Putin rejects redo of poll
Prime Minister Vladimir Putin vehemently rejected opposition calls for a rerun of the parliamentary election, accusing those who organised massive protests against vote fraud of working to weaken Russia at the West’s behest.
In blustery remarks likely to further fuel anger against his 12-year rule, Putin insisted on Thursday that the December 4 parliamentary election, which drew allegations of fraud and triggered the largest protests in Russia in 20 years, was a genuine reflection of the people’s will. He also put a positive spin on the protests that dented his power and threatened his bid to reclaim presidency in the March 4 vote, saying they reflected a rise in public activity that he welcomes.
“The results of this election undoubtedly reflect the real balance of power in the country,” Putin said on a marathon TV show that lasted 4 1/2 hours. “It’s very good that United Russia has preserved its leading position.”
Gadhafi killing
Putin also implicated Washington in the killing of Libyan dictator Moammar Gadhafi and launched a tirade against Senator John McCain in an extraordinary attack on US policies.
Putin used his annual televised phone-in to unleash the type of no-holds-barred attack that characterised his 2000-2008 term as president and threatens to shadow his expected return to the Kremlin in March polls.
Putin turned stone-faced when asked about a tweet from McCain — one of Washington’s fiercest critics of Putin — warning Russia it faced an “Arab spring” revolt over elections.
“McCain fought in Vietnam. I think that he has enough blood of peaceful citizens on his hands. It must be impossible for him to live without these disgusting scenes anymore,” Putin said in reference to Gadhafi.
