Putin says ready for talks with opposition

During his last meeting with reporters this year, Putin said that talks with the oppositions "should be held" but he is still undecided in what form such a dialogue could take place.

"We have never been against any dialogue with the opposition. We are always in the dialogue," Putin said. "But we are against any extremist manifestations which must be terminated with the tough means."

Putin said he did not see participation in televised debates as a proper means, though the opposition has asked for public debate before the presidential elections.

"It has nothing to do with fear. The thing is the opposition is not burdened with any particular work, it always demands the impossible things and then does nothing to fulfill it afterwards," RIA Novosti news agency quoted Putin as saying.

Putin avoided appraising the hard-core opposition politicians, saying that he did not know who of them participated in mass rallies in Moscow on Dec 10 and Dec 24. But he urged them to deliver their common platform to make him understand what they want; Kazinform cites China Daily.

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