Medvedev sets Russian parliamentary elections for Dec 4, warns against violations

Russian President Dmitry Medvedev warned on Monday against any attempt to interfere with the conduct of Russia's parliamentary elections which he set for December 4.

"One should learn to lose as well as to win honestly," Medvedev told Russian party leaders at a meeting near the Black Sea resort city of Sochi.

Medvedev gave a special warning to anyone planning incitement of racial hatred and said race hate slogans ahead of the vote should be "prevented at all costs."

He warned of dire consequences facing anyone trying to sabotage the elections for the Russian parliament's lower house, the State Duma.

Russia will hold presidential elections in March next year, though the date has not yet been announced.