Parliamentary elections on December 2.

''I hope for and believe in your support,'' Mr Putin said in a nationally televised address on the state-run TV Channel One.

Voting for his party was crucial for preserving the speedy economic growth and the country's reemergence on the world stage, he added.

Mr Putin warned that those who implemented the disastrous reforms in the 1990s, which brought fortunes to a handful of Kremlin-connected 'oligarchs' and impoverished millions of people, must not be allowed to return to power.

''Remember what we had eight years ago, the pit from which we had to drag our country. If we want to live decent lives, we must not allow those who once unsuccessfully tried to rule the country to come back to power,'' he said.

''Now they want to alter Russia's development course supported by the nation, to turn its plans into empty talk, and bring back the time of humiliation, dependence and disintegration,'' he added.

The Russian President felt that Russia should strengthen its defence capability and national security.

''We must strengthen Russia's defence capability and security, and improve the country's image in the world," he said.

Mr Putin pointed that the results of the Duma elections would set the tone for the presidential elections on March 2.

''There is one more thing I would like to draw your attention to. The results of State Duma elections will undoubtedly set the tone for the elections of Russia's new President,'' he added.

''Everything that has been done was achieved in persistent struggle. And it can be preserved on the condition of our common active civic position,'' he said noting, ''This is the reason why I made the decision to lead the United Russia ticket.'' ''And this is precisely the reason why I am asking you to go to the polls on December 2 and to vote for United Russia. I count on you, and I believe in your support,'' Mr Putin concluded.

UNI