PROTESTORS IN RUSSIAN FAR EAST DO NOT PUSH THE ENVELOPE

UNCLAS VLADIVOSTOK 000036 SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PGOV ECON RS SUBJECT: PROTESTORS IN RUSSIAN FAR EAST DO NOT PUSH THE ENVELOPE ¶1. (U) This weekend's protests in Primorye Kray's major cities, including Vladivostok, took on the more festive atmosphere of the first protests in December. Members of the Communist party, TIGR, and trade union and other public organizations had balloons and banners on hand, but they did not block traffic as they had originally planned and there were no confrontations with militia. The protests seem designed to keep the protestors organized and morale high rather than to serious challenge the government at this point. ¶2. (U) According to the Interior Ministry only about 1,500 protestors met on Sunday, March 15. Press accounts put the number in Vladivostok alone at 1,000. The militia effectively stymied the plan to block traffic on major roads, issuing citations for minor infractions to drivers who stopped their cars. After some negotiation by TIGR leaders, the drivers were released on the condition that they not attend the protests. ¶3. (U) Signs amongst the protestors played with the name "Putin" and "Liliputian," and a giant balloon bear, symbolizing United Russia, was released during the protest in Vladivostok. United Russia officals declined to accept a note from the demonstrators. Protestors called for Governor Darkin's resignation as well as a new federal government. They also called for fair elections, a financial audit of United Russia, and an overhaul of federal economic policy. Protestors continue to voice complaints about car import tarrifs, high food and medicine costs, and high unemployment. ARMBRUSTER