From InterFax:  A parliamentary democracy is an unacceptable form of governance for Russia, President Dmitry Medvedev said.

Speaking at a meeting with political analysts in Yaroslavl he said that he spent the first two years changing the political structure at the federal and regional levels.

"But there is no need for radical changes. Not because they are not allowed but because they are unnecessary. They keep telling us about parliamentary democracy. Our Kyrgyz friends have embarked on that path. But for Russia, and I am afraid, for Kyrgyzstan too, a parliamentary democracy is a catastrophe," Medvedev said. 

From Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty:  Medvedev said Russia’s current political system should be modernized "with great caution, step-by-step."

Medvedev said many Russians had a "difficult relationship" with democracy, especially since the post-communist 1990s led to a rise in poverty.

Medvedev has been criticized for the slow pace of democratic reforms since winning power two years ago, and for brutal police crackdowns on protests.  (photo: Demotix)

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