Moscow Mayor Proclaims Ideological Principles for United Russia's Moscow Branch

Yuri Luzhkov, co-chairman of the `United Russia` political party's Supreme Council, has laid out four ideological principles for the party's Moscow branch to stand by - freedom, equity, rule of law and cohesion.

"There is a strategic objective of creating a multiparty and truly democratic political system in Russia," Yuri Luzhkov told the second conference of the party's Moscow branch on Saturday. He added that the `United Russia` must become the driving force of this process to encourage competition on the political arena".

The party's ideology, according to Luzhkov, should be based on pragmatic idealism, combining determination to create an effective market economy and pursuit of social justice. This approach brings together people who feel their personal responsibility for the country's future.

In addition, Luzhkov pointed out, "we ought to be open for a dialogue with any other parties ready to support President Vladimir Putin's efforts to establish the rule of law in Russia and make it a more civilised and democratic country." The Moscow branch of the `United Russia` was set up eight months ago. At present, it has more than 25,000 members.