Answering journalists question whether Western models of development were applicable to Russia or there was a special Russian way, the president called to speak about the fundamental principles of democracy instead of models.

"There is no common standard and model in Western society either," said Mr. Putin.

"Somewhere we see parliamentary rep

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ublics, somewhere, presidential, in some countries there are monarchies still, and no one believes there is no democracy there. In some countries, regional leaders are directly appointed from the center, in some, elected. In Russia, for instance, the president is elected by direct secret ballot, and in the United States, through the electors system," said the Russian president.

He emphasized that the fundamental principles of democracy must be observed everywhere. Among them, Mr. Putin named human freedom, free market, free mass media, "priority of personality over the mythical interests of the state, whose activity should be dedicated to a specific citizen, to protection of his rights and interests."

"Its easy to say, but hard to translate into reality," said Mr. Putin. "How to do it in regard to this or that country, meaning the level of development of civil society institutions, traditions, history - this is a creative process and here, you can speak about some models."

"What is evident for us is that in early 1990s the Russian people made the choice in favor of democracy - and this choice is final," said Mr. Putin.

MOSCOW, Nov 21 (RIA Novosti)