TODAY: Khodorkovsky appeals for early release, challenging Medvedev’s promises of reform; Communist Party not surprised by ruling on election annulment; bill submitted could improve prisoners’ rights; Fedotov says veto is not a contradiction; Italy warms to Russia; Germany to send minister to Abkhazia and Russia. Mikhail Khodorkovsky’s lawyer, Yury Schmidt, speaking in relation to his client’s decision to request parole, says he has “much hope in the words of Medvedev on the independence of the judiciary.” “The case could be the first test of Dmitry Medvedev’s desire to enforce the rule of law in a country that consistently ranks near the bottom of corruption rankings,” says one report. In an interview with a Russian newspaper, Khodorkovsky’s mother has appealed to Medvedev for her son’s release. Garry Kasparov’s United Civil Front opposition party plans to stage protests this weekend in support of imprisoned party members. The Communist Party is “not surprised” by the Supreme Court’s rejection of its request to have the results of the State Duma elections annulled.