Vladimir Putin's supporters gather in Moscow

The supporters of the United Russia pro-presidential party organized their forum at one of Moscow's largest conference halls here today. The forum, which involves about 3,500 people, is taking place under the slogan "Together With The President".

President Vladimir Putin of the Russian Federation sent a message of greetings to forum participants. Such wide-ranging support on the part of United Russia makes it possible to hope that the party will accomplish its objectives, Putin's message reads in part. The presidential message was read out by party leader and Russian Interior Minister Boris Gryzlov.

Putin called on forum delegates to submit their specific proposals to the partisan program and to actively participate in partisan work over the election-campaign period. Regular parliamentary elections will be held in Russia this December.

According to Gryzlov himself, Russia's authorities and society were separated by a wall for quite a while. The United Russia party will breach this wall, he added. The party's supporters, who have different views, are united by their belief in a prosperous Russia, Gryzlov went on to say.

Gryzlov emphasized the fact that the party didn't advocate nationwide conformism; nor does it want to become a party of the state, he stressed. We strive to unite the majority, regarding this as our political mission, Gryzlov said in conclusion.