Grigory Yavlinsky in Brighton
Photo: Chris Ison/PALessons from the Russians on democratic politics were heard in the main hall of the Lib Dems' conference in Brighton today, under the tutelage of Grigory Yavlinsky, leader of the Russian Democratic party.
Simon Hughes, the Lib Dems' president, prefaced Mr Yavlinsky's speech by claiming that the undemocratic political system in Russia was not "enlightened enough" to embrace liberalism.
But a point of principle was in tow, namely the role of parties destined to stay in opposition rather than having much chance of forming a government.
The Russian liberals stand even less chance of that than their UK counterparts in the near future.
Mr Yavlinksy described the "dangerous conditions" his party worked under back home.
The government was "authoritarian", the system corrupt, and press freedom was no where to be seen.
What the two parties here and in Russia have in common as parties of opposition, Mr Yavlinsky told delegates, is that they should act as a "moral compass", not only domestically, but also on the global stage.
Mr Yavlinsky shares the Lib Dems' distaste for the war in Iraq, and other recent international conflicts.
"We have a duty to speak the truth," he said in perfect English.
"There are lot of people who are expecting from you honesty and directness... Do not disappoint them." You can't argue with that.
