Pokhmelkin and Fedorov revealed that other parties and political movements might join the newly-formed union. Certainly, not all will be welcome: the door will be closed to the Communists, the supporters of Zhirinovsky and the One Russia party. In this way the leaders of the two parties underlined their differences from Berezovsky, who said that a union between democrats and communists was possible. Regarding other parties and movements wishing to join the coalition, Federov and Pokhmelkin said that although some had expressed interest, it would not be appropriate to discuss new participants until those parties had themselves announced their plans. For now, we know that the “Forward, Russia!” movement, and the “Motorists Movement of Russia” have joined the coalition.

There was just one incident before the signing ceremony. Pokhmelkin asked a correspondent from the “Nezavisimaya Gazeta” to leave the room, telling him that his paper regularly libels him, that it is a mouthpiece for Berezovsky, and that he will only talk to the paper through the courts. The reporter was obliged to leave.

At the press conference Viktor Pokhmelkin and Boris Fedorov explained that the reason for forming the coalition was to fight for genuine reform, and against the “capitalism of the nomenklatura”. As stated, the leaders hope to form an electoral bloc from the coalition, in order to take third place in parliament.

Naturally, the question arose as to whether the bloc would take votes from the “Union of Right Forces” (SPS) and Yabloko. Viktor Pokhmelkin believes that such fears are unfounded. Yabloko already has a loyal electoral base, and the SPS is unlikely to reach the State Duma. Pohkmelkin and Fedorov feel that the party has become hopelessly compromised in the eyes of votors by its association with such a person as Alfred Koch.

The participants in today’s event are equally dismissive of the other Liberal Russia – the branch which remained with Berezovsky – saying that only 2-3000 people have remained in the party, while at the same time 13,000 have joined “Pokhmelkin’s party”. Boris Federov’s Republican Party has a similar number of members.

However, the press secretary of Berezovsky’s Liberal Russia party, Alexander Tugayev, gave PRIMA a different figure for his party membership: 30,000 people. Referring to today’s event, Tugayev said that the participants were obeying the Kremlin’s orders to break up the opposition. He told us that the incident with the reporter from Nezavisimaya Gazeta showed Pokhmelkin’s true face. The press secretary did not attempt to deny the fact that Berezovsky gives financial support to Nezavisimaya Gazeta, stating that this was all above board and not against the law.

With regard to the possible union between communists and democrats, Alexander Tugayev said that Berezovsky’s position on this has always been clear and unambiguous. A union may happen, but only after the elections, once the parties have reached the Duma, and only to address specific questions.