NOVO-OGARYOVO, July 17 (RIA Novosti) - Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin said on Thursday that a review of the ruling United Russia party's membership list should avoid "excesses".
"Excesses are unnecessary," said Putin, who is also the head of the party, at a meeting with United Russia general council presidium secretary, Vyacheslav Volodin, adding that the work should be "aimed at a specific result."
Volodin, who is also deputy speaker of the Russian lower house of parliament, said the party "should promote energetic and honest people."
"The party should not contain people who discredit it with their actions," he added.
The United Russia leadership earlier said it would rid itself of people who use membership of the party for their own personal interests.
Putin became the United Russia party head in May after stepping down as president.