Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
09VLADIVOSTOK36
2009-03-16 01:04:00
UNCLASSIFIED
Consulate Vladivostok
Cable title:
PROTESTORS IN RUSSIAN FAR EAST DO NOT PUSH THE ENVELOPE
how-toVZCZCXRO9918 PP RUEHCHI RUEHDBU RUEHFK RUEHHM RUEHKSO RUEHLN RUEHNAG RUEHPB RUEHPOD RUEHYG DE RUEHVK #0036 0750104 ZNR UUUUU ZZH P R 160104Z MAR 09 FM AMCONSUL VLADIVOSTOK TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC PRIORITY 1106 INFO RUEHXD/MOSCOW POLITICAL COLLECTIVE RUEHZU/ASIAN PACIFIC ECONOMIC COOPERATION RUEHVK/AMCONSUL VLADIVOSTOK 1208
UNCLAS VLADIVOSTOK 000036
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PGOV ECON RS
SUBJECT: 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
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