"I would want Russian citizens to become equal partners of the state," the president said. "Whether we will achieve this goal largely depends on the composition of the chamber."
Putin agreed with Vilyam Smirnov, his aide on human rights issues, that the activities of the chamber were based on the principles of direct democracy.
He also supported the idea expressed by Nikita Mikhalkov, chairman of the Russian Union of Filmmakers, that an atmosphere of trust should be established in Russian society.
"The atmosphere of social trust is at issue and it will also depend on the composition of the Public Chamber," Putin said.
He said regions would play an important role in the activities of the chamber. The president said 42 members approved by him and 42 members elected by national public organizations would elect additional 42 members from the candidates submitted by regional and interregional public organizations.
