Yabloko, SPS Vow To Create United Democratic Party

Yavlinskii vowed the formation of a 'big and powerful' party (CTK) 1 December 2005 -- The heads of two Russian opposition political groupings, Yabloko and the Union of Rightist Forces (SPS) said today that they are considering forming a united democratic party.
Yabloko leader Grigorii Yavlinskii said that following the 4 December elections to the Moscow city parliament, the parties would work to ensure that Russia has what he called a "big and powerful democratic party."

SPS head Nikita Belykh said the parties were determined to accomplish their goal, even if it means "cracking some shells."

Russia's leading liberal parties, Yabloko and SPS have been attempting to unite efforts for years. They are running a joint list of candidates in the Moscow city elections, together with the Greens and the Soldiers' Mothers parties.

(Interfax)