Donetsk, Jul 15 - DAN. Donetsk People’s Republic residents who obtained Russian citizenship have begun to enlist in the ranks of the United Russia party. Membership applications are submitted at the “Russia-Donbass: Unity of Priorities” forum which is taking place in the DPR capital.

The first applications were passed to first deputy chairman of the Russian parliament committee on CIS affairs, Eurasian integration and relations with compatriots Viktor Vodolatsky, who had come to Donetsk a a member of the Russian delegation.

“It’s an emotional experience to me to accept these unique documents as they reconfirm the unbreakable bond between Donbass and Russia which make one whole,” Vodolatsky said.

DPR parliament speaker Vladimir Bidyovka was among the first to apply to join “United Russia.” Other DPR parliamentarians, youth organisations representatives and activists followed suit.

United Russia membership requires applicants to become party supporters and keep this status for at least six months.  Other requirements are Russian citizenship, age over 16, support of and solidarity with programme objectives and active contribution to their implementation. At the final stage, a candidate has to secure the recommendation  of a council of supporters and submit their membership application.

"I will come to the DPR and the LPR and hold meetings and work on attracting “United Russia” supporters,” Vodolatsky told the Donetsk News Agency.

Earlier reports said that Donetsk hosted the international forum “Russia-Donbass: Unity of Priorities” which brought together some 800 participants from four countries. The forum is being attended by DPR Head Denis Pushilin, Russian lawmakers Viktor Vodolatsky, Andrey Kozenko and Artyom Turov, South Ossetia Prime Minister Gennady Bekoyev, activists, cultural figures, scientists, athletes and servicemen. The topics of the meeting are the protection of the rights of compatriots outside Russia and stronger Donbass-Russia integration. The forum was organised by the Russian Centre with the support from “United Russia.” Its live stream is available on YouTube.*jk