Russian political party apologizes for Reagan picture

TAGANROG, Russia, Oct. 3 (UPI) -- A branch of Russia's ruling political party apologized for using a picture of former U.S. President Ronald Reagan to mark International Day of Older Persons.

United Russia's local branch in the southern town of Taganrog apologized after a picture of Reagan and his wife, Nancy, was posted on the local party's site with a message of congratulations for the country's senior citizens for Tuesday's International Day of Older Persons, RIA Novosti reported Thursday.

"Unfortunately, there are sometimes situations when you are unintentionally insulted," said Valery Selivanov, secretary for United Russia's Taganrog branch. "We extend our deepest apologies to you for this error."

Selivanov's statement did not specify who the apology was directed toward or the specific reason for the apology.