Russia's parliament yesterday failed to pass a resolution asking President Vladimir Putin to condemn officially "the appearance in Russia of anti-Semitism, nationalism and fascism."
Institute President Joseph K. Grieboski remarked, "It is disappointing that the Duma could not take this step. Passage of this resolution could have been a first step toward greater understanding and coexistence in Russia. It is especially significant that this resolution did not pass in light of President Putin's attempts in the past to build stronger relations with the
Jewish community in Russia."
Legislators turned down the appeal for the third time, with most of the chamber's members absent during the vote. The 219 votes in favor fell short of the necessary 226 to pass in the 450-seat State Duma. Seventy-three deputies voted against the measure, and 108 did not vote.