The Moscow city authorities have given permission...

Several opposition parties, which often complain they are not allowed to hold mass gatherings, received official approval to rally on May Day, when demonstrations have traditionally been held since Soviet times.

The opposition meetings, which will be held in downtown Moscow throughout Saturday, will protest the government"s social and economic policies, and the violation of Moscow residents" rights in the spheres of real estate development and housing utilities and through the courts.

The largest rally will be held by the Moscow Federation of Trade Unions, with 25,000 people expected to march along the capital"s main Tverskaya Street.

There will also be gatherings by three parties from the Russian parliament - the Communist Party, A Just Russia and the Liberal Democratic Party of Russia - and the Yabloko, Left Front and Solidarity opposition groups.

MOSCOW, April 28 (RIA Novosti)