A new inter-factional deputies\' association has been created in the State Duma called Russia and the Islamic World: A Strategic Dialogue. Association co-Chairman Shamil Sultanov (Motherland) announced the group\'s formation at a press conference on 28 April. The group reportedly has 45 members, including Yurii Savelev (Motherland) and Albert Makashov (Communist). Savelev is the former director of St. Petersburg\'s Military Technological Institute, which was included on a U.S. \"blacklist\" for alleged unsanctioned military cooperation with Iran, according to the website. General Makashov is perhaps best known for anti-Semitic statements on the floor of the Duma. According to Sultanov, the group brings together all legislators who understand that today it is the Islamic world -- not the West – that is interested in a strong Russia and is therefore Russia\'s natural partner. Nothing was said at the press conference with regard to the association\'s concrete plans, the website reported. (regions.ru)