Putin will decide whether to “veto” anti-terrorist laws when he receives them for signing – Peskov
MOSCOW. June 29 (Interfax) – Russian President Vladimir Putin will make a decision on the so-called ‘anti-terrorist package’ of laws after he receives it for signing, Russian presidential press officer Dmitry Peskov told reporters on Wednesday.
“We know of different views on this bill. We know of specific remarks, including those made by communications [operators], public figures, and public organizations. They are now being studied, and the decision will be made by the president when the document is submitted to him to be signed,” Peskov said.
Responding to a question as to whether the president can use the veto right, Peskov said the president has the right to sign or not to sign the bill.
Peskov said Putin “is familiar with the main parameters [of the bill], the debate process, is familiar with the changes that were made to the bill in the course of the debate.”
“One cannot say that this bill, so to speak, was made without listening to anyone: there were consultations, certain changes that took into account the opinions of representatives of various sectors,” Peskov said.
Peskov also commented on the reaction of Tatarstan to the so-called package of “Yarovaya amendments”: the republic’s State Council body previously ordered the senators representing the region to suggest that the Federation Council reject them.
Peskov was asked whether that reaction came as a surprise to the Kremlin.
“It’s not about how unexpected it was, it’s about whether these remarks are grounded, whether these fears are substantiated. We know that it frequently happens – we had such situations happen in the past four years – when specific bills drew concerns and a very emotional public reaction,” Peskov said.
At the same time, he said that there was no such reaction later “during the implementation of the laws” and “many fears turned out to be ungrounded.”
“We should take that into account, too,” Peskov said.
[featured image is file photo]