Resolution on the preparations for the Russian State Duma elections in December

1. What makes you think that such resolution is needed and this is the> right time to accept it?

Even though the European Court of Human Rights expressed its criticism over the registration procedures for political parties in Russia in April, the procedures are still cumbersome and difficult. In our reading this has led to the Russian Ministry of Justice on 22 June 2011 refusing the application for registration of the People's Freedom Party, latest in a series of similar cases. The decision of the Ministry seems to have made it impossible for the People's Freedom Party and other parties to participate in the elections. When would be a more urgent time to express our concerns on these issues in a resolution?

2. You might know that Russian government opposes any external pressure> on human rights issues. Don't you think that for future cooperation with> Russia it would be better not to press on these issues?

Russia is a full member of the Council of Europe, the OSCE and the UN and has therefore committed itself to the principles of democracy and respect for human rights as promoted by these organisations. Partnership between EU and Russia can only be based and developed on shared common values and future cooperation must be linked to efforts to strengthening democracy, the rule of law and the respect for fundamental rights inside Russia. I do hope that the Russian authorities will do everything within their power to ensure that all candidates and parties are treated fairly and equally in the forthcoming elections.

Resolution of the European Parlament, 7 july 2011