Putin rejects calls for new elections

Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin rejected calls for new parliamentary elections, saying the Dec. 4 contest was fair. "Any talks about reviewing the results of the elections are impossible, except one way, a court appeal," Putin said Tuesday during a meeting with the All Russia People's Front Party, RIA Novosti reported. At least 20,000 people protested in Moscow Saturday, alleging the polls that gave Putin's United Russia Party a slim parliamentary majority were rigged. Putin, who is running for president in the upcoming March 4 elections, said he trusts Russia's electoral system.