Yabloko Leader Welcomes Russian President's Choice

Addressing the 10th congress of the Yabloko Association in Moscow, Yabloko leader Grigory Yavlinsky said the association supports the military reform and welcomes the Russian president's decision to switch over to a contract army. Speaking about the country's foreign policy, Yavlinsky noted that "President Putin made the right choice after September 11th when he opted for Russian statehood." Today, Yabloko unites 12,700 members from 56 regional organisations. According to Yavlinsky, the major decision made at the 10th congress was to transform the association into a political party. The delegates still have to discuss the party's program and Statute and adopt a Democratic Manifesto and an address to the nation, which is called "The Road to Freedom."