Government Calmly Perceives News of Possible Vote of No Confidence

The Russian government calmly perceives the Yabloko liberal party's statement that it intends to raise the question of vote of no confidence in the Cabinet. According to head of the Governmental Information Department Alexei Gorshkov, the government "understands only too well that political parties have entered the period of election campaign and will be looking to attracting votes by criticizing the executive power's activities." "Unfortunately, Yabloko declares its readiness to take part in working out the government's program, its practical implementation and realization of these or those political declarations only during election race," he stated.

Gorshkov also recalled that in accordance with the present Constitution, the makeup of the government is not determined by parliamentary elections but is formed by the head of state.

The Yabloko's statement adopted Saturday at a session of the party's federal council bureau says the party charges the Duma faction to raise the issue of government resignation in the lower house - the State Duma. The party accused the Cabinet of "being unable to fulfil with its obligations."