31 Dec 2011

Putin ready to talk with opposition - but who?

8:08 am on 31 December 2011

After another large post-election demonstration in Russia, Prime Minister Vladimir Putin said he's ready to talk with the opposition, but the problem is he does not know who to talk with.

He told journalists in Moscow that the protesters represented all points on the political spectrum with no common agenda.

Mr Putin also referred to the subject in televised comments on Wednesday.

I do not even know who spoke there,'' he said. ''Do they have a common platform? No.

''Is there anyone to talk to? We need to discuss all of their issues, their problems, but this requires some sense.''

The election on 4 December saw a fall in support for the United Russia party.

Mr Putin also said he will consider participating in a debate before next years presidential election.