In an interview with PinkNews.co.uk website, Mayor of London Ken Livingstone said he would consider attending Moscow Pride in 2008, if it does not clash with his campaign to for re-election.
Nikolay Alexeyev has welcomed comments from Mayor of London Ken Livingstone indicating he might be willing to attend next year’s event.

Alexeyev, the Russian gay rights activist was one of the principal organisers of this year’s banned gay rights march in Moscow.

“In the name of the Organisational Committee of Moscow Pride I would like to express my delight that London’s mayor is ready to attend our third Pride celebrations in the Russian capital,” he told PinkNews.co.uk

“The next Moscow Pride is already scheduled for Saturday 31st May 2008, well after the London Mayor and Assembly elections due to be held on 1st May 2008.

“On this date the Russian LGBT community will celebrate the 15th anniversary of the decriminalisation of homosexuality in Russia.”

Mr Alexeyev said that if Mr Livingstone does come to Moscow it will be a huge boost to gay rights activists in Russia.

“The participation of Mr. Livingstone in Pride would have a huge impact on the future development of LGBT movement in Russia and success of the Pride celebrations.

“We hope that London Mayor will attend the International Human Rights conference being held as part of Moscow Pride and publicly march on the streets of our capital city.”

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