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Putin attacks 'foreign meddlers' Putin attacks 'foreign meddlers'
(30 minutes later)
Foreign money is being used to meddle in Russia's internal politics, President Vladimir Putin has said.Foreign money is being used to meddle in Russia's internal politics, President Vladimir Putin has said.
He blamed the "influx" on those who he said were using democracy as a pretext to interfere in politics.He blamed the "influx" on those who he said were using democracy as a pretext to interfere in politics.
The Russian leader made the comments in his annual address to parliament, his opportunity to outline key policy objectives for the next year.The Russian leader made the comments in his annual address to parliament, his opportunity to outline key policy objectives for the next year.
In the past Russian authorities have accused the West of funding organisations that oppose Mr Putin.In the past Russian authorities have accused the West of funding organisations that oppose Mr Putin.
"There is a growing influx of foreign cash used to directly meddle in our domestic affairs," Mr Putin said."There is a growing influx of foreign cash used to directly meddle in our domestic affairs," Mr Putin said.
"Not everyone likes the stable, gradual rise of our country," he said. "There are some who are using the democratic ideology to interfere in our internal affairs.""Not everyone likes the stable, gradual rise of our country," he said. "There are some who are using the democratic ideology to interfere in our internal affairs."
He also paid tribute to late President Boris Yeltsin, who died on Monday, and called for a moment of silence to commemorate him. These meddlers - whose identity Mr Putin did not specify - were seeking to either to steal from the people or to attack Russia's economic and political independence, he said.
He also called for a moment of silence to commemorate former President Boris Yeltsin, who he said had laid the foundations for a changed Russia. He called for a library to be established in Mr Yeltsin's name.
Other highlights included:
  • a freeze on Russian compliance with a European treaty that limits military deployments across the continent
  • praise for Russia's economy, which he said was now one of the 10th largest in the world
    • Mr Putin's speech was delayed by a day because of Mr Yeltsin's state funeral.Mr Putin's speech was delayed by a day because of Mr Yeltsin's state funeral.
    The address is expected to be the Russian leader's last. He is due to step down in March 2008, after serving two terms as president.The address is expected to be the Russian leader's last. He is due to step down in March 2008, after serving two terms as president.