To the Fraternal Parties

We would be highly appreciative if you exhibit solidarity with the CPRF by providing information support our appeal to the leading Russian TV channels (following ) on the grounds that the broad strata of the Russian population must know the electoral intentions of the leading opposition party in the country, specifically its leader Gennady Zyuganov.

 

Thanking you in advance,

==================

To: KONSTANTIN ERNST, Director-General, OAO Channel One

12, Akademika Koroleva, Moscow, 127427

OLEG DOBRODEYEV, Director-General of VGTRK,

19/21 Yamskogo Polya 5 Ul, Moscow, 125040

VLADIMIR KULISTIKOV, Director-General, OAO NTV Company, 12, Akademika Koroleva, Moscow, 127427

On September 30 Channel One, Russia-1 and NTV Channels broadcast your conversation with President Dmitry Medvedev of Russia. On October 17 your channels carried a similar interview with the Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin.

Neither the first, nor the second programme addressed themes that are directly related to the state duties of the Russian President and the Prime Minister. Both programmes were largely devoted to the upcoming elections to the State Duma and the presidential election.

Dmitry Medvedev explained his role as the leader of the United Russia list of candidates for the upcoming elections. Vladimir Putin concluded his reflections with a political statement: “United Russia must remain the leading political force in the country and in the State Duma.”

Naturally, all the parties concerned have the right to pronounce on these issues. Officially, you are the host party and in your capacity of media outlets should be interested in representing all the main points of view. This is particularly true of the Communist Party, the country’s second most influential party in terms of popular support and electoral results. High international standards of television broadcasting imply not only digital technologies and prompt reporting of the news, but also respect for those forces that are an inalienable part of the state political system.

Considering the above, on behalf of the Communist Party of the Russian Federation and its members in the State Duma I urge you to issue a similar invitation to the CPRF leader Gennady Zyuganov.

Gennady Zyuganov is a politician of a stature comparable to that of the state leaders. He commands immense authority in and outside Russia. There is no doubt that a conversation with him would add diversity to your programming and attract a colossal audience. I am convinced that the Russian citizens want to see a full picture of the electoral intentions of the leading politicians.

We would appreciate it if you make known to us your decision before October 28 this year.

October 20, 2011     # 1.8-22/196