A view of May Day postcard of Soviet time. The slogan reads: "The workding-class solidarity day!"
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Russia Observes May Day without Incident
May Day observations in St. Petersburg and Moscow were held without public disorder, police report. There were 12 large events held in Moscow with the participation of 45,000 people. Fourteen parties and organizations sponsored the events. The largest event was a meeting of the Moscow Federation of Trade Union sin front of the Moscow mayor's office, which attracted 20,000 people.
The center of Moscow has been reopened to automobile traffic, but police continue to have a heightened presence on the streets and in the Metro.
Three events were held in St. Petersburg. There was a joint meeting of the United Russia and Just Russia Parties and the Federation of Trade Unions. In addition, leftists held a meeting, as did opposition forces.
Traditional May Day demonstrations were held in many Russian cities. No reports of incidents have been received from any Russian cities at this time.
The Belarusian opposition held a meeting on Bangalor Square in Minsk. Members of the Communist and Gromada Social-Democratic Parties and labor union members demanded an end to the contract system of employment, a higher minimum wage and pensions that cover minimum costs of living. The meeting was peaceful and no arrests were made.
www.kommersant.com
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