German Chancellor Angela Merkel pressed Vladimir Putin on Friday to allow "democratic diversity" to develop in Russia as he made his first trip abroad since returning to the presidency.

Putin and his United Russia party have faced high levels of discontent in recent months, especially after December's fraud-marred parliamentary election.

That election prompted massive street protests that have evolved into regular, smaller rallies more recently decrying corruption, the growing authoritarianism of the government, and Putin's win in the March presidential contest.

Putin has toughened his stance against the opposition since winning a third term, rejecting dialogue with its leaders and stonewalling their demands.

Merkel said after meeting Putin that they had discussed "the development of civil society" in Russia.

"I made clear on my part that we have every interest in democratic diversity in