Russian opposition newspaper says it collected over 100,000 signatures in support for Duma dissolution [updated]

Novaya Gazeta has reported that it has collected more than 100,000 signatures of its readers in support for the State Duma's early dissolution.

At the present time, 101,377 people have supported the idea that the State Duma be dissolved, it said.

The newspaper started the campaign on December 24, 2012 after the Duma passed legislation banning the adoption of Russian children by U.S. citizens.

President Vladimir Putin earlier proposed that the Duma consider initiatives supported via the Internet by 100,000 and more people.

Vladimir Pligin, the head of the State Duma constitutional legislation committee, told Interfax that the committee would meet on Jan. 14 to consider the 100,000 signatures of those who protested the legislation banning the adoption of Russian children by U.S. citizens.

"We are going to formulate our position on this issue at a committee meeting on Jan. 14, after which we will present it to the State Duma," Pligin said.

There is no legislative procedure to turn such a position supported by a large number of people into a law, he said.

"In line with the head of state's instructions, this procedure will surely be worked out, and I would like to point out that the matter primarily concerns positive legislative initiatives, that is, those based on constructive proposals," he said.

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