Medvedev warns of "extremists" of protests from Russia

Russia: President Dmitry Medvedev warned on Thursday that "extremists" were trying to stir instability in Russia through the wave of protests that has shaken the Kremlin after the disputed elections.

In his last annual address to the nation before his expected transfer of power to Vladimir Putin next year, Medvedev promised Russia would severely than the West of interfering in its greatest explosion of protest in many years.

But the quest to recognize the mood of the nation was changing after 12 years of domination by Putin, proposed a series of political reforms, including the resumption of direct elections of local governors.

"Attempts to manipulate the Russians, the lead astray and inciting struggle in society are unacceptable," he said, two days before a new opposition protest in Moscow expected to draw tens of thousands.

"We will not allow extremists to drag provocative and society in their plans," Medvedev said, adding: ". We will not allow foreign interference in our internal affairs", "Russia needs democracy, not chaos "Medvedev said.

Medvedev annual address to both Houses of Parliament came after December 4 parliamentary elections showed an unexpectedly strong decline in support for the ruling party and were followed by mass demonstrations against election fraud.

Tens of thousands took to the streets a week after the election to protest the conduct of the polls, while nearly 40,000 people on Facebook have committed to attend a new demonstration in Moscow on Saturday.

AFP