United Russia opposes extension of presidential term to seven years

The United Russia faction does not support the proposal of the Ivanov regional Duma to extend the Russian presidential term of office to seven years. As a Rosbalt correspondent reports, this was announced yesterday by Speaker of the State Duma Boris Gryzlov. 'We have a constitutional majority in the lower house of parliament which intends to protect the country's basic law,' he said.

However, Mr Gryzlov also stressed that the proposal to extend the president's term of office will be considered by the State Duma. 'Any legislative initiative can be discussed,' he explained.