Russian PM Putin ready for dialogue with opposition

BEIJING, Dec. 29 (Xinhuanet) -- Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin says he is ready for dialogue with the opposition, including his challengers in the presidential election.

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

He says he has never been against any dialogue with the opposition but against what he called any extremist manifestations.
He added he did not see participation in televised debates as a proper means, though the opposition has asked for public debate before the presidential election on March 4th. He stressed that unless the opposition leaders formulate a common platform he has no counterpart for the talks.

(Source: CNTV.cn)