23 Nov 2011 14:18

Russia facing many risk factors, opposition should not 'rock boat' - Putin

MOSCOW. Nov 23 (Interfax) - The Russian parliamentary opposition must be active, but in a way that does not lead to the country's destabilization, Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin said.

"The ruling party, the majority are expecting the opposition to act calmly and not to rock the boat. But these are good wishes: the opposition exists precisely to make the ruling party hold the steering wheel tighter," Putin said at the last plenary session of the fifth-term State Duma on Wednesday.

"At the same time, we are facing many factors of uncertainty and risk ahead, and during a storm, a crisis, it is very important for the whole team to work in a concerted manner to prevent the boat from capsizing," the prime minister said.