tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-74333692095948245802024-02-07T09:24:30.283-08:00VLADIMIR PUTINMaria Luisa de Vasconcelloshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01039455934170383364noreply@blogger.comBlogger177125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7433369209594824580.post-8003000346323476352022-10-30T09:36:00.002-07:002022-10-30T09:54:02.358-07:00<blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><p><br /></p></blockquote><div class="separator" style="background-color: #fff2cc; clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><div><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana; line-height: 18.4px;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></span></p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><br /></p></div></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzYYTEHH-6NdPikBeUBsZghay1FMwyWB58rb0jsTM004KWu78fAi0SyTsLaFiRjuXFjQH-SLUmssGSDpZH6e5xF0bH9WgBC5s7y7lGXIHvRGGDWyoA_BnHAo69w4GmOf0mzeQPUD8bux7h/s1600/1+RUSSIAN+LOGO.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: verdana;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzYYTEHH-6NdPikBeUBsZghay1FMwyWB58rb0jsTM004KWu78fAi0SyTsLaFiRjuXFjQH-SLUmssGSDpZH6e5xF0bH9WgBC5s7y7lGXIHvRGGDWyoA_BnHAo69w4GmOf0mzeQPUD8bux7h/s1600/1+RUSSIAN+LOGO.png" /></span></a></div></div></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="color: #351c75;"><br /></div></div></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="color: #351c75;"><b><br /></b></div></div></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><div><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span face="Verdana, sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><b><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Valdai International Discussion Club meeting</span></b></span></p></div></div></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><div><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">The President took part in the final plenary session of the 19<sup>th</sup> meeting of the Valdai International Discussion Club.</span></p></div></div></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><div><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">October 27, 2022</span></p></div></div></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><div><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">20:55</span></p></div></div></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCH1XZNt1u9sC-pLwrBa1mOvHklCdQo4_IO3DOUfOkbs3H3huKCzV-mvWFetL5e1wB2yup-XZhI1Y5a9pjrqL5AuAFItJ40HTzP3-5z5M-pSTURgNwBNjEt6pO7QLW2PQEKITVSVj1ffMpeD7V_N9ElZJYLpLf2kMxF-3D2hzv0o54vuNdDd3wmNfykw/s1880/Putin%20Valday%20October%2027,%202022.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1160" data-original-width="1880" height="394" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCH1XZNt1u9sC-pLwrBa1mOvHklCdQo4_IO3DOUfOkbs3H3huKCzV-mvWFetL5e1wB2yup-XZhI1Y5a9pjrqL5AuAFItJ40HTzP3-5z5M-pSTURgNwBNjEt6pO7QLW2PQEKITVSVj1ffMpeD7V_N9ElZJYLpLf2kMxF-3D2hzv0o54vuNdDd3wmNfykw/w640-h394/Putin%20Valday%20October%2027,%202022.jpg" width="640" /></a></div></div></div></span></div></blockquote><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="text-align: center;"></span><span style="text-align: center;"></span><span style="text-align: center;"></span><span style="text-align: center;"></span><span style="text-align: center;"></span><span style="text-align: center;"></span><span style="text-align: center;"></span><span style="text-align: center;"></span><span style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><div><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt; text-align: center;"></p></div></div></span></span></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana; line-height: 18.4px;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: verdana; text-align: center;"></span><span style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><br /></span></span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Moscow Region</span></p></div></div></span></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana; line-height: 18.4px;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana; line-height: 18.4px;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana; line-height: 18.4px;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Valdai International Discussion Club meeting</span></b><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana; line-height: 18.4px;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">The theme of this year's forum is A Post-Hegemonic World: Justice and Security for Everyone. The four day-long meeting brought together 111 experts, politicians, diplomats and economists from Russia and 40 foreign countries, including Afghanistan, Brazil, China, Egypt, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Iran, Kazakhstan, South Africa, Turkiye, the United States, and Uzbekistan, to name a few.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">* * *<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><b>Moderator of the Valdai Club’s plenary session Fyodor Lukyanov</b>: Good afternoon, Mr President,<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">We look forward to seeing you every year, but this year, perhaps, we were more impatient than usual, since there are lots of issues to discuss.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><b><span style="color: #990000;">President of Russia Vladimir Putin:</span></b><span style="color: #351c75;"> I suppose so, yes.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><b>Fyodor Lukyanov:</b> The forum mainly focused on matters related to the international order, such as how the world is changing and, most importantly, who, in fact, is at the helm of the world, who runs it, and whether the world is amenable to being run at all.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">However, we are discussing this as observers, but you have power, so please share your thoughts with us.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;"><b><span style="color: #990000;">Vladimir Putin: </span></b><span style="color: #351c75;">Thank you very much.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Ladies and gentlemen, friends,<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">I had a chance to get a sense of what you discussed here during the last few days. It was an interesting and substantive discussion. I hope you do not regret coming to Russia and communicating with each other.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">I am happy to see you all.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">We have used the Valdai Club platform to discuss, more than once, the major and serious shifts that have already taken place and are taking place around the world, the risks posed by the degradation of global institutions, the erosion of collective security principles and the substitution of “rules” for international law. I was tempted to say “we are clear about who came up with these rules,” but, perhaps, that would not be an accurate statement. We have no idea whatsoever who made these rules up, what these rules are based on, or what is contained inside these rules.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">It looks like we are witnessing an attempt to enforce just one rule whereby those in power – we were talking about power, and I am now talking about global power – could live without following any rules at all and could get away with anything. These are the rules that we hear them constantly, as people say, harping on, that is, talking about them incessantly<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">The Valdai discussions are important because a variety of assessments and forecasts can be heard here. Life always shows how accurate they were, since life is the sternest and the most objective teacher. So, life shows how accurate our previous years’ projections were.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Alas, events continue to follow a negative scenario, which we have discussed more than once during our previous meetings. Moreover, they have morphed into a major system-wide crisis that impacted, in addition to the military-political sphere, the economic and humanitarian spheres as well.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">The so-called West which is, of course, a theoretical construct since it is not united and clearly is a highly complex conglomerate, but I will still say that the West has taken a number of steps in recent years and especially in recent months that are designed to escalate the situation. As a matter of fact, they always seek to aggravate matters, which is nothing new, either. This includes the stoking of war in Ukraine, the provocations around Taiwan, and the destabilisation of the global food and energy markets. To be sure, the latter was, of course, not done on purpose, there is no doubt about it. The destabilisation of the energy market resulted from a number of systemic missteps made by the Western authorities that I mentioned above. As we can see now, the situation was further aggravated by the destruction of the pan-European gas pipelines. This is something otherworldly altogether, but we are nevertheless witnessing these sad developments.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Global power is exactly what the so-called West has at stake in its game. But this game is certainly dangerous, bloody and, I would say, dirty. It denies the sovereignty of countries and peoples, their identity and uniqueness, and tramples upon other states’ interests. In any case, even if denial is the not the word used, they are doing it in real life. No one, except those who create these rules I have mentioned is entitled to retain their identity: everyone else must comply with these rules.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">In this regard, let me remind you of Russia's proposals to our Western partners to build confidence and a collective security system. They were once again tossed in December 2021.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">However, sitting things out can hardly work in the modern world. He who sows the wind will reap the whirlwind, as the saying goes. The crisis has indeed taken on a global dimension and has impacted everyone. There can be no illusions about this.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Humankind is at a fork in the road: either keep accumulating problems and eventually get crushed under their weight, or work together to find solutions – even imperfect ones, as long as they work – that can make our world a more stable and safer place.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"></span></p><a name='more'></a><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><br /></span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">You know, I have always believed in the power of common sense. Therefore, I am convinced that sooner or later both the new centres of the multipolar international order and the West will have to start a dialogue on an equal footing about a common future for us all, and the sooner the better, of course. In this regard, I will highlight some of the most important aspects for all of us.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Current developments have overshadowed environmental issues. Strange as it may seem, this is what I would like to speak about first today. Climate change no longer tops the agenda. But that fundamental challenge has not gone away, it is still with us, and it is growing.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">The loss of biodiversity is one of the most dangerous consequences of disrupting the environmental balance. This brings me to the key point all of us have gathered here for. Is it not equally important to maintain cultural, social, political and civilisational diversity?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">At the same time, the smoothing out and erasure of all and any differences is essentially what the modern West is all about. What stands behind this? First of all, it is the decaying creative potential of the West and a desire to restrain and block the free development of other civilisations.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">There is also an openly mercantile interest, of course. By imposing their values, consumption habits and standardisation on others, our opponents – I will be careful with words – are trying to expand markets for their products. The goal on this track is, ultimately, very primitive. It is notable that the West proclaims the universal value of its culture and worldview. Even if they do not say so openly, which they actually often do, they behave as if this is so, that it is a fact of life, and the policy they pursue is designed to show that these values must be unconditionally accepted by all other members of the international community.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">I would like to quote from Alexander Solzhenitsyn’s famous Harvard Commencement Address delivered in 1978. He said that typical of the West is “a continuous blindness of superiority”– and it continues to this day – which “upholds the belief that vast regions everywhere on our planet should develop and mature to the level of present-day Western systems.” He said this in 1978. Nothing has changed.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Over the nearly 50 years since then, the blindness about which Solzhenitsyn spoke and which is openly racist and neocolonial, has acquired especially distorted forms, in particular, after the emergence of the so-called unipolar world. What am I referring to? Belief in one’s infallibility is very dangerous; it is only one step away from the desire of the infallible to destroy those they do not like, or as they say, to cancel them. Just think about the meaning of this word.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Even at the very peak of the Cold War, the peak of the confrontation of the two systems, ideologies and military rivalry, it did not occur to anyone to deny the very existence of the culture, art, and science of other peoples, their opponents. It did not even occur to anyone. Yes, certain restrictions were imposed on contacts in education, science, culture, and, unfortunately, sports. But nonetheless, both the Soviet and American leaders understood that it was necessary to treat the humanitarian area tactfully, studying and respecting your rival, and sometimes even borrowing from them in order to retain a foundation for sound, productive relations at least for the future.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">And what is happening now? At one time, the Nazis reached the point of burning books, and now the Western “guardians of liberalism and progress” have reached the point of banning Dostoyevsky and Tchaikovsky. The so-called “cancel culture” and in reality – as we said many times – the real cancellation of culture is eradicating everything that is alive and creative and stifles free thought in all areas, be it economics, politics or culture.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Today, liberal ideology itself has changed beyond recognition. If initially, classic liberalism was understood to mean the freedom of every person to do and say as they pleased, in the 20<sup>th</sup> century the liberals started saying that the so-called open society had enemies and that the freedom of these enemies could and should be restricted if not cancelled. It has reached the absurd point where any alternative opinion is declared subversive propaganda and a threat to democracy.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Whatever comes from Russia is all branded as “Kremlin intrigues.” But look at yourselves. Are we really so all-powerful? Any criticism of our opponents – any – is perceived as “Kremlin intrigues,” “the hand of the Kremlin.” This is insane. What have you sunk to? Use your brain, at least, say something more interesting, lay out your viewpoint conceptually. You cannot blame everything on the Kremlin’s scheming.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Fyodor Dostoyevsky prophetically foretold all this back in the 19<sup>th</sup> century. One of the characters of his novel Demons, the nihilist Shigalev, described the bright future he imagined in the following way: “Emerging from boundless freedom, I conclude with boundless despotism.” This is what our Western opponents have come to. Another character of the novel, Pyotr Verkhovensky echoes him, talking about the need for universal treason, reporting and spying, and claiming that society does not need talents or greater abilities: “Cicero’s tongue is cut out, Copernicus has his eyes gouged out and Shakespeare is stoned.” This is what our Western opponents are arriving at. What is this if not Western cancel culture?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">These were great thinkers and, frankly, I am grateful to my aides for finding these quotes.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">What can one say to this? History will certainly put everything in its place and will know whom to cancel, and it will definitely not be the greatest works of universally recognised geniuses of world culture, but those who have for some reason decided that they have the right to use world culture as they see fit. Their self-regard really knows no bounds. No one will even remember their names in a few years. But Dostoevsky will live on, as will Tchaikovsky, Pushkin, no matter how much they would have liked the opposite.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Standardisation, financial and technological monopoly, the erasure of all differences is what underlies the Western model of globalisation, which is neocolonial in nature. Their goal was clear – to establish the unconditional dominance of the West in the global economy and politics. To do that, the West put at its service the entire planet’s natural and financial resources, as well as all intellectual, human and economic capabilities, while alleging it was a natural feature of the so-called new global interdependence.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Here I would like to recall another Russian philosopher, Alexander Zinoviev, whose birth centenary we will celebrate on October 29. More than 20 years ago, he said that Western civilisation needed the entire planet as a medium of existence and all the resources of humanity to survive at the level it had reached. That is what they want, that is exactly how it is.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Moreover, the West initially secured itself a huge head start in that system because it had developed the principles and mechanisms – the same as today’s rules they keep talking about, which remain an incomprehensible black hole because no one really knows what they are. But as soon as non-western countries began to derive some benefits from globalisation, above all, the large nations in Asia, the West immediately changed or fully abolished many of those rules. And the so-called sacred principles of free trade, economic openness, equal competition, even property rights were suddenly forgotten, completely. They change the rules on the go, on the spot wherever they see an opportunity for themselves.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Here is another example of the substitution of concepts and meanings. For many years, Western ideologists and politicians have been telling the world there was no alternative to democracy. Admittedly, they meant the Western-style, the so-called liberal model of democracy. They arrogantly rejected all other variants and forms of government by the people and, I want to emphasise this, did so contemptuously and disdainfully. This manner has been taking shape since colonial times, as if everyone were second-rate, while they were exceptional. It has been going on for centuries and continues to this day.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">So currently, an overwhelming majority of the international community is demanding democracy in international affairs and rejecting all forms of authoritarian dictate by individual countries or groups of countries. What is this if not the direct application of democratic principles to international relations?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">What stance has the “civilised” West adopted? If you are democrats, you are supposed to welcome the natural desire for freedom expressed by billions of people, but no. The West is calling it undermining the liberal rules-based order. It is resorting to economic and trade wars, sanctions, boycotts and colour revolutions, and preparing and carrying out all sorts of coups.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">One of them led to tragic consequences in Ukraine in 2014. They supported it and even specified the amount of money they had spent on this coup. They have the cheek to act as they please and have no scruples about anything they do. They killed Soleimani, an Iranian general. You can think whatever you want about Soleimani, but he was a foreign state official. They killed him in a third country and assumed responsibility. What is that supposed to mean, for crying out loud? What kind of world are we living in?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">As is customary, Washington continues to refer to the current international order as liberal American-style, but in fact, this notorious “order” is multiplying chaos every day and, I might even add, is becoming increasingly intolerant even towards the Western countries and their attempts to act independently. Everything is nipped in the bud, and they do not even hesitate to impose sanctions on their allies, who lower their heads in acquiescence.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">For example, the Hungarian MPs’ July proposals to codify the commitment to European Christian values and culture in the Treaty on European Union were taken not even as an affront, but as an outright and hostile act of sabotage. What is that? What does it mean? Indeed, some people may like it, some not.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Over a thousand years, Russia has developed a unique culture of interaction between all world religions. There is no need to cancel anything, be it Christian values, Islamic values or Jewish values. We have other world religions as well. All you need to do is respect each other. In a number of our regions – I just know this firsthand – people celebrate Christian, Islamic, Buddhist and Jewish holidays together, and they enjoy doing so as they congratulate each other and are happy for each other.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">But not here. Why not? At least, they could discuss it. Amazing.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Without exaggeration, this is not even a systemic, but a doctrinal crisis of the neoliberal American-style model of international order. They have no ideas for progress and positive development. They simply have nothing to offer the world, except perpetuating their dominance.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">I am convinced that real democracy in a multipolar world is primarily about the ability of any nation – I emphasise – any society or any civilisation to follow its own path and organise its own socio-political system. If the United States or the EU countries enjoy this right, then the countries of Asia, the Islamic states, the monarchies of the Persian Gulf, and countries on other continents certainly have this right as well. Of course, our country, Russia, also has this right, and no one will ever be able to tell our people what kind of society we should be building and what principles should underlie it.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">A direct threat to the political, economic and ideological monopoly of the West lies in the fact that the world can come up with alternative social models that are more effective; I want to emphasise this, more effective today, brighter and more appealing than the ones that currently exist. These models will definitely come about. This is inevitable. By the way, US political scientists and analysts also write about this. Truthfully, their government is not listening to what they say, although it cannot avoid seeing these concepts in political science magazines and mentioned in discussions.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Development should rely on a dialogue between civilisations and spiritual and moral values. Indeed, understanding what humans and their nature are all about varies across civilisations, but this difference is often superficial, and everyone recognises the ultimate dignity and spiritual essence of people. A common foundation on which we can and must build our future is critically important.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Here is something I would like to emphasise. Traditional values are not a rigid set of postulates that everyone must adhere to, of course not. The difference from the so-called neo-liberal values is that they are unique in each particular instance, because they stem from the traditions of a particular society, its culture and historical background. This is why traditional values cannot be imposed on anyone. They must simply be respected and everything that every nation has been choosing for itself over centuries must he handled with care.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">This is how we understand traditional values, and the majority of humanity share and accept our approach. This is understandable, because the traditional societies of the East, Latin America, Africa, and Eurasia form the basis of world civilisation.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Respect for the ways and customs of peoples and civilisations is in everyone’s interest. In fact, this is also in the interest of the “West,” which is quickly becoming a minority in the international arena as it loses its dominance. Of course, the Western minority’s right to its own cultural identity – I want to emphasise this – must be ensured and respected, but, importantly, on an equal footing with the rights of every other nation.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">If the Western elites believe they can have their people and their societies embrace what I believe are strange and trendy ideas like dozens of genders or gay pride parades, so be it. Let them do as they please. But they certainly have no right to tell others to follow in their steps.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">We see the complicated demographic, political and social processes taking place in Western countries. This is, of course, their own business. Russia does not interfere in such matters and has no intention of doing so. Unlike the West, we mind our own business. But we are hoping that pragmatism will triumph and Russia’s dialogue with the genuine, traditional West, as well as with other coequal development centres, will become a major contribution to the construction of a multipolar world order.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">I will add that multipolarity is a real and, actually, the only chance for Europe to restore its political and economic identity. To tell the truth – and this idea is expressed explicitly in Europe today – Europe’s legal capacity is very limited. I tried to put it mildly not to offend anyone.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">The world is diverse by nature and Western attempts to squeeze everyone into the same pattern are clearly doomed. Nothing will come out of them.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">The conceited aspiration to achieve global supremacy and, essentially, to dictate or preserve leadership by dictate is really reducing the international prestige of the leaders of the Western world, including the United States, and increasing mistrust in their ability to negotiate in general. They say one thing today and another tomorrow; they sign documents and renounce them, they do what they want. There is no stability in anything. How documents are signed, what was discussed, what can we hope for – all this is completely unclear.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Previously, only a few countries dared argue with America and it looked almost sensational, whereas now it has become routine for all manner of states to reject Washington’s unfounded demands despite its continued attempts to exert pressure on everyone. This is a mistaken policy that leads nowhere. But let them, this is also their choice.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">I am convinced that the nations of the world will not shut their eyes to a policy of coercion that has discredited itself. Every time the West will have to pay a higher price for its attempts to preserve its hegemony. If I were a Western elite, I would seriously ponder this prospect. As I said, some political scientists and politicians in the United States are already thinking about it.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">In the current conditions of intense conflict, I will be direct about certain things. As an independent and distinctive civilization, Russia has never considered and does not consider itself an enemy of the West. Americophobia, Anglophobia, Francophobia, and Germanophobia are the same forms of racism as Russophobia or anti-Semitism, and, incidentally, xenophobia in all its guises.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">It is simply necessary to understand clearly that, as I have already said before, two Wests – at least two and maybe more but two at least – the West of traditional, primarily Christian values, freedom, patriotism, great culture and now Islamic values as well – a substantial part of the population in many Western countries follows Islam. This West is close to us in something. We share with it common, even ancient roots. But there is also a different West – aggressive, cosmopolitan, and neocolonial. It is acting as a tool of neoliberal elites. Naturally, Russia will never reconcile itself to the dictates of this West.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">In 2000, after I was elected President, I will always remember what I faced: I will remember the price we paid for destroying the den of terrorism in the North Caucasus, which the West almost openly supported at the time. We are all adults here; most of you present in this hall understand what I am talking about. We know that this is exactly what happened in practice: financial, political and information support. We have all lived through it.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">What is more, not only did the West actively support terrorists on Russian territory, but in many ways it nurtured this threat. We know this. Nevertheless, after the situation had stabilised, when the main terrorist gangs had been defeated, including thanks to the bravery of the Chechen people, we decided not to turn back, not to play the offended, but to move forward, to build relations even with those who actually acted against us, to establish and develop relations with all who wanted them, based on mutual benefit and respect for one another.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">We thought it was in everyone’s interest. Russia, thank God, had survived all the difficulties of that time, stood firm, grew stronger, was able to cope with internal and external terrorism, its economy was preserved, it began to develop, and its defence capability began to improve. We tried to build up relations with the leading countries of the West and with NATO. The message was the same: let us stop being enemies, let us live together as friends, let us engage in dialogue, let us build trust, and, hence, peace. We were absolutely sincere, I want to emphasise that. We clearly understood the complexity of this rapprochement, but we agreed to it.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">What did we get in response? In short, we got a ”no“ in all the main areas of possible cooperation. We received an ever-increasing pressure on us and hotbeds of tension near our borders. And what, may I ask, is the purpose of this pressure? What is it? Is it just to practice? Of course not. The goal was to make Russia more vulnerable. The purpose is to turn Russia into a tool to achieve their own geopolitical goals.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">As a matter of fact, this is a universal rule: they try to turn everyone into a tool, in order to use these tools for their own purposes. And those who do not yield to this pressure, who do not want to be such a tool are sanctioned: all sorts of economic restrictions are carried out against them and in relation of them, coups are prepared or where possible carried out and so on. And in the end, if nothing at all can be done, the aim is the same: to destroy them, to wipe them off the political map. But it has not and will never be possible to draft and implement such a scenario with respect to Russia.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">What else can I add? Russia is not challenging the Western elites. Russia is simply upholding its right to exist and to develop freely. Importantly, we will not become a new hegemon ourselves. Russia is not suggesting replacing a unipolar world with a bipolar, tripolar or other dominating order, or replacing Western domination with domination from the East, North or South. This would inevitably lead to another impasse.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">At this point, I would like to cite the words of the great Russian philosopher Nikolai Danilevsky. He believed that progress did not consist of everyone going in the same direction, as some of our opponents seem to want. This would only result in progress coming to a halt, Danilevsky said. Progress lies in “walking the field that represents humanity’s historical activity, walking in all directions,” he said, adding that no civilisation can take pride in being the height of development.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">I am convinced that dictatorship can only be countered through free development of countries and peoples; the degradation of the individual can be set off by the love of a person as a creator; primitive simplification and prohibition can be replaced with the flourishing complexity of culture and tradition.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">The significance of today’s historical moment lies in the opportunities for everyone’s democratic and distinct development path, which is opening up before all civilisations, states and integration associations. We believe above all that the new world order must be based on law and right, and must be free, distinctive and fair.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">The world economy and trade also need to become fairer and more open. Russia considers the creation of new international financial platforms inevitable; this includes international transactions. These platforms should be above national jurisdictions. They should be secure, depoliticized and automated and should not depend on any single control centre. Is it possible to do this or not? Of course it is possible. This will require a lot of effort. Many countries will have to pool their efforts, but it is possible.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">This rules out the possibility of abuse in a new global financial infrastructure. It would make it possible to conduct effective, beneficial and secure international transactions without the dollar or any of the so-called reserve currencies. This is all the more important, now that the dollar is being used as a weapon; the United States, and the West in general, have discredited the institution of international financial reserves. First, they devalued it with inflation in the dollar and euro zones and then they took our gold-and-currency reserves.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">The transition to transactions in national currencies will quickly gain momentum. This is inevitable. Of course, it depends on the status of the issuers of these currencies and the state of their economies, but they will be growing stronger, and these transactions are bound to gradually prevail over the others. Such is the logic of a sovereign economic and financial policy in a multipolar world.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Furthermore, new global development centres are already using unmatched technology and research in various fields and can successfully compete with Western transnational companies in many areas.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Clearly, we have a common and very pragmatic interest in free and open scientific and technological exchange. United, we stand to win more than if we act separately. The majority should benefit from these exchanges, not individual super-rich corporations.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">How are things going today? If the West is selling medicines or crop seeds to other countries, it tells them to kill their national pharmaceutical industries and selection. In fact, it all comes down to this: its machine tool and equipment supplies destroy the local engineering industry. I realised this back when I served as Prime Minister. Once you open your market to a certain product group, the local manufacturer instantly goes belly up and it is almost impossible for him to raise his head. That’s how they build relationships. That’s how they take over markets and resources, and countries lose their technological and scientific potential. This is not progress; it is enslavement and reducing economies to primitive levels.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Technological development should not increase global inequality, but rather reduce it. This is how Russia has traditionally implemented its foreign technology policy. For example, when we build nuclear power plants in other countries, we create competence centres and train local personnel. We create an industry. We don’t just build a plant, we create an entire industry. In fact, we give other countries a chance to break new ground in their scientific and technological development, reduce inequality, and bring their energy sector to new levels of efficiency and environmental friendliness.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Let me emphasise again that sovereignty and a unique path of development in no way mean isolation or autarky. On the contrary, they are about energetic and mutually beneficial cooperation based on the principles of fairness and equality.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">If liberal globalisation is about depersonalising and imposing the Western model on the entire world, integration is, in contrast, about tapping the potential of each civilisation for everyone to benefit. If globalism is dictate – which is what it comes down to eventually, – integration is a team effort to develop common strategies that everyone can benefit from.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">In this regard, Russia believes it is important to make wider use of mechanisms for creating large spaces that rely on interaction between neighbouring countries, whose economies and social systems, as well as resource bases and infrastructure, complement each other. In fact, these large spaces form the economic basis of a multipolar world order. Their dialogue gives rise to genuine unity in humanity, which is much more complex, unique and multidimensional than the simplistic ideas professed by some Western masterminds.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Unity among humankind cannot be created by issuing commands such as “do as I do” or “be like us.” It is created with consideration for everyone’s opinion and with a careful approach to the identity of every society and every nation. This is the principle that can underlie long-term cooperation in a multipolar world.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">In this regard, it may be worth revising the structure of the United Nations, including its Security Council, to better reflect the world’s diversity. After all, much more will depend on Asia, Africa, and Latin America in tomorrow’s world than is commonly believed today, and this increase in their influence is undoubtedly a positive development.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Let me recall that the Western civilisation is not the only one even in our common Eurasian space. Moreover, the majority of the population is concentrated in the east of Eurasia, where the centres of the oldest human civilisations emerged.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">The value and importance of Eurasia lies in the fact that it represents a self-sufficient complex possessing huge resources of all kinds and tremendous opportunities. The more we work on increasing the connectivity of Eurasia and creating new ways and forms of cooperation, the more impressive achievements we make.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">The successful performance of the Eurasian Economic Union, the fast growth of the authority and prestige of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation, the large-scale One Belt, One Road initiatives, plans for multilateral cooperation in building the North-South transport corridor and many other projects, are the beginning of a new era, new stage in the development of Eurasia. I am confident of this. Integration projects there do not contradict but supplement each other – of course, if they are carried out by neighbouring countries in their own interests rather than introduced by outside forces with the aim of splitting the Eurasian space and turning it into a zone of bloc confrontation.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Europe, the Western extremity of the Greater Eurasia could also become its natural part. But many of its leaders are hampered by the conviction that the Europeans are superior to others, that it is beneath them to take part as equals in undertakings with others. This arrogance prevents them from seeing that they have themselves become a foreign periphery and actually turned into vassals, often without the right to vote.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Colleagues,<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">The collapse of the Soviet Union upset the equilibrium of the geopolitical forces. The West felt as a winner and declared a unipolar world arrangement, in which only its will, culture and interests had the right to exist.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Now this historical period of boundless Western domination in world affairs is coming to an end. The unipolar world is being relegated into the past. We are at a historical crossroads. We are in for probably the most dangerous, unpredictable and at the same time most important decade since the end of World War II. The West is unable to rule humanity single-handedly and the majority of nations no longer want to put up with this. This is the main contradiction of the new era. To cite a classic, this is a revolutionary situation to some extent – the elites cannot and the people do not want to live like that any longer.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">This state of affairs is fraught with global conflicts or a whole chain of conflicts, which poses a threat to humanity, including the West itself. Today’s main historical task is to resolve this contradiction in a way that is constructive and positive.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">The change of eras is a painful albeit natural and inevitable process. A future world arrangement is taking shape before our eyes. In this world arrangement, we must listen to everyone, consider every opinion, every nation, society, culture and every system of world outlooks, ideas and religious concepts, without imposing a single truth on anyone. Only on this foundation, understanding our responsibility for the destinies of nations and our planet, shall we create a symphony of human civilisation.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">At this point, I would like to finish my remarks with expressing gratitude for the patience that you displayed while listening to them.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Thank you very much.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><b>Fyodor Lukyanov: </b>Thank you very much, Mr President, for such an all-encompassing speech.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">I cannot but spontaneously grasp at the conclusion, as long as you mentioned the revolutionary situation, those at the top and those at the bottom. Those of us who are a bit older studied all this at school. Who do you associate yourself with, those at the top or the bottom?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><b><span style="color: #990000;">Vladimir Putin: </span></b> With the bottom, of course, I am from the bottom.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">My mother was… As you know, I said it many times that I come from a working family. My father was a foreman, he graduated from a vocational school. My mother did not receive education, even secondary, she was a mere worker, and had many jobs; she worked as a nurse in a hospital, and as a janitor and a night watchman. She did not want to leave me in kindergarten or in nursery.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">So therefore, I naturally am very sensitive – thank God this has been the case until now and, I hope, will continue – to the pulse of what an ordinary person lives though.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><b>Fyodor Lukyanov:</b> So, on the global level, you are among those who “don’t want to [live in the old way]?”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><b><span style="color: #990000;">Vladimir Putin: </span></b> At the global level, naturally, it is one of my responsibilities to monitor what is going on the global level. I stand for what I just said, for democratic relations with regard to the interests of all participants in international communication, not just the interests of the so-called golden billion.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><b>Fyodor Lukyanov:</b> I see.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Last time we met exactly a year ago. The international environment was already tense, but when we look at last October compared to this one, it seems like an idyllic time. Much has changed over the past year, the world has literally turned upside down, as some say. For you personally, what has changed over this year, in your perception of the world and the country?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><b><span style="color: #990000;">Vladimir Putin: </span></b> What was happening and what is happening now, say, as related to Ukraine, these are not changes that are happening just now or that began after the launch of Russia’s special military operation, no. All these changes have been happening for many years; some pay attention to them, others do not, but these are tectonic changes in the entire world order.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">You know, these tectonic plates, they are in constant movement somewhere down there in the Earth’s crust. Experts say that they are moving now, and are always in motion yet everything seems quiet, but changes are still happening. And then, they collide. Energy accumulates and when the plates shift, this causes an earthquake. The accumulation of this energy and its outburst have led to these current events.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">But they have always happened. What is the essence of these events? New centres of power are emerging. I constantly say, and not only me, is it really about me? They happen because of objective circumstances. Some of the previous centres of power are fading. I have no desire to talk now about why it happens, but it is a natural process of growth, decay, and change. New centres of power are emerging, mainly in Asia, of course. Africa is also taking the lead. Yes, Africa is still a very poor continent, but look at its colossal potential. Latin America. All these countries will definitely keep developing, and these tectonic changes will keep happening.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">We did not bring about the current situation, the West did… If you have more questions, I can go back to discussing the developments in Ukraine. Did we carry out the coup, which led to a series of tragic events, including our special military operation? No, we did not.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">But what really matters is that tectonic shifts are taking place now and will continue to take place. Our actions have nothing to do with that. Indeed, the ongoing events highlight and promote the processes that are picking up pace and unfolding more quickly than they did before. But in general, they are inevitable, and would have taken place regardless of Russia’s actions towards Ukraine.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><b>Fyodor Lukyanov:</b> Speaking about the state, have you learned anything new about it over the past year?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><b><span style="color: #990000;">Vladimir Putin: </span></b> You know, as far as the state is concerned… Of course, we have incurred costs, above all, losses associated with the special military operation, which I keep thinking about all the time, and there are economic losses as well. But there are enormous acquisitions and what is happening now, will, without any doubt, ultimately – I want to emphasise this – will ultimately be beneficial for Russia and its future.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">What are these acquisitions about? They are about the strengthening of our sovereignty across all areas, primarily, in the economic sphere. Not long ago, we ourselves were concerned about our becoming some kind of semi-colony where we are unable to do anything without our Western partners. We cannot perform financial transactions, we have no access to technology and markets, or sources for acquiring the latest technology. Nothing. All they need to do is snap their fingers for all that we have to fall apart. But no, nothing fell apart, and the basis of the Russian economy and the Russian Federation turned out to be much stronger than anyone may have thought, maybe even ourselves.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">This is an act of purification and understanding of our capabilities, the ability to quickly regroup given the circumstances and the objective need not only to speed up the import substitution processes, but also to replace those who are leaving our market. It turned out that in most areas our businesses are replacing those that are leaving. Those who depart are whispering in our ear: we are leaving for a short while and will be back soon. Well, how are they going to accomplish that? They are selling multibillion-dollar properties for just one dollar. Why? They are reselling them to the management. What does this mean? It means they have reached an agreement with the management that they will return. What else could it be? Are they gifting these businesses to two or three individuals? Of course, not. We know this sentiment.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">So, this is critically important. We ourselves have finally realised – we keep saying that we are a great country – we have now realised that we are indeed a great country and we can do it.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">We are fully aware of the mid-term consequences of cutting access to technology. But we did not have access to the critical technology anyway. The COCOM lists that have been in force for decades appear to have been cancelled. Now, they have tightened the screws, but it turned out what we are getting by, nonetheless.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Another important component, this time of a spiritual nature, which is, perhaps, the most important part. First, this motto – we leave no one behind – actually sits deep in the heart of every Russian and in the other ethnic groups who are Russian citizens, and the willingness to fight for our own people solidifies society. This has always been the great strength of our country. We confirmed and reinforced it, which is the most important thing.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><b>Fyodor Lukyanov:</b> Has any event in Russia caused your disappointment this year?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><b><span style="color: #990000;">Vladimir Putin: </span></b> No.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><b>Fyodor Lukyanov:</b> So, we do not need to draw conclusions and make any particular changes?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><b><span style="color: #990000;">Vladimir Putin: </span></b> It is always necessary to draw conclusions. If you are referring to a personnel reshuffle, it is a natural process. We must always think about renewal in different areas, train new personnel, and promote those who can deal with bigger tasks than those they dealt with before. Of course, this is a natural process. However, I cannot say that somebody has disappointed me or should be dismissed. No, of course, not.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><b>Fyodor Lukyanov:</b> Excellent.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Mr President, your decision to start a special military operation in February came as a big surprise for everyone, including the majority of Russian citizens. We know that you have described the logic and reasons for that decision many times. However, decisions of this importance are hardly made without a special motive. What happened before you made the decision?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><b><span style="color: #990000;">Vladimir Putin: </span></b>I have said this many times, and you will hardly hear anything new today. What happened? I will not speak about NATO’s expansion to Ukraine, which was absolutely unacceptable to us, and everyone knew that but simply disregarded our security interests. Yet another attempt we made late last year failed again. We were told to shove it, to be quiet and… Alright, I will not say this in so many words, but they just ignored us. This is the first point.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Second, it is important that representatives of the Kiev regime, supported by their Western handlers, refused to implement the Minsk agreements. Their leader said that he did not like a single provision of the Minsk agreements. He said this in public! Other officials said openly that they would not implement them. The former [Ukrainian] president said that he signed the Minsk agreements on the premise that they would never be implemented. What other reasons do you need?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">It is one thing when the media and the internet are used to plant some idea in the heads of millions, but real actions and practical policy are quite another matter. What I have told you now went unnoticed by millions of people, because it is lost in the information space, but you and I are aware of it.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">All that was eventually said. What did it mean for us? It meant that we had to do something in Donbass. People have been living under shellfire for eight years, and the attacks continue to this day, by the way, but we had to take a decision for ourselves. What could it be? We could recognise their independence. But recognising their independence and leaving them in the lurch was unacceptable. So, we had to take the next step, which we did – to include them in the Russian state. They would not have survived alone, there is no doubt about that.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">What if we recognise them and make them part of the Russian state at their request, for we know what people think, but the shelling and military operations planned by the Kiev regime continue and are inevitable? They have held two large-scale military operations; it is true that they did not succeed, but they were held. The shelling would certainly have continued. What could we do? Launch an operation. Why wait for them to be the first to do it? We knew that they were preparing to do it. Of course, this is the inevitable logic of events.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">We weren’t the ones who invented this logic. Why did they need the 2014 coup d’état in Ukraine in the first place? Yanukovych actually agreed to resign and hold an early election. It was clear that his chances – I hope Mr Yanukovych won’t feel offended – his chances were slim, if any. So what was the point of staging a bloody anti-state and unconstitutional coup in that situation? No idea. But there is only one answer – to show who’s the boss. Everyone – excuse me, my apologies to the ladies – everyone sit quietly and keep your mouths shut, just do what we say. I just can't explain it any other way.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">So they committed a coup d'état – but people in Crimea or in Donbass refused to recognise it, and that eventually led to today’s tragic events. Why couldn’t the so-called West fulfil the agreements that were reached in Minsk?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">They told me, personally – in that situation, you, too, would have signed anything, if you were put in such conditions. But still, they signed it! They signed it and insisted that the leaders of the republics of Donbass, unrecognised at the time, put their signatures on it, too. And then they just murdered one of them – Zakharchenko.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">All these actions led to today’s tragic events, and that’s all there is to it.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><b>Fyodor Lukyanov: </b>Do you not have a feeling that the enemy has been underestimated? To be honest, this sentiment is present in society.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><b><span style="color: #990000;">Vladimir Putin: </span></b> No. Do you know what the problem is? We always saw what was happening there.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">For eight years, they have been creating a fortified area that cut deep enough into Donbass, and of course, venturing there and suffering losses was pointless – this is the first point. Secondly, we were well aware that this process would continue, and it would be getting worse, more difficult, more dangerous for us, and we would suffer even more losses. Those are the considerations we were guided by. NATO’s development in that territory was in full swing – and it keeps on going, just like it was going on then. Those fortified areas would have spread far beyond today’s contact line in Donbass – they would have been everywhere. That’s all there is to it.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">What we see now, when our troops in Donbass are putting the squeeze on from the south and north, this is one thing. But if fortified areas had continued to be built there for several more years, throughout the country, with personnel being trained and weapons systems accumulating there (weapons they never had, weapons many still do not have even now), the situation would have been completely different for Russia, even in terms of conducting this special military operation.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><b>Fyodor Lukyanov:</b> You have repeatedly said and written in your policy article that we are one people. Have you changed your mind after a year?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><b><span style="color: #990000;">Vladimir Putin: </span></b>No, of course not. And how can this be changed? This is a historical fact.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Russian statehood became established on our territories in the 9<sup>th</sup> century, first in Novgorod, then in Kiev, and then they grew together. It is one nation. People spoke the same language, Old Russian, and changes only started to emerge, I believe, in the 14<sup>th</sup> or 15<sup>th</sup> century under Poland’s influence because the western areas of the Russian state became parts of other countries. This is where changes came from.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Of course, I have already said that every ethnicity goes through different processes in its development. If part of this ethnicity decides at a certain point that it has achieved a level when it becomes a different ethnicity, one can only respect it, of course.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">But this process did not happen all on its own. First of all, as I said, it happened because some of Old Russian lands in the west became parts of other states, for a whole number of reasons.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Those states started promoting their interests. The lands that became part of Poland experienced a strong Polish influence, and so on. The language started to change. I already said that, when Ukraine was joining Russia, letters were written to Warsaw and Moscow. We have archives. Those letters said: “We, Russian Orthodox Christians, would like to address you with the following matter…” They asked Moscow to accept them into Russia and asked Poland to consider their interests and their Orthodox Christian customs. And yet, they called themselves “Russian Orthodox Christians.” I did not make this up. It was part of the nation that we now call Ukrainians.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Yes, then everything started happening according to its own laws. An enormous Russian Empire was built. European countries tried and partially succeeded in creating a barrier between Europe and the Russian Empire using the principle known since the ancient times: divide and conquer. They started making attempts to divide the united Russian nation. It began in the 19<sup>th</sup> century and eventually grew to a bigger scale, supported mainly by the West. Of course, they tried to cultivate certain sentiments in people and some even liked it, when it comes to historical and language aspects.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Of course, those sentiments were exploited exactly for the purpose I mentioned, to divide and conquer. It is nothing out of the ordinary but they certainly achieved some of their goals. And subsequently, it actually grew into cooperation with Hitler during WWII, when Ukrainian collaborators were used in campaigns to exterminate Russians, Poles, Jews and Belarusians. It is a well-known historical fact: killing squads assigned Bandera followers with the dirtiest and bloodiest jobs. It is all part of our history. But it is also a historical fact that Russians and Ukrainians are essentially one ethnicity.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><b>Fyodor Lukyanov:</b> So what we are witnessing is a civil war with a portion of our own people.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;"><b><span style="color: #990000;">Vladimir Putin: </span></b> Partly, yes. Unfortunately, we ended up in different states for a number of reasons. Above all, because when they were creating the Soviet Union after the collapse of the [Russian] empire – I have covered this in my articles and mentioned it publicly more than once – the Bolshevik leadership at the time decided – in order to appease the nationalist-minded Bolsheviks originally from Ukraine – to give them some originally Russian historical lands without asking the people who lived there. They let them have all of Malorossiya (Little Russia), the entire Black Sea region, and all of Donbass. At first, they decided to make Donbass part of Russia, but then a delegation from Ukraine came to see Vladimir Lenin who then summoned a representative from Donbass and told him the Donbass matter should be reconsidered, and it was, with the Donbass going to Ukraine.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;">In this sense, Ukraine, of course, is an artificially created state. All the more so as after WWII – this is also a historical fact – Stalin suddenly made several Polish, Hungarian, and Romanian territories part of Ukraine, thus taking these lands away from these countries. He gave the Poles, who were not part of the Nazi coalition, some of the eastern German lands. These are well-known historical facts. This is how today’s Ukraine was created.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;">I just had a thought that, in fairness, Russia, which created today's Ukraine, could have been the only real and serious guarantor of Ukraine’s statehood, sovereignty, and territorial integrity.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;"><b>Fyodor Lukyanov:</b> I remember there was a discussion about the guarantors back in the spring, but then it all went away.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;">This may be a rhetorical question given that hostilities and much more are underway, but you and the Russian officials have said on multiple occasions that the special operation is going according to plan. What is the plan? Truth be told, this is not very clear to members of society. What is the plan?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;"><b><span style="color: #990000;">Vladimir Putin: </span></b> You see, I said at the outset, on the day the operation started, that the most important thing for us is to help Donbass. I have already mentioned this, and if we had acted differently, we would not have been able to deploy our Armed Forces on both sides of Donbass. This is my first point.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;">Second, the Lugansk People’s Republic has been fully liberated. Military activities related to the Donetsk Republic are underway. Sure enough, when our troops approached it both from the south and the north, it became clear that the people residing on these historical Novorossiya (New Russia) territories see their future as part of Russia. How could we not respond to that?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;">Hence, we are witnesses to the events that have unfolded. They arose in the course and as a logical follow-up to the situation that has been taking shape up to this point. But the plan was there, and the goal is to help the people of Donbass. This is the premise under which we are operating. Of course, I am aware of the General Staff’s plans, but I do not think we should be discussing the details.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;"><b>Fyodor Lukyanov:</b> Thank you.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;">Friends, I have satisfied my curiosity by monopolising everything. Now, let us give the floor to those with questions.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;">Let us begin. Ivan Safranchuk.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;"><b>Ivan Safranchuk: </b>Ivan Safranchuk, MGIMO University.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;">You said that we have a very important decade ahead in the development of the world and our country. But I’m left with the impression that a certain door exists that has led us to this decade.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;">I have a question about this door.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;">Nuclear rhetoric has intensified greatly as of late. Ukraine has moved from irresponsible statements to the practical preparation of a nuclear provocation; representatives of the United States and the United Kingdom are making statements with suggestions of the possible use of nuclear weapons.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;">Biden, let’s say, speaks about nuclear Armageddon, and straight away there are comments in the US that there is nothing to fear. At the same time, the United States is hurrying to deploy modernised tactical nuclear bombs in Europe. It looks like they are rattling the sabre while refusing to acknowledge the lessons of the Cuban Missile Crisis.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;">Mr President, could you please comment, is it true that the world is on the verge of the possible use of nuclear weapons? How will Russia act in these circumstances, given that it is a responsible nuclear state?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;">Thank you.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;"><b><span style="color: #990000;">Vladimir Putin: </span></b> Look, as long as nuclear weapons exist, there will always be a danger that they could be used. This is the first thing.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;">Second, the goal of the current fuss around such threats and the potential use of nuclear weapons is very primitive, and I would probably be not mistaken when I explain what this is about.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;">I already said that the dictate of the Western countries and their attempts to apply pressure on all the participants of international communication, including countries that are neutral or friendly to us, are achieving nothing, and they are looking for additional arguments to convince our friends or neutral states that they all need to confront Russia collectively.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;">Nuclear provocation and the inflaming of the possibility that Russia might theoretically use nuclear weapons are being used to reach these goals: to influence our friends, our allies, and neutral states by telling them, look at whom you support; Russia is such a scary country, do not support it, do not cooperate with it, do not trade with it. This is, in fact, a primitive goal.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;">What is happening in reality? After all, we have never said anything proactively about Russia potentially using nuclear weapons. All we did was hint in response to statements made by Western leaders.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;">Ms Liz Truss, the recent Prime Minister of Great Britain, directly stated in a conversation with a media representative that Great Britain is a nuclear power and the Prime Minister's duty is to possibly use nuclear weapons, and she will do so. It's not a quote, but close to the original wording. “I'm ready to do that.”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;">You see, no one responded to that in any way. Suppose she just spaced out and let it slip. How can you say such things publicly? She did, though.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;">They should have set her straight, or Washington could have publicly stated that it has nothing to do with this. We have no idea what she is talking about, they could have said. There was no need to hurt anyone’s feelings; all they had to do was dissociate themselves from what she said. But everyone was silent. What are we supposed to think? We thought it was a coordinated position and that we were being blackmailed. What are we supposed to do? Remain silent and pretend that we did not hear anything, or what?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;">There are several other statements about this matter. Kiev never stops talking about its desire to possess nuclear weapons. This is the first part of the Ballet de la Merlaison. So?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;">They keep talking about our outrageous actions at the Zaporozhye Nuclear Power Plant. What is so outrageous about it? That is how they word it sometimes. They are constantly insinuating that we are firing missiles at the Zaporozhye Nuclear Power Plant. Have they lost it altogether, or what? We are in control of this nuclear power plant. Our troops are stationed there.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;">A couple of months ago, I talked with a Western leader. I asked him what we should do. He told me we needed to remove heavy weapons from the Zaporozhye Nuclear Power Plant. I agreed and said that we had already done so and there were no heavy weapons there. “You did? Well, then remove the other ones.” (Laughter.)<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;">It is nonsense, you see? You are laughing, it is funny, indeed. But it is almost verbatim what he said.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;">I told him, listen, you wanted the IAEA representatives to be present at the station. We agreed, and they are there.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;">They live right on the grounds of the nuclear power plant. They see with their own eyes what is going on, who is shooting and where the shells are coming from. After all, no one is saying that Ukrainian troops are shelling the nuclear power plant. And they are stirring things up and blaming Russia for this. That is delusional. It looks like a delusion, but it is actually happening.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;">I think I have already publicly said that the Kiev regime’s sabotage groups had destroyed three or four high-voltage overhead power lines outside the Kursk Nuclear Power Plant. Unfortunately, the FSB was unable to catch them. Hopefully, it will someday. They escaped. But they were the ones who did it.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;">We let all Western partners know about the incident. Silence was all we got in response, as if nothing happened. That is, they are seeking to stage some kind of a nuclear incident in order to lay responsibility on Russia and stir up a new round of their battle against Russia, sanctions against Russia, and so on. I just do not see any other point in doing so. This is what is happening.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;">Now they have invented something new. It was no accident that we went public about the information from our security services that they are preparing an incident with the so-called dirty bomb. Such a bomb is easy to make, and we even know its approximate location. Slightly modified remains of nuclear fuel – Ukraine has the technologies needed to do that – are loaded into the Tochka-U, it blows up and they say that it was Russia that made a nuclear strike.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;">But we have no need to do so; there is no sense in it for us, neither political nor military. But they are going to do it, nevertheless. It was me who instructed [Defence] Minister [Sergei] Shoigu to call all his colleagues and inform them about it. We cannot disregard such things.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;">Now they say that the IAEA wants to come and inspect Ukraine’s nuclear facilities. We encourage this, and we believe that it should be done as soon as possible and the inspections should be at all such facilities, because we know that the Kiev authorities are doing their best to cover their tracks. They are working on it.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;">Finally, about using or not using [nuclear weapons]. The only country in the world which has used nuclear weapons against a non-nuclear state was the United States of America; they used it twice against Japan. What was the goal? There was no military need for it at all. What was the military practicability to use nuclear weapons against Hiroshima and Nagasaki, against civilians? Had there been a threat to the US territorial integrity? Of course not. It was not practical from the military point of view either, because Japan’s war machine had already been destroyed, it was not able to resist, so what was the point in dealing the final blow with nuclear weapons?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;">By the way, Japanese textbooks usually say that it was the Allies that struck a nuclear blow at Japan. They have such a firm grip over Japan that the Japanese cannot even write the truth in their school textbooks. Even though they commemorate this tragedy every year. Good for the Americans, we should all probably follow their example. Great job.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;">But such things happen, this is life. So, the US is the only country that has done it because it believed it was in its interests.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;">As for Russia…We have the Military Doctrine, and they should read it. One of its articles explains the cases when, why, in relation to what and how Russia considers it possible to use weapons of mass destruction in the form of nuclear weapons to protect its sovereignty, territorial integrity and to ensure the safety of the Russian people.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;"><b>Fyodor Lukyanov:</b> Tomorrow it will be 60 years since the culmination of the Caribbean crisis, the day when it was decided to retreat.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;">Can you imagine yourself in the role of one of the leaders, Khrushchev, to be more precise? Can we get to that point?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;"><b><span style="color: #990000;">Vladimir Putin: </span></b> Certainly not.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;"><b>Fyodor Lukyanov:</b> It won’t come to this?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;"><b><span style="color: #990000;">Vladimir Putin: </span></b> No, I cannot imagine myself in the role of Khrushchev. No way. (Laughter.)<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;"><b>Fyodor Lukyanov:</b> All right. And what about the role of a leader who has to make a decision on this issue?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;"><b><span style="color: #990000;">Vladimir Putin: </span></b> We are ready to settle any issues. We are not refusing. Last December we offered the United States to continue the dialogue on strategic stability but received no response. It was in December of last year. Silence.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;">If they want to, we are ready, let’s do it. If they do not want to, we are developing our own modern technology, delivery vehicles, including supersonic arms. In principle, we do not need anything. We feel self-sufficient.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;">Yes, of course, at one time they will catch up with us in supersonic weapons as well. This is obvious, they have a high-tech country and it is only a matter of time. But they have not yet caught up with us. We have everything and we are developing this technology. If someone wants to conduct dialogue with us about this, we are ready, go ahead.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;"><b>Fyodor Lukyanov:</b> Rasigan Maharajh, go ahead, please.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;"><b>Rasigan Maharajh:</b> Thank you very much.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;">You have answered a direct point that I raised earlier but, if I could expand upon what I had asked.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;">Escalating and accelerating crises continue to further reveal the precarious position we are in and what our system currently is driving us towards. So, unequal exchange continues, as you pointed out, in equities distribution, especially of human capacity, capability and competence, and render future prospects of reconciliation and reform inside an unfair hegemonic system extremely bleak. Sanctions, fear of reprisals have rendered monetary sovereignty meaningless, especially with the weaponisation of the payment system. In our contemporary conjuncture, what could then constitute a more democratic and workable alternative to the current international system of payments and settlements?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;"><b><span style="color: #990000;">Vladimir Putin: </span></b>This is one of the key issues of the current development and the future of not only the financial system, but also the world order. You have just hit the bull’s eye.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;">After World War II, the United States created the Bretton Woods system and made it several times stronger over the years. They worked in different areas and established international institutions that are under their control in both finance and international trade. But they are obviously breaking down.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;">As I have already said, the United States made a huge mistake by using the dollar as a weapon in fighting for its political interests. This undermines trust in the dollar and other reserve currencies. The loss of trust is big – believe me, I know what I am talking about. Now everyone is thinking whether it makes sense to keep foreign currency reserves in dollars.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;">It is not so simple to part with the dollar because the Americans have created a very powerful system that keeps these reserves and actually does no let them out. It is very difficult to get out but everyone has started pondering over the future. I have already described this and can only repeat what we think about the future of the international financial system.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;">First, this is a common understanding, but still: all countries must be guaranteed sovereign development, and any country’s choice must be respected. This is also important, even in relation to the financial system. It should be independent, depoliticised, and, of course, it should rely on the financial systems of the world's leading countries.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;">And if this system is created (this will not be easy, it is a difficult process, but it is possible), the international institutions (they will need to be either reformed or recreated) helping those countries that need support will work more effectively.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;">First of all, this new financial system should pave the way for education and technology transfer.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;">If we put this together, collect a palette of opportunities that need to be taken, then this economic model and financial system will meet the interests of the majority, and not only the interests of this “golden billion,” which we talked about.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;">As a forerunner of this system, we certainly need to expand payments in national currencies. Given that the US financial authorities are weaponizing the dollar and creating problems with payments not only for us, but also for our partners and other countries, the striving for independence will inevitably promote settlements in national currencies.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;">For example, with India, we are now making 53 percent of mutual payments for exports in national currencies, and about 27 percent for imports. Similar arrangements with other countries are being increasingly used. For example, with China, payments in yuan and rubles are expanding fast, and with other countries, too – I will not list them all now.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;">So, as for our own financial system, I believe the main way to proceed is to create a supranational global monetary system that would be depoliticised and based on national currency systems. This system would certainly ensure payments and transactions. It's possible. In the end, one way or another, we have taken the first steps towards payments in national currencies, and then – steps at the regional level. I believe this process will continue.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;">Fyodor Lukyanov: Colleagues, please, when you ask questions, introduce yourself. Rasigan Maharajh, South Africa. So that everyone understands.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;">Alexander Iskandaryan.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;"><b>Alexander Iskandaryan:</b> Mr President, I am from Armenia and my question concerns my country and my region.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;">The discussion of a treaty between Armenia and Azerbaijan has become more intense lately, and this is mainly due to the fact that there are two competing drafts: a Russian draft proposed by the Russian intermediary, and a Western draft. This situation is quite risky, in addition to the other risks in the region. There are certain tensions.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;">What does Russia think and how does Russia plan to respond to this situation and act in the future in this context?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;">Thank you.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;"><b><span style="color: #990000;">Vladimir Putin: </span></b> You see, I do not even know if this has been discussed publicly before – maybe yes, maybe no – but, even if it has not been discussed, I do not see any secrets here.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;">For many years, we have continued the dialogue with Armenia, proposing to settle the Nagorno-Karabakh matter. Armenia de facto controlled seven areas in Azerbaijan. And we suggested moving towards normalising relations. There are two areas, Kalbajar and another one further to the south, with corridors, large areas. At a certain point we could make an agreement with Azerbaijan and it would give away five areas. They are not necessary, there is no use for them. They just sit empty as people have essentially been expelled from those territories. Why keep them? There is no point. While for connections with Nagorno-Karabakh, two areas, huge areas, by the way, should be enough.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;">We believe it would be fair to bring back the refugees and so on. It would be a good step towards normalising the situation in the region in general. Armenian leadership decided to pursue its own course, which, as we know, has resulted in the situation we have today.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;">Now, as concerns the settlement and the peace treaty, our position is that, of course, there must be a peace treaty. We support a peaceful settlement, delimitation of the border and a full resolution to the border issue. The question is, which option should be chosen. It is up to Armenia, the Armenian people and Armenian leadership. At any rate, whatever they choose, we will support it as long as it brings peace.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;">But we have no intention of imposing anything or dictating anything to Armenia. If the Armenian people or the Armenian leaders believe they should decide on a specific version of the peace treaty… As far as I understand, the Washington draft provides for recognising Azerbaijan’s sovereignty over Nagorno-Karabakh. If Armenia chooses that, so be it. We will support any choice the Armenian people make.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;">If the Armenian people and leaders believe that Nagorno-Karabakh has certain peculiarities that should be considered in a future peace treaty, this is also possible. But, without a doubt, this is a matter of agreement between Armenia and Azerbaijan. The agreements must be acceptable to the other party as well, to Azerbaijan. It is a very difficult question, no less.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;">But Armenia is our strategic partner and ally, and of course, we will, to a great extent, bearing in mind Azerbaijan’s interests, be guided by what Armenia itself is proposing.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;"><b>Fyodor Lukyanov:</b> Two years ago, you spoke highly about President Erdogan at the Valdai Club meeting, saying that he did not go back on his words but did what he said he would do. Many things have happened over the past two years. Has your opinion of him changed?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;"><b><span style="color: #990000;">Vladimir Putin:</span></b><span style="color: #351c75;"> No. He is a competent and strong leader who is guided above all, and possibly exclusively, by the interests of Turkiye, its people and its economy. This largely explains his position on energy issues and, for example, on the construction of TurkStream.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;">We have proposed building a gas hub in Turkiye for European consumers. Turkiye has supported this idea, of course, first of all, based on its own interests. We have many common interests in tourism, the construction sector and agriculture. There are many areas where we have common interests.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;">President Erdogan never lets anyone get a free ride or acts in the interests of third countries. He upholds above all the interests of Turkiye, including in dialogue with us. In this sense, Turkiye as a whole and personally President Erdogan are not easy partners; many of our decisions are born amid long and difficult debates and negotiations.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;">But there is a desire on both sides to reach agreements, and we usually do it. In this sense, President Erdogan is a consistent and reliable partner. This is probably his most important trait, that he is a reliable partner.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;"><b>Fyodor Lukyanov:</b> Has he ever tried to get a free ride, for example, from you?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;"><b><span style="color: #990000;">Vladimir Putin:</span></b> You see, I have already noted that the President of Turkiye is not an easy partner, that he always upholds his interests, not his personal interests but the interests of his country, but it cannot be said that he has ever tried to get a free ride.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;">He simply works towards a solution that is the best one, in the opinion of his government. We work towards solutions that will be the best for us. As I said, we usually find a solution even on very delicate issues, such as Syria, security issues and the economy, including infrastructure. So far, we have managed to do it.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;">I will repeat that this is extremely important. We know that if we have covered a difficult path and it is difficult to come to an agreement, but we reached it nevertheless, we can rest assured that it will be implemented. The most important thing is reliability and stability in our relations.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;"><b>Dayan Jayatilleka:</b> Thank you. My name is Dayan Jayatilleka, former ambassador of Sri Lanka to the Russian Federation.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;">Mr President, it is said that Russia is now facing a proxy war waged by the collective West and NATO. If so, it is probably the most serious threat faced by Russia since 1941. At that time, during the Great Patriotic War, the Soviet leader, who was a Communist, reached out to the Orthodox Church and to Russian nationalism in order to form a broad front to defend Russia. Would you say that, in a similar spirit, you would revisit the Soviet Russian past, the Communist heritage from 1917 to extract any useful elements of it, including the history of the Red Army, and would you think it worthwhile to reach out to the Communist elements, however few they are, in Russia to join in a broad patriotic front? Thank you.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;"><b><span style="color: #990000;">Vladimir Putin:</span></b>: As for my position, I believe we should use our entire historical heritage. I don’t think we should reject anything – the positive aspects of the tsarist empire in Russian history nor the positive facts in the history of the Soviet Union, which had many positive traits. There were also negatives in both cases – they were overcome in different ways and had different consequences.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;">As for relations with the left part of our political spectrum and other political trends… You know, the peculiarity of today’s Russia is the practically complete consensus on the countering of external threats. Yes, there are some people with a completely pro-Western orientation, and they live abroad for the most part; they are mentally abroad, their families are abroad and their children study abroad. Yes, we have a few of them, but they have always been here and they always exist in all countries – there is nothing unusual about this. But overall, consolidation is very high regardless of the political slant or views on ways to develop Russia as such.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;">People with communist convictions believe we need to nationalise everything again. They want everything governmentalized, etc. It is hard to say how effective this would be. We do not reject this in some things and some places, in some specific historical situations, and we even have a law on nationalisation. That said, we are not doing this – there is no need for this whatsoever.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;">We believe in the need to use the most effective tools for national development, market principles but under the control, of course, of the state, government power, under the control of the people. We should use these advantages to achieve our main goals – improve the nation’s wellbeing, counter poverty, step up our efforts and achieve better results in housing construction, education, healthcare and the resolution of other issues that are vital to people.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;">So, in our work, we treat people who have left-wing views with respect, including those with communist convictions. As you said, and with good reason, the Soviet Union lived for a long time under the control and guidance of the Communist Party. At this point, I do not wish to go into detail and explain what was good and what was bad.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;">You mentioned religious organisations, but all of them – we have four traditional religions – are exclusively patriotic. As for the Russian Orthodox Church, it has been with its congregation, with its people throughout its entire history. The same is true today.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;">The key difference in today’s relations with our traditional religions is probably that we really – not just outwardly – abstain from interfering in the life of religious organisations. Maybe, they are in this country in a much freer position than in many states that consider themselves democratic. We never exert any pressure on them. We believe we are in debt to them because during the Soviet years their property was squandered or taken abroad and sold, and so on. In other words, a lot of damage was inflicted on religious organisations, including the Russian Orthodox Church.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;">We try to support all our religions, but we do not interfere in their work. And, probably what is happening now is truly unique – there is a common patriotic mood related to the country’s development within our state and the maintenance of our interests outside, but given these factors, we give them complete freedom of activity. I think this relationship, this situation is producing the desired results.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;"><b>Fyodor Lukyanov</b>: Mr Kubat Rakhimov, you have the floor.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;"><b>Kubat Rakhimov:</b> I am Kubat Rakhimov from the Kyrgyz Republic.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;">Mr President,<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;">Russia is indeed the leader of a new anti-colonial movement. Russia’s commitment to traditional, conservative values also receives global support. During the discussions here at the Valdai Club, we have seen very high demand for social justice and for an equitable organisation of social relations.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;">How do you see this, and how can we help you as Valdai Club experts? This is my first question.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;">My second question is, what do you think of the possibility of relocating the capital of the Russian Federation to the centre of the country, that is, to the centre of the Eurasian continent, so it can be closer to countries in the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;">Thank you.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;"><b><span style="color: #990000;">Vladimir Putin:</span></b> Regarding a more equitable social system in Russia, our Constitution states expressly that Russia is a social welfare state. And of course, everything we do, all our national development goals are basically to accomplish social objectives. We could discuss these issues for hours, and even all day today would not be enough. Everything we do is designed to accomplish this, to accomplish the social objectives now facing the Russian state. We have many goals like this, including many unsolved problems.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;">I have already discussed this, but again, we need to develop the economy, to address healthcare, education and technological development issues on this basis and to restructure our economy. Structural changes are the most important thing. The labour market will change, and in this connection, we should, of course, think about those people whose jobs will be eliminated. We should provide them with new competences and retrain them, etc.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;">Regarding the Valdai Club, it brings together experts from various walks of life. Of course we would be grateful if these experts would update us on key development trends. We would listen to your opinions while making the plans I just listed. We can and must build upon our current policies while understanding future developments.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;">With respect to moving the capital, yes, we have talked about this. The Russian capital has been moved several times in the history of the Russian state. Historically and mentally, the centre of Russia is always associated with Moscow and, in my opinion, there is no need…<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;">There are problems in the capital’s development as a metropolitan area, but I must say that, with Mayor Sobyanin’s team, these problems are addressed and resolved much better than in many other countries and metropolitan areas.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;">There was a period when issues of transport, social infrastructure development and other areas were serious – and they still are, to a certain extent. But still, in recent years, Mayor Sobyanin has done a great deal to curb these challenges and to create conditions for Muscovites, people who relocate for work and tourists to feel comfortable. A lot has been done for the city’s development in the past few years.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;">There is indeed a problem of excessive centralisation of all federal organisations in Moscow. For example, I support the approach certain other countries take, specifically, to decentralise authority and competence to other Russian regions. For example, we are building a judicial centre in St Petersburg. The Constitutional Court is already based there, and there are specific plans concerning the Supreme Court. No haste is necessary; this work should be done gradually, creating favourable conditions for the judicial community to work in St Petersburg. And we will do it with no rush.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;">Some major companies that, say, mainly operate in Siberia but have head offices in Moscow, could move their headquarters to Siberia. And it is actually happening. RusHydro, for example, is establishing a base in Siberia, in Krasnoyarsk, building a head office there.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;">Certain federal government bodies could be distributed across the country. It would be beneficial for the governance system itself and the regions where these bodies would be based.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;"><b>Fyodor Lukyanov:</b> Thank you.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;">Ivan Timofeyev.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;"><b>Ivan Timofeyev:</b> Good evening, Mr President.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;">Ivan Timofeyev, Valdai Club.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;">Here is my question. An unprecedented number of sanctions has been imposed on Russia in the past year. You mentioned the freezing of our reserves in Europe, 300 billion. We could also add the freezing of citizens’ and organisations’ properties worth tens of billions. By the way, Europe plans to seize these properties, once the respective mechanisms are developed. There is much more, including financial restrictions, prohibited supplies of goods, technologies, Russian oil bans, gas supply manipulation and other measures. We are well aware of these, and you mentioned them in your speech.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;">Our economy was not expected to hold out. But it has survived, largely because it remains a market economy, it remains flexible and adaptive. Businesses are looking for new markets and searching for ways to implement import substitution wherever possible. The Government is taking many steps to help businesses.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;">But, maybe, considering the extreme foreign policy conditions and all the sanctions, it is time to further deregulate the economy? You mentioned decentralisation. Does it make sense to reduce the number of inspections and reduce regulatory pressure?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;">I would be happy to hear your opinion on this issue.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;"><b><span style="color: #990000;">Vladimir Putin:</span></b> As they say in these cases, we can choose to reduce the number of inspections and eliminate excessive state regulation.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;">You know that scheduled inspections have been discontinued not only for small and medium-sized businesses but also for large companies. If this was not mentioned yet, I will say it now – we will extend this through 2023.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;">As for regulation, our “administrative guillotine,” as we said, led to the cancellation of over 1,000 acts, I believe. They were replaced with fewer than 500 new ones – I hope they are up-to-date. Over 400 and something new acts now regulate economic activity.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;">So, we will continue on this road – of course, with the exception of production categories that have certain risks for consumers. I think everyone understands this. But we will still try to approach this in a way that makes these regulatory functions targeted so as to prevent them from interfering with the operation of companies and business in general.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;">You are correct – in response to all the restrictions that are imposed on Russia and its economy… you said they expected our economy to crash. This was not just expected; a goal was set to crush the Russian economy, but they could not achieve it. Yes, you are right – our economy has indeed become much more adaptive and flexible. It became clear that our businesses were already mature enough to replace imports and to take on the activities of the companies that left, our partners that decided to leave Russia. Our businesses easily took over and led the companies that had seemed only recently to be unable to exist without a Western presence. This was an easy change in most areas.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;">Yes, we understand and see the difficulties in the mid-term. We realize that we cannot produce everything. But you know, this morning I talked with several colleagues before coming here – naturally, I talked with people in the Government, the Central Bank and the Executive Office – and our experts still believe that we have passed the peak of the difficulties linked with the avalanche of restrictions and sanctions. Overall, the Russian economy has adapted to the new conditions.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;">Much still has to be done to create new supply chains both in imports and exports and to reduce the attending losses. However, overall, the peak of the difficulties is in the past, and the Russian economy has adapted. We will continue developing on a more sustainable, more sovereign platform.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;">However, in response to all these challenges, we might and should – and probably do this in the first place – reduce the red tape in the regulation of businesses even more and support them and increase operating freedoms in their economic activities.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;"><b>Fyodor Lukyanov: </b>Mr Prokhanov, we won’t pass over you.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;"><b>Alexander Prokhanov:</b> Mr President, very often foreigners ask us, “What can you, Russians, offer to the modern world? Where are your Nobel Prize winners? Where are your great discoveries, industrial and scientific achievements?” My colleagues often answer, “Well, what about the great Russian culture? Pushkin? Rublev? Russian icons? The marvellous Russian architecture?” They say, “But this was all in the past. What about today?”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;">When I listened to you today, it dawned on me what Russia can offer to the world: Russia can offer a religion of justice, because this religion, this feeling is at the heart of all Russian culture and Russian self-sacrifice. And today, Russia is making this sacrifice, essentially, it is standing up alone to the rest of the world, the cruel Western world, waging this fight for justice. This is the huge contribution that today's Russia is making to global civilisation and culture. Because even those old, traditional values that we talked about, and Rublev, the Russian icon painting traditions, and again, the delightful Russian Novgorod-Pskov architecture, and the amazing Golden and Silver Ages – they all talked about justice. At the core of Russian civilisation lies justice.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;">Maybe we should make the current Russian ideology a religion of justice?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;"><b><span style="color: #990000;">Vladimir Putin:</span></b> We have four traditional religions, I think that’s enough.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;"><b>Fyodor Lukyanov:</b> We could have a fifth one.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;"><b><span style="color: #990000;">Vladimir Putin:</span></b> This was a joke, of course.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;">As for making something… You know, I follow your work, your writing, when I have time, I enjoy reading what you write and say. Of course, I know that you are a true Russian patriot in the kindest, best and broadest sense of the word.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;">But I'm not sure we need to offer anything to anyone deliberately.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;">You know, you just said that we are making sacrifices for the sake of other peoples. I'll argue with you here. We are not sacrificing anything. We are working to strengthen our sovereignty, and it is in our own interests. First of all, strengthening our financial and economic sovereignty, it will lay the foundation for our future growth – technological, educational and scientific growth.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;">Whether we have Nobel Prize laureates or not… When did Alferov make his invention? He was awarded the Nobel Prize for it after 30 years – or how many? Is that all that matters? The former President of the United States was awarded a Nobel prize. Is this an indicator of real achievement? With all due respect to both the Nobel Committee and the winner of this remarkable Nobel Prize, is that the only indicator?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;">Science is making strides. We must do our best to make sure that the returns from the fundamental and applied sciences for our development are higher by orders of magnitude, and we will make it happen. Today, we are seeing significant and noticeable research staff revamp, and our science is on track to become one of the world’s youngest.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;">Clearly, the United States, with its competitive edge as a global finance monopolist, is pumping out like a vacuum cleaner everything from all over the world, including researchers and creative people. This, too, will come to an end when the dollar loses its monopoly as a global currency, something we see happening today.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;">You see, what we are doing appeals to many countries and peoples. Our Western “partners” spare no effort to slander Russia, to humiliate it, or to ignore its interests. When we fight for our interests and do so openly, honestly and, let’s face it, courageously, this fact in itself, this example in itself, is highly contagious and attractive for billions of people on the planet.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;">You can see Russian flags in many African countries, in some of those countries. The same is happening in Latin America and Asia. We have many friends. We do not need to impose anything on anyone. It is just that many people – politicians and ordinary citizens – are tired of living under external dictate. Enough is enough, people are tired of it. And when they see an example of our struggle against this dictate, they take our side internally and externally. And this support will continue to grow.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;"><b>Fyodor Lukyanov: </b>Mr President, much has been said about research this time. I think one of the most interesting panels was about ways to develop science and technology under these circumstances.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;">Ruslan Yunusov is here in the audience. He presented a very interesting picture.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;"><b>Ruslan Yunusov:</b> Thank you.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;">Today, I represent Rosatom and the Valdai Club.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;">Mr President, you said the right words regarding research. We see that support for science in Russia has grown significantly over the past 20 years, and the mega-grant programme has made it possible to launch dozens of modern laboratories in Russia.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;">However, on the other hand, as scientists, we see that most of the professors who opened these laboratories never came to live in Russia and work full-time. I can understand why it is hard to compete. What we have here is a mega-grant for five years, but then you have lifetime tenure as a professor. This is really something to consider.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;">On the other hand, yesterday during the panel we talked about our Chinese colleagues who have made ground-breaking leaps in science over the past 20 years. Today, they have not just brought their scientists back, but are taking top spots in many areas.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;">Here we are dealing with quanta, and I want to say that we are aware that the most powerful quantum computer today is in China, not the United States, and the largest number of quantum patents is published by China, not the United States.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;">But, on the other hand, we, in Russia also have programmes that bring many laboratories together. The quantum project, the quantum computer project comprises 20 scientific groups, 15 universities and institutes under the Academy of Sciences. But we work under five-year plans.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;">I think today we have come under increased pressure as our scientific and technological sovereignty is facing a challenge. Maybe this is the right time to start formulating strategic projects and extend the planning horizon to 10 or 20 years.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;">Thank you.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;"><b><span style="color: #990000;">Vladimir Putin: </span></b><span style="color: #351c75;">Yes, I agree with you – the higher the [planning] horizon the better, and the further out the [planning] horizon, the better. We must look at the positive examples in other countries, as well as those set by our friends and partners, including the People’s Republic of China. They have done quite a lot over the years under the leadership of President Xi Jinping, who pays much attention to this – not only to the development of science but also to the development of China in general and the Chinese economy, and also to improving the well-being of the Chinese people. I know this as we are on very friendly terms with him. Of course, we can examine and put into practice whatever helps them achieve tangible results.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;">As for the mega-grants, they have played a positive role, indeed, and the next phase we are carrying out now is not just about research and establishing separate laboratories, rather it is the creation of academic communities of young scientists. This is, essentially, the future of these mega-grants.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;">I agree with those who have initiated this process. We are doing it. (Addressing Andrei Fursenko.) Are we not, Mr Fursenko?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;">We will continue doing this.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;">You said nobody is staying. Some people come here and work even if they are officially employed somewhere else, and they spend most of their time in Russia; there are quite a few people like this. These are our former compatriots and not only former ones but our compatriots who are employed somewhere abroad but regularly come to Russia to work.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;">You know, science, like art, hates artificial borders and restrictions. People must feel free, and we will not lock anyone up here, but we will welcome everyone who wants to work in Russia. In general, we have managed to succeed in our efforts, and we will continue moving further along this path.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;">You must be right in saying that we need longer term planning horizons. We are now giving mega-grants for five years, aren’t we? Of course, we can extend them. These issues depend on budgetary funding but this can be done. In any case, today, we are able to extend [planning] horizons further.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;">What you said about people who are working abroad and have lifelong tenure is not typical – far from it. You yourself are a scientist and you know that after a contract that was signed for several years has expired, they can still tell you goodbye. So, all of this does not exist for your whole life there either. But the opportunity to speak your native language and be in touch with your culture is for life.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;">Therefore, both cultural figures and scientists must be given freedom of choice. We must create more attractive conditions than what they are offered abroad. This is not an easy process. We are going along this path and achieving results, and we will continue to move further, including – probably, you are right – efforts to extend planning horizons.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;"><b>Fyodor Lukyanov:</b> Please, Mr Wang Wen.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;"><b>Wang Wen:</b> Thank you. My name is Wang Wen, I am a professor from the Chongyang Institute, Renmin University of China.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;">Actually, this time I have visited more than 20 cities in Russia, and I wrote a lot of articles to tell the Chinese people about the real Russia, because in China, there are a lot of people that care about Russia and especially they care about you and your safety. So, my question is: I know you may feel a lot of pressure and burden. Do you feel scared, nervous or anxious, especially under the threat from the West? Did you create a new Russia or did Russia’s destiny create you? What do you want to say to Chinese people and what are your comments on the past ten years of Russia-China relationship? What are your predictions and expectations of the future of Russia-China relationship? Thank you so much.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;"><b><span style="color: #990000;">Vladimir Putin: </span></b> You know, in my work I never think about achieving a historical accomplishment. Instead, I prioritize doing what must be done and what we can’t do without. In that sense, our country’s present circumstances are shaping all of us, including me.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;">Speaking about fear, many would love to hear me say I’m scared, but if I were afraid of everything, I would do nothing. I can’t allow myself to be guided by fear in the position I hold. I must be guided by the interests of the people of Russia and the state of Russia, which I am and will be.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;">I will do what I think is necessary for the benefit of my people and my country.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;">As for Russian-Chinese relations, they have reached an unprecedented level of openness, mutual trust and effectiveness in recent decades. China is our country’s biggest trade and economic partner. We cooperate in all spheres. In the military area, we have been conducting regular exercises. In military technology, we have enjoyed a level of trust previously unseen in the history of our two countries. We work together to promote cultural and humanitarian projects, and naturally in the economy.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;">Russia’s highest trade volumes are with China, and they are growing fast, gathering momentum even before the sanctions pushed trade towards Asia, and China.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;">My friend Mr Xi Jinping and I – he has called me his friend and I consider him as such, – we have set a goal to reach a specific trade volume level. We will certainly hit that target as we are moving towards it faster than planned.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;">As for our attitude towards China, we treat China and its people as friends, and we are deeply respectful of their culture and traditions. I am confident that we can certainly move forward with such a firm foundation.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;"><b>Fyodor Lukyanov: </b>Mr President, speaking of the fear that Mr Wang mentioned, when you pointed out the existence of the nuclear factor this spring, some people were nervous because they recalled what you said here, at our annual meeting four years ago. You said that we would all go to heaven, but we’re in no hurry to get there, right? (Laughter.)<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;">You’ve stopped to think; that’s disconcerting.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;"><b><span style="color: #990000;">Vladimir Putin: </span></b> I did it on purpose to make you worry a little. Mission accomplished. (Laughter.)<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;"><b>Fyodor Lukyanov:</b> I see. Thank you.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;">Mohammed Ihsan, please.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;"><b>Mohammed Ihsan:</b> I am Professor Mohammed Ihsan from the Kurdistan region of Iraq. I am so glad to be here, Mr President, really.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;">I have one direct question for you: the topic of this session is post-hegemonic world justice and security for everybody. Do you think at this stage, Kurds in four parts of Kurdistan are going to have more, better security and more justice for the future? If you do not mind elaborating more.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;">And, as you mentioned, in Central America and Africa, the Russian flag is everywhere. You have people who love and support Russia. Be sure that also in the Middle East, you have a lot of supporters and a lot of lovers for Russia and merely for President Putin. Thank you.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;">Vladimir Putin: Thank you for the final part. There are flags in European countries and in the United States, too, by the way, we have many supporters there. By the way, a large proportion of the US population adhere to traditional values, and they are with us, we know this.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;">As for the Kurds, I have already said, not in relation to the Kurds, but in general to all peoples: of course, we must strive for a balance of interests. Only if a balance of interests is achieved can peace be sustainable, including in the case of the Kurdish people.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;">Fyodor Lukyanov: Mr Staris, please go ahead.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;">Constantin Staris: Thank you.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;">Good evening.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;">Constantin Staris, Republic of Moldova. I represent the parliamentary opposition, of course, because our government, unfortunately for our country and our people, continues to prefer other destinations for their foreign trips. As a result, today, lights went out in Chisinau, almost a total blackout. But that's not what I was going to say.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;">I have a question, but first, I have a duty to fulfil. Mr President, you have spoken so nicely about your family that I cannot pass up this chance. I have two children, they are eight and ten, both pupils at the Pushkin Lyceum in Chisinau. They asked me to say hello to you, and I could not deny myself this little fatherly pleasure. So, hello from Alexandra and Gavril from Chisinau.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;">Vladimir Putin: Thank you.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;">Constantin Staris: Now my question.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;">You said in your address that new models of interaction between countries and regions would inevitably emerge. Perhaps, in this context, it makes sense to return to the idea that you voiced back in 2001, about a single economic, humanitarian and cultural space that would stretch from Vladivostok to Lisbon?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;">We, Moldovans of various ethnic backgrounds, would be satisfied to see this on the agenda, because for us, it is always difficult to choose between good and good, between Europe and Russia. For us, it would be a very promising project and a light at the end of the tunnel.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;">But is this possible in the world we are about to build, in the post-conflict world, in a world without a hegemon, a global policeman or a dominant power?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;">Thank you.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;">Vladimir Putin: Is it possible to create a common humanitarian and economic space or even a region to ensure security for everyone who lives on this vast mega-continent from Lisbon to Vladivostok? Of course it is. Hope dies last. It is not our idea. True, back then they said, “to the Urals.” I later changed this idea from our French colleagues and former French leaders, extending it “to Vladivostok.”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;">Why? Because people who live beyond the Urals are steeped in the same culture, which is the most important thing.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;">Complex, difficult and tragic developments are taking place today. But in general, why not? Overall, it is quite possible to imagine such a thing. I think it would take place one way or another.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;">I was talking about it in my remarks about Eurasia as a whole, including the European part. Do you know what’s really important? Really important – I want to go back to my remarks – to have the European part regain its legal capacity.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;">How do I talk with a particular partner if they cannot decide anything without calling the Washington “regional party committee” every time to ask for directions?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;">In fact, this is what is happening in real life.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;">I remember one leader arrived during the onset of challenging events related to Syria. I had a meeting with him. We agreed on what and how we would proceed in detail. Very specific: I will do this, this and this.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;">From Moscow, he went to Washington. When he returned to Paris he forgot everything, as if we had not agreed on anything. How am I supposed to talk to him? About what?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;">We arrived at specific agreements, down to where the fleet would move, what we would do, and how we would agree on things. We are not against doing this. We are all for it. And we reached an agreement, a deal.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;">How are we supposed to talk with them? What is the point of talking to them? Better to call Washington directly and be done with it. I am not making things up, do you understand?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;">Of course, Europe is protecting its interests, especially in the economy, but then again it is doing so half-heartedly. There go the gas pipeline explosions. These are not our pipelines; these are pan-European pipelines. Five European companies are part of Nord Stream 1. So what? Everyone is keeping quiet, as if it is business as usual. They even have the nerve to suggest that Russia blew it up. Russia blew itself up. Have they lost their senses or what? No, they keep doing this.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;">Gazprom published photos from 2016 showing, I think, a US-made explosive device under the gas pipeline system. They claimed they lost it during exercises. They lost an explosive device so conveniently that it slipped right under the pipeline. I think the purpose of the device was to destroy underwater mines. Look, here is the photo.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;">The international media are keeping silent about this; no one is broadcasting it; it all withers on the vine and is nowhere to be seen: neither online, nor on television. This is another case of monopolising the media to promote what they need and to kill everything that stands in their way. It is right there, but no one is saying a word about it.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;">This is why it is, of course, necessary to create this common space from Lisbon to Vladivostok in all respects. But this can only be done with those who have the right to vote. I don’t want to provoke or offend anyone, but this is how it is, this is today’s reality. Nevertheless, I think it’s possible in a historical perspective.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;">I mentioned this before but will say it again. At one time Helmut Kohl told me that the United States would deal with its own affairs, including in Latin America, sometime in the future, that Asia would develop powerfully in its own way and that if European civilization wanted to keep going as a global centre, it should definitely work with Russia. This was Helmut Kohl’s position. Apparently, the current leaders of the Federal Republic have different views, but this is the choice of the European countries.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;">However, I would like to return to what you started with. You said the lights went out in Chisinau. It is unclear why they went out but we certainly have nothing to do with it.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;">Do you know why I am talking about this? Because Russia is always accused of everything – somewhere the lights go out, somewhere a toilet is clogged, sorry to mention it, somewhere something else breaks – Russia is to blame for all of it. Do you remember a question from a well-known movie – What about the chapel of the 12<sup>th</sup> or some other century? Have we destroyed this as well? No, thank God, we haven’t. But I would like to tell you something, and it’s perfectly true. When we held talks with Moldovan Government representatives on gas sales, Gazprom took a very pragmatic, market-based position on a natural gas contract with Moldova.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;">Moldovan representatives did not agree with Gazprom’s position and insisted on pricing preferences. Gazprom balked and later Mr Miller contacted me, explained his position and said he considered it right. I asked him to meet Moldova halfway, considering the economic and financial capacity of the Moldovan state. I told him that these prices were fair from a market point of view, but Moldova could not afford to pay them. If they were unable to pay, what was the point?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;">He did not fully agree with me but heard what I said. Gazprom met the Moldovan Government halfway and signed a gas supply contract on Moldova’s terms, on terms set by the Moldovan Government.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;">There were many details in this deal, but I simply do not want to bore the audience because probably nobody but you is interested. The details were related to debt, current payments and a certain advance payment. Overall, Gazprom met Moldova halfway in terms of price. They have to pay, of course. It seems to me that this is perfectly obvious.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;">As for why things were brought to the point of no power in Moldova, I am sorry, but this is not our problem.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;">Fyodor Lukyanov: Mr President, you mentioned Europe. There was an interesting episode two months ago or maybe less, when it turned out that when you spoke with President Macron shortly before the special military operation began, there were journalists in his office. The call was broadcast over the speakerphone, and they recorded everything. A somewhat unusual format. Okay, this is not the first time. How do you feel about such things?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;">Vladimir Putin: Negatively. I believe there are certain formats of communication between heads of state and they must be observed, otherwise the partner will lose credibility. There is nothing wrong with media representatives becoming familiar with what we discuss. All you need to do let the other party know about it, that is all.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;">Fyodor Lukyanov: Did they?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;">Vladimir Putin: Of course, not. During telephone calls, including through secure communication channels, we always assume that these are confidential calls that are not supposed to be made public, or if they are then the parties should agree on that in advance. If done unilaterally, this, of course, is not good.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;">Fyodor Lukyanov: When Mr Macron calls you, do you ask who is there in the same room with him?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;">Vladimir Putin: No.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;">Fyodor Lukyanov: Why? Maybe you should.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;">Vladimir Putin: Because I now assume that someone is listening.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;">Fyodor Lukyanov: I see.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;">We have a guest from Indonesia.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;">Connie Rahakundini Bakrie: Mr President, I liked your speech so much. I think it brings the spirit of building together, building stronger. Like the tagline for the G20. I am looking forward to your visit to the G20 next month.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;">But what I am going to ask you concerns the title. The event today is titled Post-Hegemonic World: Justice and Security for Everyone. I wonder, because in 1955, our President Sukarno already said that all the security alliances are dangerous to the world. Russia is in the Security Council and China is in the Security Council. Do you think you and China could file this issue to wipe out NATO, AUKUS, the QUAD, the Five Power Defence Arrangements, everything about it, together? Is that possible?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;">Number two, your friends in Indonesia are amazing. Everybody is saying hurrah all the time. And my second question is, can I have a picture with you later? Thank you.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;">Vladimir Putin: Yes, with pleasure. With such a beautiful woman, with pleasure.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;">We have had very good relations with Indonesia throughout most of recent history.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;">When President Widodo calls me, he calls me brother, and I say the same to him. We value our relationship with Indonesia.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;">I am grateful to the leadership and the President for the invitation to the G20 meeting. We will think about how we can go about it. Russia will definitely be represented there at a high level. Maybe I will go, too. I will think about it.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;">With regard to creating new blocs in Asia, I think, this is an attempt to take the failed system of bloc thinking from the Atlantic region to Asia. Without a doubt, this is a bad idea. Again, this is an attempt to be friends with someone against someone, in this case, against China. Not only do we not support an attempt to revive or recreate what happened in the Atlantic in the Asia-Pacific region, but we also believe that this is a very harmful and dangerous approach.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;">I must say that this will have adverse consequences for the participants or allies of the United States, which, as we know, are seeing the contracts for the delivery of submarines, or something else, being taken away from it. It is just that nothing has been done yet, but the negative consequences, including for the US allies, are already there. If this practice continues, the errors and problems will pile up. Of course, we have always opposed and continue to oppose policies like this.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;">Fyodor Lukyanov: I know that General Sharma wanted to ask something.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;">Maj Gen BK Sharma: Mr President, in the post-hegemonic world, what role do you expect India to play?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;">Vladimir Putin: India has come a long way from a British colony to its current state. Almost 1.5 billion people, and the noticeable results of development evoke universal admiration as well as respect for India from the whole world.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;">Much has been done in recent years under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi. He is certainly a patriot of his country. And his Make in India campaign has both economic and moral significance.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;">India has been making huge strides in its development, and it certainly has a great future. India not only has the right to be proud of being the largest democracy, in a good sense of the word, but also of the pace of its growth. This is an extremely important foundation for India’s development.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;">We have a special relationship with India that emerged or was built on the foundation of a very close alliance that existed for many decades. We have never had any issues with India, I want to emphasise this, never. All we ever did was support each other. This is what is happening now, and I am sure it will continue in the future.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;">The pace of economic cooperation is growing today. Overall trade is growing. One example: Prime Minister Modi asked me to increase the supply of fertilisers, which is very important for Indian agriculture, and we did it. By how much do you think? The supply of fertilisers to India has increased by 7.6 times – not just by a fraction, but by 7.6 times. Bilateral trade in agricultural products has almost doubled.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;">We continue to expand ties in military-technical cooperation. Prime Minister Modi is one of the few people in the world who are capable of pursuing an independent foreign policy in the interests of his people. Despite any attempts to contain or restrict something, he’s like an icebreaker, you know, just moving calmly in the direction that the Indian state needs.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;">I think that countries like India do not only have a great future, but also a growing role in international affairs.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;">Fyodor Lukyanov: The subject we raised, about fertiliser, has instantly brought Brazil to my mind for some reason. Where’s Igor Gilov?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;">Vladimir Putin: By the way, we had reached an agreement with Brazil that shipments of fertiliser would increase. Unfortunately, they’ve gone down a little, a few percent, I think, maybe due to logistics issues.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;">Fyodor Lukyanov: Mr Gilov has left. Never mind. I think I can ask you a question he would want to ask.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;">Brazil is having an election soon. Lula may be coming back. Do you have a good relationship with him?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;">Vladimir Putin: We have a good relationship with Mr Lula, and we have a good relationship with Mr Bolsonaro. We don’t interfere in their domestic politics, that’s what matters most.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;">We are aware of a consensus in India on building a cooperative relationship with Russia and as part of BRICS, despite the stark domestic arguments. This is a matter of principle for us, we proceed from this premise.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;">We also have a consensus on working with Brazil. We consider that country one of our most important partners in Latin America, which it is, and we will do all we can to promote that relationship in the future.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;">Fyodor Lukyanov: Mr President, now that we have mentioned BRICS, Saudi Arabia said about ten days ago that it wanted to join. Do you support that?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;">Vladimir Putin: Yes, we do. All the BRICS countries need to agree on this for that to happen. Saudi Arabia is a fast-growing nation, and not just because it’s a leader in hydrocarbon production and oil extraction.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;">It’s because the Crown Prince and the Saudi government have very big plans to diversify the economy, which is very important. They have drawn up national plans to achieve that. I’m sure that the Crown Prince’s energy and talent will ensure that these plans come to fruition.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;">So of course, Saudi Arabia deserves being part of large international organisations such as BRICS or the SCO. Just a short time ago, we agreed on Saudi Arabia’s status within the SCO. We will continue to strengthen our relations both bilaterally and as part of multilateral associations.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;">Fyodor Lukyanov: Many in the West are saying that because of you bin Salman has been rude to the Americans.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;">Vladimir Putin: This is not true.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;">Mohammed bin Salman is young, decisive and strong-willed. These are obvious facts. Don’t be rude to him, and you won’t hear harsh language from him. That’s it. You need to respect the Crown Prince and Saudi Arabia, and they will do the same. They will be rude to those, however, who are rude to them.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;">As for our involvement, this is just nonsense. The fact is, that the Crown Prince and the entire Saudi government are guided by their own national interests. I know the Crown Prince quite well personally, and I know what is driving him – he was thinking of his country’s interests and of balancing energy markets when considering whether to cut or boost production.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;">I am being completely serious when I say that in this regard his position is absolutely measured. He aims to balance both the interests of suppliers and consumers, because in the energy markets it’s not even the final price that’s important, it’s the current economic or political situation. What’s really important for energy markets is stability and predictability. The Crown Prince wants to have that and generally, he gets what he wants.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;">Fyodor Lukyanov: Meaning, he won’t let you get a free ride on his back?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;">Vladimir Putin: That he surely won’t let you do.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;">Fyodor Lukyanov: Muhammad Javed, please.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;">Muhammad Athar Javed: Thank you very much, Mr President. I am bringing a lot of respect and love from Islamabad, Pakistan. Director General of Pakistan House, Muhammad Athar Javed.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;">You see, I really appreciate your comprehensive and very incisive analysis of the situation. My question relates to a very important factor. It also relates to pre-Second World War, when Jews were demonised and then later ignored, and everything that was related to them was ignored by the Western Europe and the United States. And then the horrible Holocaust took place.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;">Now there is a hate syndrome generated about Russians. You mentioned Donbass, how the people were being treated. I have witnessed it myself in the United Kingdom and in Scandinavian countries. There is a rise of neo-Nazism. And particularly, I am personally working on a project to assess the patterns. What we are realising is that it is very serious. Number one, it is not being reported, like the previous instances, in the pre-Second World War. Number two, it is being like, I would say, washed away totally. It means that there is a need on the part of Russia to protect, as you said, the Russian language issue, with Russians outside Russia, and also to try to implement counter-design against the rise of neo-Nazis. It is a very serious threat. And the last component of this is: in Ukraine, the recruitment of non-state actors from across different regions are being reported, very credible reports, in order to initiate a full non-state actors’ brigade to fight the conventional army, to weaken the resolve. I think this needs to be addressed. I would really like you to give your analysis. Because this is very serious. Europe is facing a rise of neo-Nazism. Thank you.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;">Vladimir Putin: You know, I would say, one of the most serious and fundamental problems for those who supposedly care about the future of Ukraine, the so-called Ukrainian nationalists, is that the nationalist movement is merging with the neo-fascist, neo-Nazi movement.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;">After all, they rely on those who cannot be identified as anything but collaborators and Nazis. Clearly, they are versions of those who, as I have said, on behalf of the Hitler authorities, exterminated the Polish, Jewish, and Russian populations in the regions occupied during World War II. It is impossible to separate today's so-called patriots, flag-wavers and nationalists from Bandera followers – they are the same thing. That, in my opinion, is their big problem, really.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;">Therefore, I keep repeating, including to our so-called Western partners: look at what is happening on the streets of Kiev and other major cities, where thousands of people march with swastikas and torches, and so on.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;">Yes, manifestations of neo-Nazism are also possible in our country. In any country, in fact, as this is extremely tenacious. But we are fighting it, while over there, it enjoys support at the state level – this, of course, is a problem. It is being hushed up, but it still exists, and there is no getting away from it, because it does exist.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;">But today's flag-wavers in Ukraine are not even driven by any interests or nationalist ideas; their motivation is more primitive. They are driven by economic interests; they want to keep billions of dollars they stole from the Ukrainian people in Western banks. They stole it, hid it in Western banks and will do anything to protect their capital, anything the West tells them to do. Only they are putting it in a nationalist wrapper, presenting it to their own people as a fight for the interests of the Ukrainian people. This is what is really happening – they will fight with Russia to the last Ukrainian and will not spare anyone.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;">I say this with regret. Their losses are one to ten, one to eight. Lately, it's been at one to seven, one to eight. They aren’t sparing people at all. Can true patriots of their country allow this to happen? They are taking this path without looking back, without thinking about it or regretting it. Of course, they are far from protecting their national interests.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;">But this plague of nationalism is tenacious, only they prefer not to notice that it has become linked to neo-Nazism. And this is certainly a huge problem for the current Ukrainian regime, and for those who support them, of course. But we cannot ignore it and will always point it out, including as one of the root causes of today's crisis.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;">Fyodor Lukyanov: Mr Kim, go ahead, please.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;">Kim Heungchong: Hello, I am Kim Heungchong from South Korea. This is my second time at the Valdai Club and I have learned a lot. Thank you very much for providing a chance to think many things.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;">I have some questions about security. I would like to find out your opinion or Russia’s position on the growing tensions between China and the United States over Taiwan, and North Korea’s nuclear missile development.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;">Another question is about combatting climate change. Russia is very rich in fossil natural resources, and so speeding up the transition to carbon neutrality might contradict Russia’s interests. What do you think about that?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;">Vladimir Putin: I will start with the last one. A transition to carbon neutrality does not go against Russia’s interests – we have opportunities for developing alternative energy sources, including hydrogen energy and pure hydrogen, and we have serious competitive advantages in this respect. In part, it is possible to use gas. There are many opportunities, and this does not scare us at all but, on the contrary, creates an impetus for development. Primary gas is the best source of energy as a transitional source of energy. As for the deep processing of oil, we have substantial competitive advantages in this respect, as I just said. This does not run counter to our interests at all.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;">What really contradicts our interests is disorder and confusion in the energy sector, attempts to rush ahead in settling issues pertaining to energy security, to ensuring a green energy transition. How was it possible not to invest enough money or prevent investment in the traditional energy sector without preparing fully for this green energy transition? How could this happen?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;">This is largely the reason for the current energy crisis. After all, Western politicians just talk to win voters to their side. First, they scare regular people with potential climate changes, then they start exploiting this fear and make unrealistic promises, and then they receive the votes they need, come to power and then say “oops”!<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;">What is happening now – a return to coal, a return to fuel oil? So, what is the result after all this talk? This is not about Russia. We are ready to supply gas, and we are ready to supply oil – why turn them down? After the explosions on the Nord Stream pipelines we have one pipe left and it is operating. We can pump 27.5 billion cubic metres but they don’t want it. What does this have to do with us? If they don’t want it, so be it.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;">As for green energy, let me repeat that everything needs to be prepared for this before a final transition. Systemic measures limiting the development of traditional energy sources have triggered this serious crisis. There is no funding; banks do not give loans either in Europe or the United States. Why is everything limited – banks do not approve loans, do not insure, do not allocate land. Transport is not upgraded for oil and gas shipping, and this has continued for years. Considerable underfunding in the energy sector has led to shortages. This is what happened.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;">The United States is allocating oil from its strategic reserves – well, this is good, but they will have to be replenished and the market analysts understand this. Today, they have withdrawn oil from strategic reserves and tomorrow they will have to buy it again. We are hearing that they will buy when prices go down. But they are not going down. So what? Wake up! You will have to buy at high prices because prices have gone up again. What do we have to do with this? These blunders in the energy sector were made by those who have to think about it and deal with it. This is the first point.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;">The second point. This is about North Korea and Taiwan. No doubt, Taiwan is an inseparable part of the People’s Republic of China. We have always adhered to this position and have never changed it.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;">We in Russia perceive all provocative gestures linked with US top officials’ visits to Taiwan as nothing other than a provocation. Frankly, I do not know why they are doing this.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;">You know, we have been acquainted with many of those present here for years and speak the same language – so let’s have a family talk. What is happening is a tragedy in Ukraine. The entire West has attacked us, trying to wreck our economy. It is supplying billions worth of weapons and ammunition to Ukraine. This is a fight against Russia.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;">But why spoil relations with China at the same time? Are they sane? It seems that this runs completely counter to common sense and logic. Why did this granny have to trudge to Taiwan in order to provoke China into some actions? And this is at the same time when they cannot settle relations with Russia due to what is happening in Ukraine. This is simply crazy.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;">It may seem that there is a subtle, profound plot behind this. But I think there is nothing there, no subtle thought. It is just nonsense and arrogance, nothing else. Do you understand what the matter is? Such irrational actions are rooted in arrogance and a sense of impunity.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;">Our position is clear. I have described it.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;">Now about the nuclear problem of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;">In my opinion, this problem is also rooted in – you know what – the reluctance to talk and an absolutely boorish attitude to North Korea’s interests, including its security interests. After all, they practically came to terms about everything. There was a moment. In effect, the North Korean leaders virtually agreed to the US proposals on settling this problem, including its nuclear component.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;">But no, at the last moment the Americans changed their position and actually compelled the North Korean leaders to renounce the achieved agreements. In the meantime, the United States introduced additional sanctions there and started introducing restrictions in finance and banking although there was an agreement not to do this. For what purpose? This is also not very clear.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;">Incidentally, we have joint proposals with the People’s Republic of China on how to move towards settling this problem. We have formulated these proposals in two documents and this is common knowledge. We will adhere to our coordinated position.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;">By the way, as regards humanitarian and similar issues, it is important to understand the condition of the North Korean economy and the needs of its people and to settle issues proceeding from humanitarian considerations rather than by applying more pressure.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;">We have very good relations with the Republic of Korea and we have always had an opportunity to conduct dialogue with both the Republic of Korea and the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea. However, we have learned now that the Republic of Korea has decided to supply weapons and ammunition to Ukraine. This will be destroying our relations. How would the Republic of Korea behave if we resumed cooperation with North Korea in this area? Would you feel happy about this?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;">I would like to draw your attention to this.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;">Fyodor Lukyanov: Mr President, since you said that we are having a family talk here, please unravel a mystery to our family-like gathering as there have been many speculations on this topic.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;">Did you tell President Xi Jinping about the plan to launch the special military operation when you met with him in China in early February?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;">Vladimir Putin: No, I did not.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;">Fyodor Lukyanov:Did he say later he was hurt because you had not taken him into confidence on that matter?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;">Vladimir Putin: You know, the Chinese leader is not the sort of person who talks about his grievances over whatever it may be. He is a leader on a global scale in his own right. And then we do not need it as we, Russia and the People’s Republic of China, take sovereign decisions.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;">So, they in China see well what the West’s striving to move the NATO infrastructure closer to our borders means to Russia and they are assessing this situation objectively. In the same way they saw what was happening in Donbass during the past eight years and they are quite capable of analysing the implications of and the reasons for the coup in Ukraine in 2014.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;">Of course, the People’s Republic of China and the Chinese leadership speak in favour of pragmatic and balanced solutions that would help resolve the crisis which Ukraine has plunged into through peaceful means and we have respect for this position.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;">Fyodor Lukyanov: Please, Mr Nelson Wong, go ahead.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;">Nelson Wong: Thank you. I am Nelson Wong from Shanghai, China. It is a real honour, Mr President.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;">In your remarks, you mentioned that the rule-based order that was often used and is still being used by the West, it comes from nowhere. Which is actually quite true, and this has been also discussed quite frequently over the past four days in our discussions.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;">So, my question to you, Mr President, is that looking forward, we are actually moving into a time without a superpower, which was the topic of the first day of this year’s discussion. So, since the US as the only superpower is losing its control, and we are moving into a new era, this is not only the beginning of the end of the US superpower, but we already are in the process.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;">So, in a new phase, I believe we also need to have some rules. So, if we are ever going to have any rules, what, in your opinion, Mr President, are the most important? Of course, it’s not there yet, but for argument’s sake, what would you think would be the most important when it comes to setting up a new set of rules? Thank you.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;">Vladimir Putin: Why are you saying there are no such rules? They do exist and they are written into the UN Charter. These rules are called international law. We simply need for everyone to comply with these rules and interpret them in the same manner. It is only possible to dismiss or radically update them when a foundation is prepared for maintaining relations on other principles.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;">The UN Charter recorded the alignment of forces following WWII. Of course, the world has changed radically since then. Giants like China, India and Indonesia with large population are showing economic growth; in Africa large counties – some of them with a population of 200 million – are emerging and making progress, as well as countries in Latin America.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;">The world is changing. Of course, international law should keep pace with these changes and regulate relationships between countries in keeping with the balance of forces that emerges in the world in reality. However, this should be done quietly, without haste and on the basis of clear principles, rather than rules invented by someone.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;">I mentioned this in my speech: who has read these rules? They are talking about rules – what rules? Where are they written and who has approved them? It is nonsense. Do they think they are talking to idiots? To some broad public, while some of those people do not even know how to read properly. What are the rules and who worked on them? It is nothing more than rubbish. Still, they keep drumming it into people’s heads indefinitely. And those who do not observe these rules will be subject to restrictions and sanctions.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;">They are waging a trade war against China and are telling China what to do in its provinces, how to keep things under control and what kind of relations should be there, and to respect human rights. These are the tools, unfair competition tools that they are using to take on the People's Republic of China. That is what it is. They are afraid of China’s growing power and everything is happening because of that. They are splitting hairs on human rights or picking on certain regions of China to address their economic and political issues. The point, however, is to oppose China as a rising competitor, and they are coming up with all sorts of tools to get there.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;">The shared basis could include respecting one another’s interests, openness and general rules that are consistently understood and applied by all participants of international communication. We need to achieve this balance of interests, restore this balance of interests and follow these rules. I think it should be done publicly, not behind closed doors, and not in the interest of any particular country or a group of countries, but in the interests of the entire international community.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;">Fyodor Lukyanov: Mr President, without leaving China, I would like to follow up on the previous question about green energy and the like. Clearly, Europe will close its energy market to us in the years to come. There is such a possibility.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;">Are we ready to move really quickly and build infrastructure for the Asian markets?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;">Vladimir Putin: You know we have been doing it, and not because of today's situation; we have been working on it for a long time now. The Power of Siberia was not built in connection with the events in Ukraine. We built it because we were aware that our Chinese friends’ energy needs are growing, and we can meet them.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;">We are also holding talks with India and other countries on a variety of ways to deliver our energy to the Indian and other markets. We will continue to liquefy natural gas. We are still modest participants of the global LNG markets, but we keep growing. We will continue down this line. To reiterate, we will keep expanding this area of business not even because of the existing restrictions, but because these are the global economic trends.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;">In terms of purchasing power parity, the Chinese economy is bigger than the US economy, which is a hard cold fact, and its needs are growing. Why would we not, especially since we are friends and neighbours and enjoy wonderful relations and share a border, why would we not deliver energy there in the same way as we do to other Asian countries? We have been doing this so far and will continue to do so.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;">We have, in fact, agreed upon a new system of delivery across Mongolia. Both Mongolia and China are interested. We will provide our friends and partners with access to our energy resources. Why not? We did the same thing with the Europeans and the Americans, but they chose to leave our market. Godspeed, let them go where they want. Is it a good or a bad thing for them? I think ultimately it is a bad thing.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;">They are leaving and losing. We are open to cooperation and all comers are welcome, this process will continue. We have been preparing for this for many years now, and we will keep this process running going forward. I do not see any obstacles here that we would not be able to overcome, or issues that we would not be able to resolve. All issues will be resolved.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;">Alexei Dzermant: Alexei Dzermant, Minsk, Belarus.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;">Mr President, before I ask my question, I would like to convey the words of support coming from many Belarusians. I often meet with them at the panels where we discuss Ukraine, among other topics. The people of my country send a message of strong support personally to you and to Russia, which is fighting Nazism in Ukraine.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;">Here is my question. Since the West is, in fact, building actual walls and imposing a blockade, a sanctions pressure on the Republic of Belarus and Russia, the North-South corridor has become particularly important as a supply route and financially. Of course, it is important to complement it with specific projects to be implemented jointly by Russia and Belarus.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;">Would you agree that with Asia and the East in general making strides in economic growth, we need not only to develop the material infrastructure, but also focus on the cultural and humanitarian aspects, so that our ideas, values, and outlook on the world overlap with the ides and values in the countries of the East?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;">Thank you.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;">Vladimir Putin: You are right. This is what we are doing, though. And that is not because someone is building a wall in the West, but we have always been doing so.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;">Look, most Russians live in European Russia, but Russia’s territory to the east of the Ural Mountains is larger. Russia is a Eurasian country; we remember this and we never forget about it. We have traditionally developed our relations with Asian countries, and even more so now, with the surge of growth there going on for a number of years now.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;">We see it all, which is why we have largely reoriented our cooperation to the Asian countries. Well, of course, developing economic ties cannot go without paying attention to the cultural component. To a certain extent, China and India are the cradles of the world civilisations, and we approach this with great respect, attention and interest.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;">The Russian public’s interest in these civilisations has always been very high. By the way, we have schools that study India and China, as well as their cultures and the people of these countries, which are multi-ethnic nations as well. We have always had high-level research in these areas, and we will support it in the future.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;">Fyodor Lukyanov: Colleagues, we have been working for over three hours now. I think we have already taken enough of Mr President’s time. Has anyone got a burning question? There you are.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;">Vladmir Putin: Please, go ahead.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;">Philani Mthembu: Thank you, Chair. Philani Mthembu from South Africa, the Institute for Global Dialogue.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;">Mr President, you said that the West is not capable of unilaterally governing the whole of humanity and that we need to build a symphony of human civilisation. I am interested in just an expansion of your thoughts. If we are to build a multi-polar world order, what is the importance of regional cooperation as a means of reinforcing and building the blocks of multipolarity? And then just a few words in terms of Russia’s engagement with Africa, particularly, related to the Russia-Africa summit. Thank you.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;">Vladimir Putin: We have had very good, traditionally good relations with Africa in general, including with the Republic of South Africa since Africa’s struggle for independence and against colonialism, as you know. These absolutely unique relations were forged during the years when the Soviet Union and Russia supported African countries in their fight for freedom.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;">And this foundation for our relations that took shape over the past decades must undoubtedly be used today under the new conditions to develop multilateral relations with African states, including with the Republic of South Africa, which, as you are aware, is a very active and effective partner of ours within BRICS.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;">We appreciate this and we are aware of South Africa’s capabilities. We are aware of its capabilities and have confidence in the future of the African continent, and we will certainly develop our relations with African countries, both with those we have had traditional relations with us over the past decades and those with whom we are just beginning to develop them.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;">Regarding the substance of your question and its first part. I think I have basically answered it – I do not think I can elaborate on my position in a short answer.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;">We need to find a balance of interests. This cannot be done under the hegemony or an attempt to maintain the hegemony of one country or a group of countries over the rest of humankind. These hegemons will have to reckon with these legitimate demands of the vast majority of participants in international communication – and not in words, but in deeds.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;">After all, what is going on? Everyone pays lip service to equality and support for African countries and so on. It all sounds nice verbally but what happens in practice? After all, today such instruments are used as, let’s say, the dollar or other currencies such as the euro. What is happening in reality? In the past two years, they have printed 5.9 trillion dollars and 2.9 trillion euros. Where did that money go? It went into buying goods in the world markets, and the United States started buying more food in world markets than it was selling there; it started buying up food thanks to having the printing press.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;">This is what a financial monopoly leads to – to immediate shortages. In addition to a poor harvest the previous year and the pandemic, production was cut, but they printed money to fight the pandemic and hurled it to their people, who started buying food and the prices went up. And who is affected? First of all, the countries of Africa and partly Latin America and Asia. Does anyone think about that? Of course, those who are doing it think about it. But they do not give a damn about the consequences. They are pursuing their interests without giving a thought to the consequences that arise for the African countries.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;">There are similar developments in another part of the food market: the fertiliser market. Look here, how is this possible? I have already spoken about that, and I will reiterate. How can a decision be made to lift restrictions and bans on Russian fertilisers in Europe and a follow-up clarification be issued that these restrictions are lifted for EU nations only? Have they gone mad? They published that clarification. Can you imagine it? Yet they are doing this without any scruples whatsoever. Is this the way a balance of interests is observed?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;">We have repeatedly said that we have 300,000 tonnes of fertilisers under arrest in European ports. Our companies are ready to give the fertilisers away for free, but they do not release them, including to African countries. Some African leaders asked me where exactly the fertilisers are. I asked my aides to inform them of the location and the amounts – 300,000 tonnes, which is worth millions of dollars.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;">Give them to the poorest countries, they need it. However, they do not release the fertilisers. Is this an observance of the balance of interests? If you want to fight Russia – go ahead. You do not want us to have additional revenues – but we are giving them away for free with no revenues. Give them to the developing countries, since your actions only contribute to growing prices. Why are they doing this? Obviously, this is in their interest.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;">Is this a balance of interests? How can we achieve stable relations? We must work to achieve this balance by acting in compliance with the standards we call international law. These standards must be agreed on and complied with, including in the financial sphere, where independent systems of international settlements must be established, as I mentioned earlier.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;">I gave a specific example of what incessant and unlimited emission of the basic currencies is leading to. It also has practical consequences, including and primarily for developing countries.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;">I want to go back to the following: if we want stability in the world, we must achieve a balance of interests.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;">Please, go ahead, I saw someone raised a hand t.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;">Fyodor Lukyanov: Nathalia Zaiser, please.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;">Dimitris Konstantakopoulos: Mr President, two small questions.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;">Vladimir Putin: This certainly does not look like Nathalia.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;">Dimitris Konstantakopoulos: Do you think that the time has come for a deeper integration on the space of the ex-Soviet Union? And my second question is: what is your message to the simple, average citizen of a Western country if you had in front of you such a citizen, what would be your message?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;">Vladimir Putin: First, about integration.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;">This is a very subtle issue. Here we must also seek a balance of interests about which I spoke as regards the entire world. It is necessary to do this professionally, consistently and without rushing. We have certain plans in the Eurasian Economic Union. This concerns the removal of restrictions on major groups of commodities to fully ensure the free movement of goods, finance, capital and labour.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;">I do not think it is expedient to rush ahead like it happened, say, in the European Union, when some countries with a certain level of economic development entered the Eurozone and did not know what to do with this. It happens because problems arise when the instrument of inflation becomes inaccessible for regulating the economic situation. I am referring to the well-known situation with Greece and some other countries as well.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;">Therefore, we should not rush ahead but should consistently move towards the implementation of the plans we have mapped out. We know what we need to do in this area and we will do it by all means, taking into account the interests of all participants in this process.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;">As for our message to the ordinary citizens of Western countries – both the United States and Europe – I would like to voice the main idea – campaign for higher salaries and wages – this is the first point. Second, don’t believe that Russia is your enemy or even opponent. Russia is your friend and for decades, we have been doing everything in our power to strengthen our relations and we intend to do so in the future.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;">In this context, I remember a joke that I recently told my colleagues. An acquaintance of mine from Germany told me this joke a short while ago. Here’s a family, and a son asks his father: “Dad, why is it so cold here?” The father replies: “Because Russia attacked Ukraine.” The child asks: “What do we have to do with it?” Father: “We imposed sanctions on the Russians.” The son: “What for?” The father: “To make them feel bad.” The son: “Are we Russians then?”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;">I would like to say that all problems – and I am addressing in this case the people in the European countries and in the United States – that all problems that arise in this context are not linked with Russia’s actions. They are rooted in the systemic mistakes of your political leaders, the political leadership of your countries – in the energy and food sectors and in monetary policy that led to an unprecedented growth of inflation and a shortage of energy resources. Russia has nothing to do with all this. This is a result of systemic mistakes by the leaders of your countries. It is necessary to conduct a realistic analysis of what is happening and seek changes in economic policy.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;">As for international politics, it is always, of course, a decision of sovereign states but it should certainly be based on the opinion of voters, ordinary people in different countries. But ordinary people should know – and I will end with what I began – Russia is not the enemy and has never had any evil intentions as regards the European countries and the United States.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;">And we know that we in Russia have very many friends there. We will build relations with the so-called collective West, relying on this part of the population in the European countries and the United States.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;">Fyodor Lukyanov: Mr President, and does your call to fight for higher wages also apply to Russian citizens?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;">Vladimir Putin: Yes, it does.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;">Fyodor Lukyanov: Excellent. Everyone has heard it.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;">Vladimir Putin: I must say this is one of the key issues the Government must deal with, and trade unions are doing it regardless of anything, regardless of any special operations.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;">A tough dialogue is underway in the trilateral commission between representatives of employers, trade unions and the Government. This dialogue is ongoing.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;">We see that our citizens’ nominal incomes are growing yet real incomes have somewhat decreased. Taking into consideration the condition of the Russian economy, we can and must resolve these issues. I hope we will be able to solve all the issues in this sense and in this key in accordance with the plans of the Russian Government.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;">There is someone there who also wants to ask a question.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;">Fyodor Lukyanov: Mr President, don’t you give orders, I am in command here. (Laughter.)<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;">Vladimir Putin: It is called hegemony.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;">Fyodor Lukyanov: It cannot be helped, we have not overcome it yet.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;">Colleagues, I suggest a blitz session at the end. Nathalia Zaiser is sulking over there, and there are two more questions, after which we shall wrap up.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;">Vladimir Putin: All right.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;">Fyodor Lukyanov: Nathalia.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;">Natalia Zaiser: Good evening, Mr President. Nathalia Zaiser from the African Business Initiative Union.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;">I have been engaged in developing international relations and expanding contacts in public diplomacy for almost 15 years. As someone who builds bridges, it is important for me to project certain actions into the future.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;">Apparently, we are facing a new historical stage, and when the current chapter is finished, there will be a need to establish new or different institutions of international partnership. It probably concerns not only undecided nations but also those countries which are unable to openly speak out their intentions and positions due to their geopolitical situation.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;">Mr President, what is your vision of a new international partnership institution? Which basis of parities is Russia ready to offer at the international level? Which mechanisms, tools and personalities are needed to acquire new allies, partners and friends, not at a declarative level but at the level of unquestionable responsibility in terms of agreements? Do you think we should also change or build up other approaches within the future international partnership?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;">Thank you.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;">Vladimir Putin: Your question, if it can be called this, is so broad that it rather amounts to a position.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;">It seems to me that, in general, I have already given an answer to what you asked me about. We must and we can focus on cooperation, primarily, with countries which have sovereignty in taking fundamental decisions. This is my first point.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;">My second point is that we need to reach a consensus on each of these decisions.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;">Third, we need to secure a balance of interests.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;">As part of which institutions can we do this? Of course, these are primarily universal international organisations, with the United Nations Organisation being number one.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;">Fyodor Lukyanov: Please, Alan Freeman, go ahead.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;">Alan Freeman: Mr President, I come from Canada, a NATO country, whose future prime minister’s grandfather was a Banderista.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;">We’ve heard the worldwide opposition to the stance of NATO and the many voices that exist in the global south. Those voices also exist in the north; they also exist in the collective West. Why don’t we hear them? Because they are suppressed. Just look at what happened to Julian Assange. The media, the political elites, the academic elites have mounted an unprecedented campaign which is racist and Russophobic, which intimidates people to prevent them from expressing the full extent of their disagreement with what their governments are doing. So, you do not see here the extent of the opposition that exists in Europe, in Canada, in the United Kingdom. You do not see it. What can we do to build relations between those in the collective West that are fighting what their governments are trying to do, and the support that exists in the global south and in Russia for Russia’s courageous actions and position in world politics?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;">Vladimir Putin: It seems to me that no one has to sacrifice any of one’s national interests; you just have to stand up for your national interests and we will work in harmony with you.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;">We, of course, are not aware of all the details of the political struggle in the countries of the collective West, something you have mentioned. Perhaps, you know better than I that we are not involved in activities – practically at the level of intelligence services – targeting the opposition, the way the West is doing in its relations with us and our opposition. We know that hundreds of millions, if not billions, of dollars is being allocated to support the opposition using all means, all channels, anything they can think of to transfer funds to Russia for this purpose. We do not have time to keep tabs on all activities like this. At the same time, we are not doing anything of the sort.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;">We expect – I have talked about this many times earlier today, even, if I remember right, in my speech – our position on the fundamental issues of how international relations and societies should develop to appeal to a large number of people not only in the world in general but also in Western countries.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;">I just spoke about this. We know that we have great many supporters. We will rely on those supporters in building relations with the countries of the so-called collective West.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;">I can only wish you every success in your struggle for your national interests. This will be enough to maintain good relations with Russia.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;">(Addressing Fyodor Lukyanov.)<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;">Still, let me have the last word. Anyone in the audience can raise their hand and I will answer your question.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;">Please, go ahead.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;">Fyodor Lukyanov: Gabor Stier.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;">Gabor Stier: Good afternoon, Mr President.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;">At the beginning of the talk, you spoke about the goals and how you had assessed the situation. My question is the following. Did you think on February 24 that eight months later the special military operation will still be going on? In fact, it is not just going on – the situation is getting worse. What’s more, many people in the world are fearing the beginning of World War III.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;">Hence my question. One of my favourite cities in the post-Soviet space is Odessa. What do you think – I want your advice – if I wanted to visit it next summer or in two years…<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;">Vladimir Putin: Do not put it off, go there as soon as possible. It is a joke. I am kidding.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;">Gabor Stier: Should I apply for a Russian or Ukrainian visa two years from now?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;">Vladimir Putin: You know, Odessa is indeed one of the most beautiful cities in the world.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;">As you know, Odessa was founded by Catherine the Great, and I think even the extreme nationalists do not dare to tear down the monument to the city's founder.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;">Odessa can be an apple of discord, a symbol of conflict resolution, and a symbol of finding some kind of solution to everything that is happening now. It is not a question of Russia. We have said many times that we are ready to negotiate, and I recently mentioned this publicly once again speaking in the Kremlin. But the leaders of the Kiev regime have decided not to continue negotiations with the Russian Federation. It is true that the final word belongs to those who implement this policy in Washington. It is very easy for them to solve this problem: to send the appropriate signal to Kiev that they should change their position and seek a peaceful solution to these problems. And that will do it.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;">And as for your possible trip to Odessa, joking aside, I recommend that you take it. It really is a very nice, beautiful city with wonderful traditions and history. It is well worth the effort to admire it.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;">True, in recent years, at least at the time when I was last in Odessa, it did not make the best impression on me, because obviously the public utilities were in disarray, it was visible even on the fronts of the buildings, although in the centre it seems all right so far, still well preserved, but should you take a step outside the centre, everything did not look so presentable. But still, Odessa is worth seeing.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;">Let’s have the final question. Please.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;">Fyodor Lukyanov: Then Carlos Ron, he is from Venezuela and we can’t do without it.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;">Vladimir Putin: Venezuela?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;">Fyodor Lukyanov: Yes.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;">Vladimir Putin: I would like the final question to come from Russians. But it is all right, go ahead.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;">Carlos Ron: Mr President, greetings from Venezuela, from President Nicolas Maduro, your friend.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;">You know, right now, about 30 percent of countries around the world are under some kind of illegal sanctions from the United States. You mentioned defending the principles enshrined in the United Nations Charter. Last month, the Group of Friends in Defence of the Charter met in New York, and one of the issues they addressed was contributing to the creation of a zone free of illegal sanctions where business can take place and where we would be free of those impositions. What do you think Russia can do to help create this space and how do you envision this can happen? And maybe you also have a message for the people of Venezuela. Thank you.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;">Vladimir Putin: By countering the sanctions imposed against it, Russia actually is creating a certain space of freedom so as to have no fear of sanctions pressure and freely develop economic ties between the most diverse regions of the world and different countries.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;">No special decisions are needed here. The very example of the current developments is very indicative, I think. The colleague has asked what kind of signals we are ready to send to citizens of European and Western countries in general. I spoke about that earlier but I also mentioned the mistakes in the global economy, finance, energy and food spheres made by the Western political leadership.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;">Here is a confirmation. Sanctions were imposed on Venezuela, which used to be one of the biggest oil producers until recently. Sanctions were also imposed on Iran and Russia. Now Saudi Arabia is threatened with sanctions. They want to introduce a price cap on Russian gas and oil. They are making a mistake at every step, which leads to tough consequences for those who impose those sanctions. It is just one example. And then they start looking for those who is responsible. They do everything with their own hands and then look for the guilty party.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;">Nevertheless, Venezuela keeps progressing. It faces big problems, we are aware of that, but Venezuela is overcoming them.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;">They imposed these sanctions on Russia and they expected a total collapse of the Russian economy. We talked about this at the beginning of our meeting today. But this blitzkrieg against the Russian economy did not happen.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;">What is going on? Look, inflation will be around 12 percent this year, and there is a downward trend. In the first quarter of next year, our experts say it will be around 5 percent. In the EU countries with developed economies, it is 17 percent as in the Netherlands, and in some countries, it runs at 21–23 percent, twice as high as in our country.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;">Unemployment is 3.8 percent. The unemployment rate is lower than it was in the pre-pandemic period: it was 4.7 back then. We will have a budget deficit of 2 percent next year, then it will be 1.4 percent, and another year later, 0.7 percent. It is bigger in almost all eurozone countries. The public debt is fundamentally lower than in the eurozone, or in the United States, or in Britain.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">We are going to have a recession this year, somewhere between 2.8 and 2.9 percent. It will happen. But industrial production, manufacturing will remain at about the same level. Construction: the construction sector is up by more than 5 percent – 5.1 percent – for eight months of this year. Agriculture has doubled, and the trend is increasing.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">We have an increase in lending to both the corporate and consumer sectors. Lending has gone up. Yes, we have seen some issues related to the outflow of money from banks due to the well-known events. The money started coming back and the people are doing the right thing, because it is much better to have at least some interest in the bank than to keep it under the mattress and lose money due to inflation, it is quite obvious. The stability of our banking system is reliable, the stability of the banking system is high. I repeat, lending is growing.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">You asked me: what can Russia do to create conditions for living independently of these sanctions and to develop sustainably? It seems to me that this is not a bad example, and it is necessary to combine the efforts of all those who are interested in this, to achieve this agreement and the balance of interests that I have already mentioned many times. And then, without a doubt, we will succeed.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Let's stop here.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Fyodor Lukyanov: Finally.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Mr President, I began by saying that we were very much looking forward to seeing you. I think we will leave extremely satisfied, and we will have much to think about for a long time. It is hard for me, sitting here, to assess – of course, impressions may vary, but I think this is one of our most successful discussions in terms of both topic coverage and the overall atmosphere.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Thank you very much, and we are really looking forward to seeing you next year.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Vladimir Putin: All right.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">I want to thank our moderator, our host. And of course, I want to thank all of you for the interest you take in relations with Russia, I mean primarily our foreign guests.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">I want to thank all the Valdai Club experts for your work on this platform and, of course, for your tangible, substantial contribution to these brainstorming sessions that are so necessary, including for the decision-making process at a practical level.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Thank you. All the best.</span><o:p></o:p></span></p></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span></span><br /></span></p><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: verdana; font-size: x-large;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><div class="read__top is-top_media" style="border: none; color: #020c22; margin: 0px; padding: 75px 0px 45px; text-align: start;"><div class="width_limiter" style="margin: 0px 140px; max-width: 680px; padding: 0px;"><h1 class="entry-title p-name" itemprop="name" style="font-size: 32px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 37px; margin: 105px 0px 44px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></h1></div></div></div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div></div></div></div></span></div><span style="background-color: #fff2cc; text-align: center;"><div style="color: #351c75; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="color: #351c75; text-align: justify;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><br /></p></div></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7433369209594824580.post-20948437504843473642022-06-24T22:15:00.005-07:002022-06-24T22:22:43.150-07:00BRICS Summit<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: #fff2cc; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px; margin: 12pt 26.1pt 8pt 1cm;">
<div class="Standard" style="margin-top: 12pt;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #351c75;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzYYTEHH-6NdPikBeUBsZghay1FMwyWB58rb0jsTM004KWu78fAi0SyTsLaFiRjuXFjQH-SLUmssGSDpZH6e5xF0bH9WgBC5s7y7lGXIHvRGGDWyoA_BnHAo69w4GmOf0mzeQPUD8bux7h/s1600/1+RUSSIAN+LOGO.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: #351c75;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzYYTEHH-6NdPikBeUBsZghay1FMwyWB58rb0jsTM004KWu78fAi0SyTsLaFiRjuXFjQH-SLUmssGSDpZH6e5xF0bH9WgBC5s7y7lGXIHvRGGDWyoA_BnHAo69w4GmOf0mzeQPUD8bux7h/s1600/1+RUSSIAN+LOGO.png" /></span></a></div>
<span style="color: #351c75;"><span style="color: #351c75;"><br /></span>
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #351c75; font-size: x-large;"><b><a href="http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/transcripts/62835"><br /></a></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt; text-align: justify;">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;"><div class="read__top is-top_media" style="border: none; margin: 0px; padding: 75px 0px 45px;"><div class="width_limiter" style="margin: 0px auto 29px; max-width: 640px; padding: 0px;"><h1 class="entry-title p-name" itemprop="name" style="font-family: "ITCFranklinGothicW10-Md 862390", arial, sans-serif; font-size: 32px; line-height: 37px; margin: 105px 0px 44px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: #351c75;"><a href="http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/transcripts/68696#" target="_blank">BRICS Summit</a></span></h1><div class="read__lead entry-summary p-summary" id="read-lead" itemprop="description" role="heading" style="line-height: 28px; margin: 0px 0px 48px; padding: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><p class="Corps" style="font-family: "ITCFranklinGothicW10-Bk 862339", arial, sans-serif; font-size: 20px; line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;"><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" style="color: #351c75; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: PT;"> </span></p><p class="Corps" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #351c75; font-family: verdana; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">BRICS Summit<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="Corps" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #351c75; font-family: verdana; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Vladimir Putin took
part in the 14<sup>th</sup> BRICS Summit, held via
videoconference and chaired by China.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="Corps" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #351c75; font-family: verdana; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">June 23, 2022<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="Corps" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #351c75; font-family: verdana; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">16:40<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="Corps" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #351c75; font-family: verdana; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Moscow Region<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="Corps" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt; text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhifx6qHlMnZuwLXSH8A4KGu0JFwy5Ujed7A3CazoXkaklzZtS6P9PD8BqAkjTCVkenpBY-sPUidgw7oZ_YpxNmO51ZsB-DlaThjaYv8OfF8f8l7HnYJsmoBzSvFkj47MKDcP0TUEs6wo3ohTpDF2aSCVlPqY7aLplFqpTdYKMkC7MxrWC7MHl_zecxzQ/s612/image.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="338" data-original-width="612" height="354" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhifx6qHlMnZuwLXSH8A4KGu0JFwy5Ujed7A3CazoXkaklzZtS6P9PD8BqAkjTCVkenpBY-sPUidgw7oZ_YpxNmO51ZsB-DlaThjaYv8OfF8f8l7HnYJsmoBzSvFkj47MKDcP0TUEs6wo3ohTpDF2aSCVlPqY7aLplFqpTdYKMkC7MxrWC7MHl_zecxzQ/w640-h354/image.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><br /><p></p><p align="center" class="Corps" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt; text-align: center;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #351c75; font-family: verdana; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><a href="http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/transcripts/68696#">http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/transcripts/68696#</a> </span></p><p align="center" class="Corps" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt; text-align: center;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #351c75; font-family: verdana; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"> </span></p><p class="Corps" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #351c75; font-family: verdana; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">The meeting’s
topic is Foster High-Quality BRICS Partnership, Usher in a New
Era for Global Development.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="Corps" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: verdana;"><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">President
of Brazil </span><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" style="line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: PT;"><a href="http://en.kremlin.ru/catalog/persons/617/events"><span lang="EN-US">Jair Bolsonaro,</span></a></span><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"> President of the People's Republic
of China</span><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" style="line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: PT;"><a href="http://en.kremlin.ru/catalog/persons/351/events"><span lang="EN-US"> Xi Jinping</span></a></span><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">, Prime Minister of India </span><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" style="line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: PT;"><a href="http://en.kremlin.ru/catalog/persons/423/events"><span lang="EN-US">Narendra Modi</span></a></span><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">, and President of the Republic
of South Africa </span><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" style="line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: PT;"><a href="http://en.kremlin.ru/catalog/persons/573/events"><span lang="EN-US">Cyril Ramaphosa</span></a></span><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"> are also taking part in the meeting.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="Corps" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: verdana;"><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">The </span><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" style="line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: PT;"><a href="http://en.kremlin.ru/supplement/5819"><span lang="EN-US">Beijing Declaration of the 14<sup>th</sup> BRICS
Summit</span></a></span><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"> formalises
the key agreements of the meeting.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="Corps" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #351c75; font-family: verdana; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">* * *<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="Corps" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #351c75; font-family: verdana; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Speech
by the President of the Russian Federation
at the BRICS Summit<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="Corps" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #351c75; font-family: verdana; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">President
of Russia Vladimir Putin: President Xi Jinping, President Ramaphosa,
President Bolsonaro, Prime Minister Modi, ladies and gentlemen,<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="Corps" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #351c75; font-family: verdana; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">To begin with,
I would like to join the previous speakers in thanking
President of the People's Republic of China Xi Jinping
and all our Chinese friends for their proactive efforts this year
to promote our strategic partnership within BRICS.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="Corps" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #351c75; font-family: verdana; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">The countries
that form this group have been seeking to step up their cooperation
on all global and regional matters. The BRICS format has been
consistently increasing its prestige and international influence. This is
an objective process, since the five BRICS countries, as we all
know, have immense political, economic, scientific, technical and human
potential. We have everything we need to work together and achieve
results for ensuring global stability and security, sustained growth
and prosperity, and better well-being for our people.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="Corps" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #351c75; font-family: verdana; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">I believe that
the topic of today’s meeting, Foster High-Quality BRICS
Partnership, Usher in a New Era for Global Development, is very
relevant. Considering the complexity of the challenges
and threats the international community is facing,
and the fact that they transcend borders, we need to come up
with collective solutions. BRICS can make a meaningful contribution
to these efforts.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="Corps" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #351c75; font-family: verdana; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">We have repeatedly
said that challenges like conflict settlement, the fight against terrorism
and organised crime, including the criminal use of new
technologies, climate change, and the spread of dangerous
infections, can only be addressed through joint efforts.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="Corps" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #351c75; font-family: verdana; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">And, of course,
it is only on the basis of honest and mutually beneficial
cooperation that we can look for ways out of the critical
situation that has emerged in the world economy because
of the ill-conceived and selfish actions of certain states,
which, by using financial mechanisms, are actually shifting their own macroeconomic
policy mistakes onto the rest of the world.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="Corps" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #351c75; font-family: verdana; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">We are confident that
today, as never before, the world needs the BRICS countries’
leadership in defining a unifying and positive course
for forming a truly multipolar system of interstate relations based
on the universal norms of international law
and the key principles of the UN Charter. In this
context, we can count on support from many states in Asia, Africa
and Latin America, which are seeking to pursue an independent
policy.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="Corps" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #351c75; font-family: verdana; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">I am sure that
by tradition the present BRICS Summit will be substantive
and effective, and that we will manage to hold a frank
and detailed exchange of views on all the most important
global and regional issues and various aspects of strategic
partnership, including in the extended dialogue format
of BRICS+.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="Corps" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #351c75; font-family: verdana; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Let me stress: Russia
is ready to continue promoting close and versatile interaction with
all BRICS partners and contributing to the group’s greater role
in international affairs.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="Corps" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #351c75; font-family: verdana; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Thank you
for your attention.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="Corps" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #351c75; font-family: verdana; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><…><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="Corps" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="color: #351c75;">See also</span><span style="color: #020c22;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="Corps" style="color: #020c22; line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;"><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" style="line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: PT;"><a href="http://en.kremlin.ru/supplement/5819" target="_blank"><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: verdana;">XIV BRICS</span><span face=""ITCFranklinGothicW10-Bk 862339", arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;"> Summit Beijing Declaration</span></span></a></span><span face=""ITCFranklinGothicW10-Bk 862339", arial, sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p style="color: #020c22; font-family: "ITCFranklinGothicW10-Bk 862339", arial, sans-serif; font-size: 20px; margin: 0px auto 29px; max-width: 640px; padding: 0px;">
</p><p class="Corps" style="color: #020c22; font-family: "ITCFranklinGothicW10-Bk 862339", arial, sans-serif; font-size: 20px; line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;"></p></div></div></div></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><br />
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;"><span style="color: #351c75;"><br /></span></span>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;"><span style="color: #351c75;"><br /></span></span></div>
</div>
</div>
<o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7433369209594824580.post-34426871020971831842022-06-22T02:38:00.012-07:002022-06-23T11:11:22.628-07:00St Petersburg International Economic Forum Plenary session -- Full transcript.<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: #fff2cc; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px; margin: 12pt 26.1pt 8pt 1cm;">
<div class="Standard" style="margin-top: 12pt;">
<div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzYYTEHH-6NdPikBeUBsZghay1FMwyWB58rb0jsTM004KWu78fAi0SyTsLaFiRjuXFjQH-SLUmssGSDpZH6e5xF0bH9WgBC5s7y7lGXIHvRGGDWyoA_BnHAo69w4GmOf0mzeQPUD8bux7h/s1600/1+RUSSIAN+LOGO.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: #20124d;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzYYTEHH-6NdPikBeUBsZghay1FMwyWB58rb0jsTM004KWu78fAi0SyTsLaFiRjuXFjQH-SLUmssGSDpZH6e5xF0bH9WgBC5s7y7lGXIHvRGGDWyoA_BnHAo69w4GmOf0mzeQPUD8bux7h/s1600/1+RUSSIAN+LOGO.png" /></span></a></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px; text-align: center;"><b><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="color: #20124d; font-size: 18pt; line-height: 27.6px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><br /></span></b></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px; text-align: center;"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 18pt; line-height: 27.6px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="color: #990000;">St Petersburg International Economic Forum Plenary session</span></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana; font-size: 18pt; line-height: 27.6px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"> </span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">The President attended the plenary session of the 25th St Petersburg International Economic Forum.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">June 17, 2022<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">17:40<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">St Petersburg<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"> </span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj42EckFcs2Z-5erpQ9p7zaaO69Ht8v7OrBAMidetfLppeifbblq516axmMzAkWTpbuz4-Az7VotwiattH65V_VbkNy3OUfNkS_BTc0IsU1ZxbSytl7DySEM__P81qGBipE3tu94kzPc5YYf_mXqwi3rXjNed9hFSTIddXLfhcDd1qV-bt7l6mrr60Pg/s1880/image.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1160" data-original-width="1880" height="394" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj42EckFcs2Z-5erpQ9p7zaaO69Ht8v7OrBAMidetfLppeifbblq516axmMzAkWTpbuz4-Az7VotwiattH65V_VbkNy3OUfNkS_BTc0IsU1ZxbSytl7DySEM__P81qGBipE3tu94kzPc5YYf_mXqwi3rXjNed9hFSTIddXLfhcDd1qV-bt7l6mrr60Pg/w640-h394/image.png" width="640" /></span></a></p><span style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana;"><br /> </span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px; text-align: center;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><b>St Petersburg International Economic Forum Plenary session</b><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana;"><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">President of the Republic of Kazakhstan </span><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;"><a href="http://en.kremlin.ru/catalog/persons/593/events"><span lang="EN-US">Kassym-Jomart Tokayev</span></a></span><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"> also took part in the session. President of the People’s Republic of China </span><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;"><a href="http://en.kremlin.ru/catalog/persons/351/events"><span lang="EN-US">Xi Jinping</span></a></span><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"> and President of the Arab Republic of Egypt </span><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;"><a href="http://en.kremlin.ru/catalog/persons/379/events"><span lang="EN-US">Abdel Fattah el-Sisi</span></a></span><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"> addressed the session via videoconference.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">The theme this year is New Opportunities in a New World.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">* * *<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana;"><b><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Plenary session moderator Margarita Simonyan:</span></b><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"> Good afternoon, or almost evening.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">As you may know, we had a minor technical issue. Thankfully, it has been dealt with quickly. We are grateful to those who resolved this.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">We are also grateful to the audience.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">We are grateful to our leader, President Vladimir Putin, for traditionally fitting this forum into his schedule so that he can tell us about economic prospects and other plans.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">We are grateful to President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev for attending our forum. We know that it is not an easy thing to do. Thank you for supporting our forum and our country. We really appreciate this.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">We will have a lot of questions today. You may not like some of them, and I may not be happy to ask some of them. We would be much happier to speak only about good things, but this is impossible today.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Mr President, I would like to ask you to take the stand and to tell us what lies in store for us all. Thank you.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana;"><b><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">President of Russia Vladimir Putin:</span></b><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"> Thank you very much. President Tokayev, friends and colleagues,<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">I welcome all participants and guests of the 25th St Petersburg International Economic Forum.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">It is taking place at a difficult time for the international community when the economy, markets and the very principles of the global economic system have taken a blow. Many trade, industrial and logistics chains, which were dislocated by the pandemic, have been subjected to new tests. Moreover, such fundamental business notions as business reputation, the inviolability of property and trust in global currencies have been seriously damaged. Regrettably, they have been undermined by our Western partners, who have done this deliberately, for the sake of their ambitions and in order to preserve obsolete geopolitical illusions.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Today, our – when I say “our,” I mean the Russian leadership – our own view of the global economic situation. I would like to speak in greater depth about the actions Russia is taking in these conditions and how it plans to develop in these dynamically changing circumstances.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana;"></span></p><a name='more'></a><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><br /></span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">When I spoke at the Davos Forum a year and a half ago, I also stressed that the era of a unipolar world order has come to an end. I want to start with this, as there is no way around it. This era has ended despite all the attempts to maintain and preserve it at all costs. Change is a natural process of history, as it is difficult to reconcile the diversity of civilisations and the richness of cultures on the planet with political, economic or other stereotypes – these do not work here, they are imposed by one centre in a rough and no-compromise manner.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">The flaw is in the concept itself, as the concept says there is one, albeit strong, power with a limited circle of close allies, or, as they say, countries with granted access, and all business practices and international relations, when it is convenient, are interpreted solely in the interests of this power. They essentially work in one direction in a zero-sum game. A world built on a doctrine of this kind is definitely unstable.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">After declaring victory in the Cold War, the United States proclaimed itself to be God’s messenger on Earth, without any obligations and only interests which were declared sacred. They seem to ignore the fact that in the past decades, new powerful and increasingly assertive centres have been formed. Each of them develops its own political system and public institutions according to its own model of economic growth and, naturally, has the right to protect them and to secure national sovereignty.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">These are objective processes and genuinely revolutionary tectonic shifts in geopolitics, the global economy and technology, in the entire system of international relations, where the role of dynamic and potentially strong countries and regions is substantially growing. It is no longer possible to ignore their interests.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">To reiterate, these changes are fundamental, groundbreaking and rigorous. It would be a mistake to assume that at a time of turbulent change, one can simply sit it out or wait it out until everything gets back on track and becomes what it was before. It will not.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">However, the ruling elite of some Western states seem to be harbouring this kind of illusions. They refuse to notice obvious things, stubbornly clinging to the shadows of the past. For example, they seem to believe that the dominance of the West in global politics and the economy is an unchanging, eternal value. Nothing lasts forever.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Our colleagues are not just denying reality. More than that; they are trying to reverse the course of history. They seem to think in terms of the past century. They are still influenced by their own misconceptions about countries outside the so-called “golden billion”: they consider everything a backwater, or their backyard. They still treat them like colonies, and the people living there, like second-class people, because they consider themselves exceptional. If they are exceptional, that means everyone else is second rate.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Thereby, the irrepressible urge to punish, to economically crush anyone who does not fit with the mainstream, does not want to blindly obey. Moreover, they crudely and shamelessly impose their ethics, their views on culture and ideas about history, sometimes questioning the sovereignty and integrity of states, and threatening their very existence. Suffice it to recall what happened in Yugoslavia, Syria, Libya and Iraq.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">If some “rebel” state cannot be suppressed or pacified, they try to isolate that state, or “cancel” it, to use their modern term. Everything goes, even sports, the Olympics, bans on culture and art masterpieces just because their creators come from the “wrong” country.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">This is the nature of the current round of Russophobia in the West, and the insane sanctions against Russia. They are crazy and, I would say, thoughtless. They are unprecedented in the number of them or the pace the West churns them out at.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">The idea was clear as day – they expected to suddenly and violently crush the Russian economy, to hit Russia’s industry, finance, and people's living standards by destroying business chains, forcibly recalling Western companies from the Russian market, and freezing Russian assets.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">This did not work. Obviously, it did not work out; it did not happen. Russian entrepreneurs and authorities have acted in a collected and professional manner, and Russians have shown solidarity and responsibility.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Step by step, we will normalise the economic situation. We have stabilised the financial markets, the banking system and the trade network. Now we are busy saturating the economy with liquidity and working capital to maintain the stable operation of enterprises and companies, employment and jobs.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">The dire forecasts for the prospects of the Russian economy, which were made in early spring, have not materialised. It is clear why this propaganda campaign was fuelled and all the predictions of the dollar at 200 rubles and the collapse of our economy were made. This was and remains an instrument in an information struggle and a factor of psychological influence on Russian society and domestic business circles.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Incidentally, some of our analysts gave in to this external pressure and based their forecasts on the inevitable collapse of the Russian economy and a critical weakening of the national currency – the ruble.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Real life has belied these predictions. However, I would like to emphasise that to continue being successful, we must be explicitly honest and realistic in assessing the situation, be independent in reaching conclusions, and of course, have a can-do spirit, which is very important. We are strong people and can deal with any challenge. Like our predecessors, we can resolve any task. The entire thousand-year history of our country bears this out.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Within just three months of the massive package of sanctions, we have suppressed inflation rate spikes. As you know, after peaking at 17.8 percent, inflation now stands at 16.7 percent and continues dropping. This economic dynamic is being stabilised, and state finances are now sustainable. I will compare this to other regions further on. Yes, even this figure is too much for us – 16.7 percent is high inflation. We must and will work on this and, I am sure, we will achieve a positive result.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">After the first five months of this year, the federal budget has a surplus of 1.5 trillion rubles and the consolidated budget – a surplus of 3.3 trillion rubles. In May alone, the federal budget surplus reached almost half a trillion rubles, surpassing the figure for May 2021 more than four times over.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Today, our job us to create conditions for building up production and increasing supply in the domestic market, as well as restoring demand and bank financing in the economy commensurately with the growth in supply.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">I mentioned that we have taken measures to reestablish the floating assets of companies. In most sectors, businesses have received the right to suspend insurance premiums for the second quarter of the year. Industrial companies have even more opportunities – they will be able to delay them through the third quarter as well. In effect, this is like getting an interest-free loan from the state.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">In the future, companies will not have to pay delayed insurance premiums in a single payment. They will be able to pay them in equal installments over 12 months, starting in June next year.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Next. As of May the subsidised mortgage rate has been reduced. It is now 9 percent, while the programme has been extended till the end of the year. As I have mentioned, the programme is aimed at helping Russians improve their housing situation, while supporting the home building industry and related industries that employ millions of people.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Following a spike this spring, interest rates have been gradually coming down, as the Central Bank lowers the key rate. I believe that that this allows the subsidised mortgage rate to be further cut to 7 percent.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">What is important here? The programme will last until the end of the year without change. It means that our fellow Russians seeking to improve their living conditions should take advantage of the subsidy before the end of the year.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">The lending cap will not change either, at 12 million roubles for Moscow and St Petersburg and 6 million for the rest of Russia.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">I should add that we must make long-term loans for businesses more accessible. The focus must shift from budget subsidies for businesses to bank lending as a means to spur business activity.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">We need to support this. We will allocate 120 billion rubles from the National Wealth Fund to build up the capacity of the VEB Project Financing Factory. This will provide for additional lending to much-needed initiatives and projects worth around half a trillion roubles.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Colleagues,<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Once again, the economic blitzkrieg against Russia was doomed to fail from the beginning. Sanctions as a weapon have proved in recent years to be a double-edged sword damaging their advocates and architects just a much, if not more.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">I am not talking about the repercussions we see clearly today. We know that European leaders informally, so to say, furtively, discuss the very concerning possibility of sanctions being levelled not at Russia, but at any undesirable nation, and ultimately anyone including the EU and European companies.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">So far this is not the case, but European politicians have already dealt their economies a serious blow all by themselves. We see social and economic problems worsening in Europe, and in the US as well, food, electricity and fuel prices rising, with quality of life in Europe falling and companies losing their market edge.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">According to experts, the EU’s direct, calculable losses from the sanctions fever could exceed $400 billion this year. This is the price of the decisions that are far removed from reality and contradict common sense.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">These outlays fall directly on the shoulders of people and companies in the EU. The inflation rate in some Eurozone countries has exceeded 20 percent. I mentioned inflation in Russia, but the Eurozone countries are not conducting special military operations, yet the inflation rate in some of them has reached 20 percent. Inflation in the United States is also unacceptable, the highest in the past 40 years.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Of course, inflation in Russia is also in the double digits so far. However, we have adjusted social benefits and pensions to inflation, and increased the minimum and subsistence wages, thereby protecting the most vulnerable groups of the population. At the same time, high interest rates have helped people keep their savings in the Russian banking system.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Businesspeople know, of course, that a high key rate clearly slows economic development. But it is a boon for the people in most cases. They have reinvested a substantial amount of money in banks due to higher interest rates.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">This is our main difference from the EU countries, where rising inflation is directly reducing the real incomes of the people and eating up their savings, and the current manifestations of the crisis are affecting, above all, low-income groups.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">The growing outlays of European companies and the loss of the Russian market will have lasting negative effects. The obvious result of this will be the loss of global competitiveness and a system-wide decline in the European economies’ pace of growth for years to come.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Taken together, this will aggravate the deep-seated problems of European societies. Yes, we have many problems as well, yet I have to speak about Europe now because they are pointing the finger at us although they have enough of their own problems. I mentioned this at Davos. A direct result of the European politicians’ actions and events this year will be the further growth of inequality in these countries, which will, in turn, split their societies still more, and the point at issue is not only the well-being but also the value orientation of various groups in these societies.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Indeed, these differences are being suppressed and swept under the rug. Frankly, the democratic procedures and elections in Europe and the forces that come to power look like a front, because almost identical political parties come and go, while deep down things remain the same. The real interests of people and national businesses are being pushed further and further to the periphery.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Such a disconnect from reality and the demands of society will inevitably lead to a surge in populism and extremist and radical movements, major socioeconomic changes, degradation and a change of elites in the short term. As you can see, traditional parties lose all the time. New entities are coming to the surface, but they have little chance for survival if they are not much different from the existing ones.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">The attempts to keep up appearances and the talk about allegedly acceptable costs in the name of pseudo-unity cannot hide the main thing: the European Union has lost its political sovereignty, and its bureaucratic elites are dancing to someone else’s tune, doing everything they are told from on high and hurting their own people, economies, and businesses.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">There are other critically important matters here. The worsening of the global economic situation is not a recent development. I will now go over things that I believe are extremely important. What is happening now does not stem from what happened during recent months, of course not. Moreover, it is not the result of the special military operation carried out by Russia in Donbass. Saying so is an unconcealed, deliberate distortion of the facts.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Surging inflation in product and commodity markets had become a fact of life long before the events of this year. The world has been driven into this situation, little by little, by many years of irresponsible macroeconomic policies pursued by the G7 countries, including uncontrolled emission and accumulation of unsecured debt. These processes intensified with the onset of the coronavirus pandemic in 2020, when supply and demand for goods and services drastically fell on a global scale.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">This begs the question: what does our military operation in Donbass have to do with this? Nothing whatsoever.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Because they could not or would not devise any other recipes, the governments of the leading Western economies simply accelerated their money-printing machines. Such a simple way to make up for unprecedented budget deficits.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">I have already cited this figure: over the past two years, the money supply in the United States has grown by more than 38 percent. Previously, a similar rise took decades, but now it grew by 38 percent or 5.9 trillion dollars in two years. By comparison, only a few countries have a bigger gross domestic product.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">The EU's money supply has also increased dramatically over this period. It grew by about 20 percent, or 2.5 trillion euros.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Lately, I have been hearing more and more about the so-called – please excuse me, I really would not like to do this here, even mention my own name in this regard, but I cannot help it – we all hear about the so-called ‘Putin inflation’ in the West. When I see this, I wonder who they expect would buy this nonsense – people who cannot read or write, maybe. Anyone literate enough to read would understand what is actually happening.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Russia, our actions to liberate Donbass have absolutely nothing to do with this. The rising prices, accelerating inflation, shortages of food and fuel, petrol, and problems in the energy sector are the result of system-wide errors the current US administration and European bureaucracy have made in their economic policies. That is where the reasons are, and only there.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">I will mention our operation, too: yes, it could have contributed to the trend, but the root cause is precisely this – their erroneous economic policies. In fact, the operation we launched in Donbass is a lifeline they are grabbing at to be able to blame their own miscalculations on others, in this case, on Russia. But everyone who has at least completed primary school would understand the true reasons for today's situation.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">So, they printed more money, and then what? Where did all that money go? It was obviously used to pay for goods and services outside Western countries – this is where the newly-printed money flowed. They literally began to clean out, to wipe out global markets. Naturally, no one thought about the interests of other states, including the poorest ones. They were left with scraps, as they say, and even that at exorbitant prices.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">While at the end of 2019, imports of goods to the United States amounted to about 250 billion dollars a month, by now, it has grown to 350 billion. It is noteworthy that the growth was 40 percent – exactly in proportion to the unsecured money supply printed in recent years. They printed and distributed money, and used it to wipe out goods from third countries’ markets.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">This is what I would like to add. For a long time, the United States was a big food supplier in the world market. It was proud, and with good reason, of its achievements, its agriculture and farming traditions. By the way, this is an example for many of us, too. But today, America’s role has changed drastically. It has turned from a net exporter of food into a net importer. Loosely speaking, it is printing money and pulling commodity flows its way, buying food products all over the world.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">The European Union is building up imports even faster. Obviously, such a sharp increase in demand that is not covered by the supply of goods has triggered a wave of shortages and global inflation. This is where this global inflation originates. In the past couple of years, practically everything – raw materials, consumer goods and particularly food products – has become more expensive all over the world.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Yes, of course, these countries, including the United States continue importing goods, but the balance between exports and imports has been reversed. I believe imports exceed exports by some 17 billion. This is the whole problem.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">According to the UN, in February 2022, the food price index was 50 percent higher than in May 2020, while the composite raw materials index has doubled over this period.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Under the cloud of inflation, many developing nations are asking a good question: why exchange goods for dollars and euros that are losing value right before our eyes? The conclusion suggests itself: the economy of mythical entities is inevitably being replaced by the economy of real values and assets.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">According to the IMF, global currency reserves are at $7.1 trillion and 2.5 trillion euros now. These reserves are devalued at an annual rate of about 8 percent. Moreover, they can be confiscated or stolen any time if the United States dislikes something in the policy of the states involved. I think this has become a very real threat for many countries that keep their gold and foreign exchange reserves in these currencies.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">According to analyst estimates, and this is an objective analysis, a conversion of global reserves will begin just because there is no room for them with such shortages. They will be converted from weakening currencies into real resources like food, energy commodities and other raw materials. Other countries will be doing this, of course. Obviously, this process will further fuel global dollar inflation.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">As for Europe, their failed energy policy, blindly staking everything on renewables and spot supplies of natural gas, which have caused energy price increases since the third quarter of last year – again, long before the operation in Donbass – have also exacerbated price hikes. We have absolutely nothing to do with this. It was due to their own actions that prices have gone through the roof, and now they are once again looking for somebody to blame.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Not only did the West’s miscalculations affect the net cost of goods and services but they also resulted in decreased fertiliser production, mainly nitrogen fertilisers made from natural gas. Overall, global fertiliser prices have jumped by over 70 percent from mid-2021 through February 2022.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Unfortunately, there are currently no conditions that can overcome these pricing trends. On the contrary, aggravated by obstacles to the operation of Russian and Belarusian fertiliser producers and disrupted supply logistics, this situation is approaching a deadlock.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">It is not difficult to foresee coming developments. A shortage of fertiliser means a lower harvest and a higher risk of an undersupplied global food market. Prices will go even higher, which could lead to hunger in the poorest countries. And it will be fully on the conscience of the US administration and the European bureaucracy.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">I want to emphasise once again: this problem did not arise today or in the past three or four months. And certainly, it is not Russia’s fault as some demagogues try to declare, shifting the responsibility for the current state of affairs in the world economy to our country.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Maybe it would even be nice to hear that we are so powerful and omnipotent that we can blow up inflation in the West, in the United States and Europe, or that we can do things to throw everything into disorder. Maybe it would be nice to feel this power, if only there were truth in it. This situation has been brewing for years, spurred by the short-sighted actions of those who are used to solving their problems at somebody else’s expense and who have relied and still rely on the mechanism of financial emission to outbid and draw trade flows, thus escalating deficits and provoking humanitarian disasters in certain regions of the world. I will add that this is essentially the same predatory colonial policy as in the past, but of course in a new iteration, a more subtle and sophisticated edition. You might not even recognise it at first.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">The current priority of the international community is to increase food deliveries to the global market, notably, to satisfy the requirements of the countries that need food most of all.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">While ensuring its domestic food security and supplying the domestic market, Russia is also able to scale up its food and fertiliser exports. For example, our grain exports in the next season can be increased to 50 million tonnes.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">As a priority, we will supply the countries that need food most of all, where the number of starving people could increase, first of all, African countries and the Middle East.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">At the same time, there will be problems there, and not through our fault either. Yes, on paper Russian grain, food and fertilisers… Incidentally, the Americans have adopted sanctions on our fertilisers, and the Europeans followed suit. Later, the Americans lifted them because they saw what this could lead to. But the Europeans have not backed off. Their bureaucracy is as slow as a flour mill in the 18th century. In other words, everyone knows that they have done a stupid thing, but they find it difficult to retrace their steps for bureaucratic reasons.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">As I have said, Russia is ready to contribute to balancing global markets of agricultural products, and we see that our UN colleagues, who are aware of the scale of the global food problem, are ready for dialogue. We could talk about creating normal logistical, financial and transport conditions for increasing Russian food and fertiliser exports.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">As for Ukrainian food supplies to global markets – I have to mention this because of numerous speculations – we are not hindering them. They can do it. We did not mine the Black Sea ports of Ukraine. They can clear the mines and resume food exports. We will ensure the safe navigation of civilian vessels. No problem.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">But what are we talking about? According to the US Department of Agriculture, the matter concerns 6 million tonnes of wheat (we estimate it at 5 million tonnes) and 7 million tonnes of maize. This is it, altogether. Since global production of wheat stands at 800 million tonnes, 5 million tonnes make little difference for the global market, as you can see.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Anyway, Ukrainian grain can be exported, and not only via Black Sea ports. Another route is via Belarus, which is, incidentally, the cheapest way. Or via Poland or Romania, whichever you prefer. In fact, there are five or six export routes.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">The problem is not with us, the problem is with the adequacy of the people in control in Kiev. They can decide what to do, and, at least in this particular case, they should not take their lead from their foreign bosses, their masters across the ocean.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">But there is also the risk that grain will be used as payment for arms deliveries. This would be regrettable.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Friends,<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Once again, the world is going through an era of drastic change. International institutions are breaking down and faltering. Security guarantees are being devalued. The West has made a point of refusing to honour its earlier commitments. It has simply been impossible to reach any new agreements with them.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Given these circumstances and against the backdrop of mounting risks and threats, Russia was forced to go ahead with the special military operation. It was a difficult but necessary decision, and we were forced to make it.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana;"><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">This was the decision of a sovereign country, which has </span><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;">еру</span><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"> unconditional right to uphold its security, which is based on the UN Charter. This decision was aimed at protecting our people and the residents of the people's republics of Donbass who for eight long years were subjected to genocide by the Kiev regime and the neo-Nazis who enjoyed the full protection of the West.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">The West not only sought to implement an “anti-Russia” scenario, but also engaged in the active military development of Ukrainian territory, flooding Ukraine with weapons and military advisers. And it continues to do so now. Frankly, no one is paying any attention to the economy or well-being of the people living there, they just do not care about it at all, but they have never spared money to create a NATO foothold in the east that is directed against Russia and to cultivate aggression, hatred and Russophobia.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Today, our soldiers and officers, as well as the Donbass militia, are fighting to protect their people. They are fighting for Russia's future as a large, free and secure multiethnic country that makes its own decisions, determines its own future, relies on its history, culture and traditions, and rejects any and all outside attempts to impose pseudo-values steeped in dehumanisation and moral degradation.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">No doubt, our special military operation goals will be fulfilled. The key to this is the courage and heroism of our soldiers, consolidated Russian society, whose support gives strength and confidence to the Russian Army and Navy and a deep understanding of the truth and historical justice of our cause which is to build and strengthen Russia as a strong sovereign power.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">My point is that sovereignty cannot be segmented or fragmented in the 21<sup>st</sup> century. The components of sovereignty are equally important, and they reinvigorate and complement each other.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">So, what matters to us is not only the defence of our political sovereignty and national identity, but also strengthening everything that determines our country’s economic, financial, professional and technological independence.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">The very structure of Western sanctions rested on the false premise that economically Russia is not sovereign and is critically vulnerable. They got so carried away spreading the myth of Russia’s backwardness and its weak positions in the global economy and trade that apparently, they started believing it themselves.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">While planning their economic blitzkrieg, they did not notice, simply ignored the real facts of how much our country had changed in the past few years.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">These changes are the result of our planned efforts to create a sustainable macroeconomic structure, ensure food security, implement import substitution programmes and create our own payment system, to name a few.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Of course, sanction restrictions created many challenges for the country. Some companies continue having problems with spare parts. Our companies have lost access to many technological solutions. Logistics are in disarray.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">But, on the other hand, all this opens up new opportunities for us – we often talk about this but it really is so. All this is an impetus to build an economy with full rather than partial technological, production, human and scientific potential and sovereignty.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Naturally, it is impossible to resolve such a comprehensive challenge instantly. It is necessary to continue working systematically with an eye to the future. This is exactly what Russia is doing by implementing its long-term plans for the development of branches of the economy and strengthening the social sphere. The current trials are merely resulting in adjustments and modifications of the plans without changing their strategic orientation.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Today, I would like to talk about the key principles on which our country, our economy will develop.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">The first principle is openness. Genuinely sovereign states are always interested in equal partnership and in contributing to global development. On the contrary, weak and dependent countries are usually looking for enemies, fuelling xenophobia or losing the last remnants of their identity and independence, blindly following in the wake of their suzerain.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana;"><b><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Russia will never follow the road of self-isolation and autarky although our so-called Western friends are literally dreaming about this</span></b><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">. Moreover, we are expanding cooperation with all those who are interested in it, who want to work with us, and will continue to do so. There are many of them. I will not list them at this point. They make up the overwhelming majority of people on Earth. I will not list all these countries now. It is common knowledge.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">I will say nothing new when I remind you that everyone who wants to continue working or is working with Russia is subjected to blatant pressure from the United States and Europe; it goes as far as direct threats. However, this kind of blackmail means little when it comes to countries headed by true leaders who know the difference between their own national interests, the interests of their people – and someone else’s.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Russia will build up economic cooperation with these states and promote joint projects. At the same time, we will certainly continue to cooperate with Western companies that have remained in the Russian market despite the unprecedented arm-twisting – such companies exist, too.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">We believe the development of a convenient and independent payment infrastructure in national currencies is a solid and predictable basis for deepening international cooperation. To help companies from other countries develop logistical and cooperation ties, we are working to improve transport corridors, increase the capacity of railways, transshipment capacity at ports in the Arctic, and in the eastern, southern and other parts of the country, including in the Azov-Black Sea and Caspian basins – they will become the most important section of the North-South Corridor, which will provide stable connectivity with the Middle East and Southern Asia. We expect freight traffic along this route to begin growing steadily in the near future.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">But foreign trade is not our only priority. Russia intends to increase scientific, technological, cultural, humanitarian and sports cooperation based on equality and mutual respect between partners. At the same time, our country will strive for responsible leadership in all these areas.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">The second principle of our long-term development is a reliance on entrepreneurial freedom. Every private initiative aimed at benefiting Russia should receive maximum support and space for implementation.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">The pandemic and the more recent events have confirmed how important flexibility and freedom are in the economy. Russian private businesses – in tough conditions, amid attempts to restrain our development by any means – have proved they can compete in global markets. Private businesses should also be credited for Russia’s adaptation to rapidly changing external conditions. Russia needs to ensure the dynamic development of the economy – naturally, relying on private business.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">We will continue to reduce administrative hurdles. For example, in 2016–2018, we imposed a moratorium on routine audits of small businesses. Subsequently, it was extended through 2022. In 2020, this moratorium was extended to cover mid-sized companies. Also, the number of unscheduled audits decreased approximately fourfold.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">We did not stop at that, and last March, we cancelled routine audits for all entrepreneurs, regardless of the size of their businesses, provided their activities do not put people or the environment at high risk. As a result, the number of routine audits has declined sixfold compared to last year.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Why am I giving so many details? The point is that after the moratorium on audits was imposed, the number of violations by entrepreneurs – this was the result – has not increased, but rather it has gone down. This testifies to the maturity and responsibility of Russian businesses. Of course, they should be offered motivation rather than being forced to observe regulations and requirements.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">So, there is every reason to take another radical step forward, that is, to abandon, for good and on a permanent basis, the majority of audits for all Russian businesses, except on risky or potentially dangerous activities. Everyone has long since understood that there was no need to check on everyone without exception. A risk-oriented approach should be at work. I ask the Government to develop the specific parameters of such a reform in the next few months.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">There is another very sensitive topic for business, which has also become important today for our national security and economic resilience. To reduce and bring to a minimum all sorts of abuse and loopholes to exert pressure on entrepreneurs, we are consistently removing loose regulations from criminal law that are applied to economic crimes.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Last March, a law was signed, under which tax-related criminal cases against entrepreneurs shall only be brought before a court by the tax service – there is no other way. Soon a draft law will be passed on reducing the statute of limitations for tax-related crimes and on rejecting lawsuits to initiate criminal proceedings after tax arrears have been paid off.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Working comprehensively, although prudently, we need to decriminalise a wide range of economic offenses, for instance, those that punish businesses without a licence or accreditation. This is a controversial practice today because our Western partners illegitimately refuse to provide such licenses.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Our own agencies must not single-handedly make our businesses criminally liable for actually doing nothing wrong. The problem is this, and small businesses understand it very well – if a licence has expired, and Western partners refuse to extend it, what are businesses to do, wrap up operations? By no means, let them work. State oversight should continue, but there should be no undue interference in business.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">It also makes sense to think about raising the threshold of criminal liability for unpaid customs duties and other such taxes. Additionally, we have not for a long time reconsidered the parameters of the terms ‘large’ and ‘very large’ economic loss for the purposes of economic offences despite inflation accruing 50 percent since 2016. The law now fails to reflect the current realities and needs to be corrected.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">We need to reconsider the conditions for detaining entrepreneurs and for extending preliminary investigations. It is no secret that these practices have long been used inappropriately.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Businesses have been forced to cease operations or go bankrupt even before the investigation is over. The reputation of the owners and of the brand name suffers as a result, not to mention the direct financial loss, loss of market share and jobs.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">I want to ask law enforcement to put an end to these practices. I also ask the Government and the Supreme Court to draft appropriate legislation before October 1 of this year.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">In addition, at the Security Council, a special instruction was given to look into criminal cases being opened without later proceeding to court. The number of such cases has grown in recent years. We know the reasons. A case is often opened without sufficient grounds or to put pressure on individuals. We will discuss this in autumn to take legislative action and change the way our law enforcement agencies work.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">It goes without saying that regional governments play a major role in creating a modern business environment. As is customary during the St Petersburg Forum, I highlight the regions that have made significant progress in the National Investment Climate Rankings compiled by the Agency for Strategic Initiatives.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">There have been changes in the top three. Moscow and Tatarstan have remained at the top and were joined by the Moscow Region which, in a span of one year, went from eighth place to the top three. The leaders of the rankings also include the Tula, Nizhny Novgorod, Tyumen, Novgorod, and Sakhalin regions, St Petersburg and Bashkortostan.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Separately, I would like to highlight the regions that have made the greatest strides such as the Kurgan Region, which moved up 36 spots; the Perm Territory and the Altai Territory, up 26 spots; Ingushetia, up 24 spots; and the Ivanovo Region which moved up 17 spots.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">I want to thank and congratulate our colleagues in the regions for their good work.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">The federal government and regional and municipal governments should focus on supporting individual business initiatives in small towns and remote rural communities. We are aware of such stories of success. That includes developing popular software and marketing locally produced organic food and environmentally friendly products nationwide using domestic websites.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">It is important to create new opportunities, to introduce modern retail formats, including e-commerce platforms, as I mentioned above, and to cut the logistics, transportation and other costs, including by using upgraded Russian Post offices.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">It is also important to help small business employees, self-employed individuals and start-up entrepreneurs acquire additional skills and competencies. Please include corresponding measures tailored specifically to small towns and rural and remote areas as a separate line in the national project for promoting small and medium-sized businesses.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Today I would like to address our officials, owners of large companies, our business leaders and executives.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Colleagues, friends,<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Real, stable success and a sense of dignity and self-respect only come when you link your future and the future of your children with your Fatherland. We have maintained ties with many people for a long time, and I am aware of the sentiments of many of the heads and owners of our companies. You have told me many times that business is much more than just making a profit, and I fully agree. It is about changing life around you, contributing to the development of your home cities, regions and the country as a whole, which is extremely important for self-fulfilment. There is nothing like serving the people and society. This is the meaning of your life and work.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Recent events have reaffirmed what I have always said: it is much better at home. Those who refused to hear that clear message have lost hundreds of millions, if not billions of dollars in the West, in what looked like a safe haven for their assets.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">I would like to once again say the following to our colleagues, those who are both in this audience and those who are not here: please, do not fall into the same trap again. Our country has huge potential, and there are more than enough tasks that need your contribution. Invest here, in the creation of new enterprises and jobs, in the development of the tourism infrastructure, support schools, universities, healthcare and the social sphere, culture and sport. I know that many of you are doing this. I know this, but I wanted to say it again.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">This is how the Bakhrushin, Morozov, Shchukin, Ryabushinsky, Akchurin, Galeyev, Apanayev, Matsiyev, Mamontov, Tretyakov, Arsanov, Dadashev and Gadzhiyev families understood their noble mission. Many Russian, Tatar, Buryat, Chechen, Daghestani, Yakutian, Ossetian, Jewish, Armenian and other merchant and entrepreneurial families did not deprive their heirs of their due share, and at the same time they etched their names in the history of our country.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Incidentally, I would like to note once again that it remains to be seen what is more important for potential heirs: money and property or their forefathers’ good name and service to the country. The latter is something that cannot be squandered or, pardon my language, wasted on drink.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">A good name is something that will always belong to your descendants, to future generations. It will always be part of their lives, going from one generation to another, helping them and making them stronger than the money or property they might inherit can make them.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Colleagues,<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">A responsible and well-balanced macroeconomic policy is the third guiding principle of our long-term development. In fact, this policy has largely enabled us to withstand the unprecedented pressure brought on by sanctions. Let me reiterate that this is an essential policy in the long term, not just for responding to the current challenges. We will not follow in the footsteps of our Western colleagues by replicating their bitter experience setting off an inflation spiral and disrupting their finances.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Our goal is to ensure robust economic growth for years to come, reducing the inflation burden on our people and businesses and achieving the mid- and long-term target inflation rate of four percent. Inflation was one of the first things I mentioned during my remarks, so let me tell you this: we remain committed to this target of a four-percent inflation rate.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">I have already instructed the Government to draft proposals regarding the new budget guidelines. They must ensure that our budget policy is predictable and enables us to make the best use of the external economic conditions. Why do we need all this? To put economic growth on a more stable footing, while also delivering on our infrastructure and technological objectives, which provide a foundation for improving the wellbeing of our people.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">True, some international reserve currencies have set themselves on a suicidal path lately, which is an obvious fact. In any case, they clearly have suicidal intentions. Of course, using them to ‘sterilise’ our money supply does not make any sense. Still, the principle of planning one’s spending based on how much you earn remains relevant. This is how it works, and we understand this.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Social justice is the fourth principle underpinning our development. There must be a powerful social dimension when it comes to promoting economic growth and business initiatives. This development model must reduce inequality instead of deepening it, unlike what is happening in other countries. To be honest, we have not been at the forefront when it comes to delivering on these objectives. We have yet to resolve many issues and problems in this regard.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Reducing poverty and inequality is all about creating demand for Russian-made products across the country, bridging the gap between regions in terms of their capabilities, and creating new jobs where they are needed the most. These are the core economic development drivers.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Let me emphasise that generating positive momentum in terms of household income growth and poverty reduction are the main performance indicators for government agencies and the state in general. We need to achieve tangible results in this sphere already this year, despite all the objective challenges we face. I have already assigned this task to the Government.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Again, we provide targeted support to the most vulnerable groups – pensioners, families with children, and people in difficult life situations.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Pensions are indexed annually at a rate higher than inflation. This year, they have been raised twice, including by another 10 percent on June 1.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">The minimum wage was also increased by 10 percent at the same time, and so was the subsistence minimum – a reference figure used to calculate many social benefits and payments – accordingly, these benefits should also grow, increasing the incomes of about 15 million people.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">In recent years, we have built a holistic system to support low-income families with children. Women are entitled to state support from the early stages of pregnancy and until the child reaches the age of 17.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">People’s living standards and prosperity are the most important demographic factors; the current situation is quite challenging due to several negative demographic waves that have recently overlapped. In April, less than a hundred thousand children were born in Russia, almost 13 percent less than in April 2020.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">I ask the Government to continue to keep the development of additional support measures for families with children under review. They must be far-reaching and commensurate with the magnitude of the extraordinary demographic challenge we are facing.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Russia’s future is ensured by families with two, three and more children. Therefore, we need to do more than provide direct financial support – we need to target and direct the healthcare system, education, and all areas that determine the quality of people's lives towards the needs of families with children.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">This problem is addressed, among other approaches, by the national social initiatives, which regional teams and the Agency for Strategic Initiatives are implementing together. This autumn, we will assess the results of their work, review and rank the Russian regions by quality of life in order to apply the best experiences and practices as widely as possible throughout the country.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Prioritising the development of infrastructure is the fifth principle underlying Russia’s economic policy.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">We have scaled up direct budget spending on expanding transport corridors. An ambitious plan for building and repairing the federal and regional motorway core network will be launched next year. At least 85 percent of the roads are to be brought up to code within the next five years.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Infrastructure budget lending is a new tool that is being widely used. The loans are issued for 15 years at a 3 percent APR. As I mentioned before, they are much more popular than we originally thought. The regions have multiple well-thought-out and promising projects that should be launched at the earliest convenience. We will look into how we can use this support measure. We debated this issue last night. What I am saying is that it is a reliable tool.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Upgrading housing and utilities services is a separate matter with a backlog of issues. The industry is chronically underinvested to the tune of 4.5 trillion rubles. Over 40 percent of networks need to be replaced, which accounts for their low efficiency and big losses. About 3 percent of the networks become unusable every year, but no more than 2 percent get replaced, which makes the problem even worse every single year.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">I propose consolidating resources and launching a comprehensive programme for upgrading housing and utilities, and synchronizing it with other infrastructure development and housing overhaul plans. The goal is to turn the situation around and to gradually reduce the number of dated networks, just like we are doing by relocating people from structurally unsafe buildings or fixing roads. We will discuss in detail housing and utilities and the construction complex with the governors at a State Council Presidium meeting next week.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">On a separate note, I propose increasing resources to fund projects to create a comfortable urban environment in small towns and historical settlements. This programme is working well for us. I propose allocating another 10 billion rubles annually for these purposes in 2023–2024.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">We will allocate additional funds for renovating urban areas in the Far Eastern Federal District. I want the Government to allocate dedicated funds to this end as part of the programmes for infrastructure budget lending and housing and utilities upgrading, as well as other development programmes.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Promoting comprehensive improvements and development for rural areas is a top priority for us. People who live there are feeding the country. We now see that they are also feeding a major part of the world, so they must live in comfort and dignity. In this connection, I am asking the Government to allocate additional funding for the corresponding programme. Export duties on agricultural produce can serve as a source of funding here. This is a permanent source of revenue. Of course, there can be fluctuations, but at least this ensures a constant flow of revenue.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">On a separate note, I suggest that we expand the programmes for upgrading and modernising rural cultural centres, as well as regional theatres and museums by allocating six billion rubles for each of these projects in 2023 and 2024.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">What I have just said about cultural institutions is something that people are really looking forward to, something they really care about. Let me give you a recent example: during the presentation of the Hero of Labour medals, one of the winners, Vladimir Mikhailov from Yakutia, asked me directly for help with building a cultural centre in his native village. This was during the part of the ceremony where we meet behind closed doors. We will definitely do this. The fact that people are raising this issue at all levels shows that they are really eager to see these projects implemented.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">At this point, I would like to make a sidenote on a topic that is especially relevant now, since we are in early summer, when Russians usually take their summer vacations.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Every year, more and more tourists want to visit the most beautiful corners of our country: national parks, wildlife sanctuaries and nature reserves. According to available estimates, this year this tourist flow is expected to exceed 12 million people. It is essential that all government bodies, businesses and tourists are well aware of what they can and cannot do in these territories, where they can build tourism infrastructure, and where such activity is strictly prohibited because it endangers unique and fragile ecosystems.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">The draft law governing tourism in special protected territories and regulating this activity in a civilised manner is already in the State Duma.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">In this context, I would like to draw your attention to the fact that we must figure out in advance all the relevant estimates and ensure that the decisions are well-balanced. We need to be serious about this.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">I would like to place special emphasis on the need to preserve Lake Baikal. In particular, there is a comprehensive development project for the city of Baikalsk, which must become a model of sustainable, eco-sensitive municipal governance.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">This is not just about getting rid of the accumulated negative environmental impacts from the Baikalsk Pulp and Paper Mill, but about setting a higher standard of living for the city and transforming it into a signature destination for environmental tourism in Russia. We need to rely on the most cutting-edge technologies and clean energy when carrying out this project.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Overall, we will be developing clean technology to achieve the goals we set in the environmental modernisation of production facilities, and to reduce hazardous emissions, especially in large industrial centres. We will also continue working on closed-loop economy projects, green projects and climate preservation. I spoke about these issues in detail at this forum last year.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Consequently, the sixth cross-cutting development principle that consolidates our work is, in my opinion, achieving genuine technological sovereignty, creating an integral system of economic development that does not depend on foreign institutions when it comes to critically important components. We need to develop all areas of life on a qualitatively new technological level without being simply users of other countries’ solutions. We must have technological keys to developing next-generation goods and services.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">In the past years, we have focused a lot of attention on import substitution, succeeding in a range of industries, including agriculture, pharmaceuticals, medical equipment, defence production and several others.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">But I should stress that there is a lot of discussion in our society about import substitution. And it is not a cure-all nor a comprehensive solution. If we only imitate others when trying to replace foreign goods with copies, even if very high-quality ones, we may end up constantly playing catch-up while we should be one step ahead and create our own competitive technologies, goods and services that can become new global standards.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">If you remember, Sergei Korolyov did not just copy or locally upgrade captured rocket technology. He focused on the future and proposed a unique plan to develop the R-7 rocket. He paved the path to space for humankind and in fact set a standard for the entire world, for decades ahead.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Proactively – this is how founders of many Soviet research programmes worked at the time. And today, building on that groundwork, our designers continue to make progress and show their worth. It is thanks to them that Russia has supersonic weapons that do not exist in any other country. Rosatom remains the leader in nuclear technology, developing our fleet of nuclear-powered icebreakers. Many Russian AI and Big Data solutions are the best in the world.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">To reiterate, technological development is a cross-cutting area that will define the current decade and the entire 21<sup>st</sup> century. We will review in depth our approaches to building a groundbreaking technology-based economy – a techno economy – at the upcoming Strategic Development Council meeting. There is so much we can discuss. Most importantly, many managerial decisions must be made in the sphere of engineering education and transferring research to the real economy, and the provision of financial resources for fast-growing high-tech companies. We will also discuss the development of cross-cutting technologies and progress of digital transformation projects in individual industries.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">To be clear, of course it is impossible to make every product out there, and there is no need for that. However, we need to possess critical technologies in order to be able to move swiftly should we need to start our own production of any product. This is what we did when we quickly started making coronavirus vaccines, and most recently launched the production of many other products and services.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">For example, after dishonest KamAZ partners left the Russian market, their place was taken by domestic companies, which are supplying parts for traditional models and even advanced mainline, transport and heavy-duty vehicles.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">The Mir card payment system has successfully replaced Visa and MasterCard on the domestic market. It is expanding its geography and gradually gaining international recognition.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">The St Petersburg Tractor Plant is another case in point. Its former foreign partner stopped selling engines and providing warranty maintenance. Engine builders from Yaroslavl and Tutayev came to the rescue and started supplying their engines. As a result, the output of agricultural equipment at the St Petersburg Tractor Plant hit a record high in March-April. It did not decrease, but hit an all-time high.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">I am sure there will be more positive practices and success stories.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">To reiterate, Russia possesses the professional, scientific and technological potential to develop products that enjoy high demand, including household appliances and construction equipment, as well as industrial and service equipment.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Today's task is to scale up the capacities and promptly get the necessary lines up and running. One of the key issues is comfortable work conditions for the businesses as well as the availability of prepared production sites.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">I ask the Government to submit key parameters of the new operating guidelines for industrial clusters by the autumn. What is critical here?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">First – financing. The projects launched in these clusters must have a long-term credit resource for up to ten years at an annual interest rate below seven percent in rubles. We have discussed all these issues with our economic agencies as well. Everyone agreed, so we will proceed.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Second – taxation. The clusters must have a low level of relatively permanent taxes including insurance contributions.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Third – supporting production at the early, kick-off stage, forming a package of orders including subsidising the purchases of ready products by such enterprises. This is not an easy issue but I think subsidies may be required. They are needed to ensure the market. We just have to work it out.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Fourth – simplified administration including minimal or no inspections as well as convenient customs monitoring that is not burdensome.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Fifth, and probably the most important – we need to set up mechanisms of guaranteed long-term demand for the new innovative products that are about to enter the market. I remind the Government that such preferential terms and respective industrial clusters must be launched as early as January 1, 2023.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">On a related note, I want to say that both new and already operating points of industrial growth must attract small businesses and engage them in their orbit. It is crucial for entrepreneurs, for small entities to see the horizon and grasp their prospects.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Therefore, I ask the Government together with the SME Corporation [Federal Corporation for the Development of Small and Medium Enterprises] and our biggest companies to launch an instrument for long-term contracts between companies with state participation and SMEs. This will ensure demand for the products of such enterprises for years ahead whereas suppliers can confidently undertake commitments to launch a new manufacturing facility or expand an existing one to meet that order.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Let me add that we have substantially shortened the timeframe for building industrial sites and eliminated all the unnecessary burdensome procedures. Still, there is much more we can do here. We have things to work on, and places to go from here. For example, building an industrial facility from the ground up takes anywhere from eighteen months to three years, while the persistently high interest rates make it harder to buy suitable land plots.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Given this, I suggest launching industrial mortgages as a new tool for empowering Russian businesses to quickly start making all the products we need. What I mean are preferential long-term loans at a five-percent interest rate. Companies planning to buy new manufacturing space will be entitled to these loans. I am asking the Government to work out all the details with the Russian banking sector so that the industrial mortgage programme becomes fully operational soon.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Friends,<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Changes in the global economy, finances and international relations are unfolding at an ever-growing pace and scale. There is an increasingly pronounced trend in favour of a multipolar growth model in lieu of globalisation. Of course, building and shaping a new world order is no easy task. We will have to confront many challenges, risks, and factors that we can hardly predict or anticipate today.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Still, it is obvious that it is up to the strong sovereign states, those that do not follow a trajectory imposed by others, to set the rules governing the new world order. Only powerful and sovereign states can have their say in this emerging world order. Otherwise, they are doomed to become or remain colonies devoid of any rights.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">We need to move forward and change in keeping with the times, while demonstrating our national will and resolve. Russia enters this nascent era as a powerful sovereign nation. We will definitely use the new immense opportunities that are opening up for us in this day and age in order to become even stronger.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Thank you for your attention.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana;"><b><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Margarita Simonyan:</span></b><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"> Thank you, Mr President.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">I would very much like to say that after such exhaustive remarks and such an exhaustive analysis, we have nothing left to talk about, because you have answered all the questions. Still, some questions remain, and we will certainly ask them.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">And now I would like to ask President Tokayev to come over here and share with us his perspective on the processes taking place in his country, in our country, and in relations between our countries and in the world.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Thank you.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"> </span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana;"><b><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev:</span></b><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"> President Putin,<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">forum participants,<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">I congratulate everyone on a significant event – the 25th St Petersburg International Economic Forum. I thank President Putin for the invitation and for the warm and cordial welcome in the cultural capital of Russia.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Over the past quarter of a century, the St Petersburg Forum has deservedly gained respect as a prestigious expert platform and occupies a worthy place among other world discussion platforms.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Today, we are meeting in rather extraordinary circumstances – I am referring to the elevated political and economic turbulence. The global upheavals caused by the pandemic and the rising geopolitical tensions have led to a new reality. Globalisation has given way to an era of regionalisation, with all its inherent advantages and disadvantages. Be that as it may, the process of reformatting traditional economic models and trade routes is accelerating.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">The world is changing rapidly – unfortunately, in most cases it is not for the better. Inflation in many countries is breaking ten-year records, global economic growth is slowing down, and competition for investment and resources is intensifying.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">There are constraining factors for economic growth such as climate change, growing migration flows, and faster technological change. We certainly pay attention to these processes.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Speaking about the new reality, it is important to bear in mind the rapidly changing structure of the international order – even the seemingly stable East-West, North-South vectors of interaction are shifting. It is important for the countries in our region not only to find the right answers to all these challenges, but also to try to make the most of them. Therefore, we have to consistently reach our full potential for cooperation within the Eurasian Economic Union. The project to link Eurasian integration with China’s One Belt, One Road initiative is relevant here.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">As you know, Kazakhstan is now implementing large-scale political and economic reforms. Their goal is to reset public administration and build a fair, new Kazakhstan. We are working to ensure that there is a correlation between economic growth and rising living standards for our people. We want to achieve sustainable development of trade and economic ties, open new production lines, support the growth of human capital, and make investments.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">As part of our large-scale effort to modernise the country, we are drafting new rules of the game in the economy without glaring monopolies and rampant corruption. Our priority is to support businesses and improve the business climate with a view to providing the utmost protection for the rights of investors, and promoting stability and predictability. We will continue meeting all of our commitments to our traditional partners. Kazakhstan will continue building an inclusive, fair society without social inequality.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">I believe that to ensure sustainable development of all countries of the region, it is necessary to determine new horizons of cooperation and create new growth points in our economies. Along with this, we must always remember the very important task of ensuring international and regional security.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">In this context, I would like to draw your attention to the following points.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">The first task, as I have already mentioned, is to strengthen the capacity of the Eurasian Economic Union. This task remains relevant for us. The aggregate size of the economies of its members exceeds $2 trillion. This is an enormous market with free movement of goods, capital, services and workforce. At any rate, this is what it should be.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Despite the pandemic and geopolitical upheavals, cooperation in the EAEU continues to grow stronger. Last year, its trade reached a record $73 billion, which is a third higher than last year.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Russia has been and remains Kazakhstan’s key economic partner in the EAEU. Last year, our trade went up by almost a third to exceed $24 billion. These are record figures for us. The dynamics remains positive this year as well. Our trade increased by over 12 percent in the first quarter of 2022.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">I believe that, considering the new reality, it would be appropriate and useful to develop an innovative trade strategy within the Eurasian Economic Union. Instead of imposing counter-sanctions, which, frankly, are unlikely to be productive, a more proactive and flexible trade policy should be pursued covering the Asian and the Middle Eastern markets. Kazakhstan could be instrumental in its role of a buffer market.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Overall, the ultimate success of Eurasian integration largely, if not massively, depends on our effective common trade strategy. Kazakhstan and Russia can break new ground in industrial cooperation.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">We have a special plan, a programme for industrial cooperation in the new circumstances. Investors from Russia will be provided with industrial sites complete with infrastructure, and a favourable investment climate will be created for them. As a matter of fact, this is already being done.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">The full unlocking of our countries’ agricultural potential is particularly important in these circumstances. According to the FAO [the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations], Russia and Kazakhstan are global leaders in terms of available agricultural land. This fact is of particular importance in light of declining global food security. According to the UN, the number of malnourished people will go from 270 million to 323 million this year.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Providing people with high-quality and safe food remains a priority and a factor in maintaining internal stability.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">To create a reliable food system, it is important to implement innovative solutions and advanced technologies, as well as to cut food losses.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Approaches to ensuring food security should be developed at the national level and within regional associations, including the EAEU with account taken of the interests of all state participants. Achieving declared goals in this extremely important area is unlikely without coordinated work.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">In other words, fighting skyrocketing inflation and food shortages is our common challenge, which will remain a priority in the foreseeable future, because it directly concerns the well-being of our people. Our countries’ potential makes it possible to consistently and fully supply our markets with the necessary foods, as the President of Russia convincingly demonstrated today.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Secondly, I believe that it is essential that we continue expanding trade and economic cooperation with third countries. Kazakhstan is proactively involved in integration processes, and has always stood for mutually beneficial cooperation with other international organisations.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">As far as I know, there has been much interest on the sidelines of the St Petersburg International Economic Forum in Russia’s initiative to build a Greater Eurasian Partnership. This concept consists of offering regional organisations a platform for creating a common space of equal cooperation. It is for this reason that Kazakhstan continues to have a positive outlook on the effort to build the Greater Eurasian Partnership.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">This year, Kazakhstan chairs the Commonwealth of Independent States. Over the years, this structure has built up a positive track record despite all the geopolitical challenges, which proves that multilateral dialogue tools are effective.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">I believe that the CIS is perfectly suited for serving as a foundation for this megaproject. I am referring to Greater Eurasia, or the Greater Eurasian Partnership. It can encompass the SCO, ASEAN, and the Eurasian Economic Union as its integral elements.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Over the next decade, China, India, as well as countries in the Middle East, South and Southeast Asia, which have traditionally been friendly to us, can become major investors in the economies of our region.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">China has already emerged as Kazakhstan’s main economic and foreign trade partner. This country invested in our economy more than $22 billion over the past 15 years. For this reason, strengthening our multilateral cooperation with China is a very important goal for our country.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Of course, the economy matters today just as much as political considerations. I believe that we have to promote business-to-business ties and build new transport and logistics corridors. Today, we treat these matters as our top priorities when meeting with people from Russia and other interested nations.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">There is a lot of potential for combining our efforts to develop a pool of breakthrough innovation and technology projects, as well as uninterrupted transportation and logistics chains. At the end of the day, this will create new economic growth opportunities for our countries.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Thirdly, Kazakhstan maintains its unwavering commitment to international efforts to combat climate change. We will be consistent in our efforts to promote green investment and carry out corresponding projects. Environmental problems are global in nature, affecting almost all countries without exception, including Kazakhstan.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Last year, our farmers had serious problems due to a draught that was triggered by low rainfall and low water level in rivers. The cross-border Ural River is in critical condition. We call it Zhayyq on our territory.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">I believe we should tackle such problems together when faced with such long-term challenges to the sustainable development of our states. I think we should give serious thought to the prospects of introducing the principles of closed-loop or circular economy. We are working to reduce the GDP’s energy-output ratio, expand the renewable energy sector and reduce transit losses in this area.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">The similarity of our economies, industrial infrastructure ties between our two countries and geography as such are prompting us to pool efforts in this strategically important area as well. I hope that together we will manage to draft effective approaches and specific measures for tangible progress in this field.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Fourthly. High quality human resources and constructive inter-cultural dialogue are a reliable source of economic growth. As part of the UN-proclaimed International Decade for the Rapprochement of Cultures, we will continue our policy of preserving the cultural diversity of our country and promoting international dialogue between civilisations.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">In September our capital will host yet another congress of world and traditional religions. We welcome the participation of religious figures from Russia in this forum. Practically all of them confirmed their participation.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Kazakhstan is actively reformatting the system of its higher education with the participation of leading foreign universities, including Russian ones. The deepening of international academic ties has special significance for promoting the traditions of bilateral cooperation.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">I am convinced that the successful implementation of a number of joint educational and cultural initiatives will allow us to make a tangible contribution to the steady economic advance of our country.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Participants of the forum,<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Kazakhstan proceeds from its firm conviction that Eurasia is our common home and that all countries on our continent should closely cooperate in the community. We are confident that the building of a peaceful, stable and economically strong Eurasia will become a major factor of sustainable development and inclusive growth on a global scale.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">I am convinced that this prestigious discussion venue that unites top class experts has great potential in searching for constructive ideas aimed at normalising the international situation and recovering the positive dynamics of the world economy.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Thank you for your attention.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana;"><b><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Margarita Simonyan:</span></b><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"> Thank you very much, President Tokayev.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Eurasia is indeed our common home. We all want this home to be safe and prosperous through God’s help and our mutual efforts.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">And now we will turn to Africa. We have a video address from President of Egypt Abdel Fattah el-Sisi. Can we have it on the screens, please? Thank you.</span><b style="text-align: center;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"> </span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana;"><b><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">President of Egypt Abdel Fattah el-Sisi:</span></b><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"> In the Name of Allah, the Most Beneficent, the Most Merciful,<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin,<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Ladies and gentlemen,<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">At the outset, allow me to extend to His Excellency, President Vladimir Putin, my sincere congratulations on the silver jubilee of the St Petersburg International Economic Forum. Since 1997, when it has been held for the first time, the forum has become a leading platform for the business community and a remarkable economic event that seeks to discuss the key economic issues facing emerging markets and the world.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Ladies and gentlemen,<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">The Arab Republic of Egypt, as a guest country, will be part of this year's session of the forum, which marks the 25th anniversary of its launch, thus confirming the distinguished level that Egyptian-Russian economic relations have reached over the recent years.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">This year's forum is being held amid unprecedented political and economic challenges of a strategic nature. We hope that the outcomes of the forum will contribute to finding effective solutions to these challenges in a way that mitigates the impact of the global economic crisis and its negative repercussions on many countries in the world, especially the economies of emerging countries, takes the concerns and interests of all parties into account, and achieves the security and tranquility of peoples.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">This would be achieved through long-term political understandings that open the way for the growth of the global economy, especially in the wake of the severe coronavirus pandemic, which has cost our societies many victims and considerable money and resources, thus making us keen to avoid any slowdown in the global economy.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Ladies and gentlemen,<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Let me use this opportunity to reiterate that the Arab Republic of Egypt values its firm, historic friendship relations with the Russian Federation, and values the tangible progress the two countries’ relations have been witnessing over the past years in a multitude of vital sectors, for the two countries’ economies and the prosperity of the two peoples.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">The Arab Republic of Egypt and the Russian Federation have been engaged over the past years in the implementation of mega and ambitious projects that serve our countries and respond to the aspirations of our peoples to realise more economic progress.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">The most prominent of these are: the project for the establishment of the Dabaa nuclear power plant, which comes within the context of the Egyptian State’s strategy to expand national projects for the use of new and renewable sources of energy.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Another project is the establishment of the Russian Industrial Zone in the Economic Zone of the Suez Canal, which is meant to become an important platform for industry in Africa.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">This is in addition to cooperation between the two countries to upgrade the Egyptian railway network and other joint ventures that realise the benefit of the two peoples.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Ladies and gentlemen,<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">You must be aware that the exceptional events that have been taking place in the Arab Republic of Egypt over the past decade had their immense impact on the overall economic situation in the country. The Egyptian people stood up to surmount this crisis by supporting a clear vision, based on investing in the Egyptian citizen and developing his capabilities.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Therefore, Egypt Vision 2030 was launched to reflect the state’s long-term strategic plan to achieve the principles and goals of sustainable development, with its economic, social and environmental dimensions.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Based on this vision, the Government of Egypt has modernised its legislative structure to enable Egypt to attract more foreign investment. This qualified Egypt to become the top destination for attracting foreign investments in Africa and one of the few countries in the world capable of achieving a growth rate of up to 3.3 percent in 2021, despite the negative challenges posed by the spread of COVID-19 and their impact on the global economy. We expect the Egyptian economy to grow by 5.5% during the current fiscal year. The country’s non-petroleum exports also increased during 2021 to reach $32 billion.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Egypt has also succeeded, within the framework of its strategy to increase its capabilities, to implement mega agricultural projects that are aimed at increasing agricultural land by almost 2 million feddans.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">This is in addition to the mega projects Egypt is implementing in the fields of transport, by expanding thousands of kilometers of roads and upgrading Egypt’s transport system by introducing new projects. Those include the high-speed rail that will constitute a means to link the Red Sea and the Mediterranean Sea, thus boosting and facilitating international trade.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Adding to this are the mega industrial projects and the numerous projects in the field of clean energy production, which have been established in Egypt at a rapid pace over the past period.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Despite the previously-mentioned national efforts, Egypt’s actions and efforts to achieve progress were hit recently by economic crises caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The world was partially recovering from its effects and repercussions, when it was hit again by a great economic crisis that cast a shadow over growth rates and negatively affected states’ budgets, reflecting on the rise of fuel prices and the decline in the value of the national currencies in the face of hard currencies. This is in addition to the disruption in supply chains, the emergence of the food crisis, as well as the irregular movement of civil aviation. This sector is connected with vital fields of the Egyptian economy, primarily tourism and insurance.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Addressing this crisis, which has an international character, requires international efforts and collaboration among all parties in order to get matters back to their normal state, particularly the movement of maritime traffic and the regularity of supply chains, particularly foodstuff, such as grain and vegetable oil.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">This also requires working toward restoring calm and stability at the international level, in order to mitigate the impact of this economic crisis on the peoples, who seek peace and development.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">I also call on all companies participating in this forum and others to take advantage of this huge opportunity that is provided by investing in Egypt in all fields.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">I would not miss, before concluding my speech, thanking the people of Saint Petersburg, this brave city throughout history, which at the same time represents an icon for culture and openness on the outside world.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Finally, I would like, once again, to thank His Excellency, President Vladimir Putin, for his kind invitation for Egypt to participate in this forum as a guest of this round, wishing the forum and the participants all success and blessings and wishing our friendly countries more constructive cooperation, prosperity and progress. We pray God Almighty to spread peace and stability across the world and to spare our peoples the scourge of war and its economic and social impact by giving priority to the language of dialogue, understanding and co-existence.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Thank you.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana;"><b><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Margarita Simonyan:</span></b><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"> We are grateful to the President of Egypt. I think that the people of the host city should be especially pleased to hear his warm words about St Petersburg.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">We have just a little time left before the discussion begins. They say anticipation increases desire.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">We will now listen to an address by President of the People’s Republic of China Xi Jinping.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana;"><b><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">President of the People’s Republic of China Xi Jinping (retranslated):</span></b><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"> President Putin, ladies and gentlemen, friends,<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">I am delighted to have this opportunity to address the plenary session of the 25th St Petersburg International Economic Forum, which I attended in person three years ago.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">In February this year, President Putin visited China and attended the opening ceremony of the Winter Olympic Games in Beijing. We had a detailed exchange of views, following which we reached a vital agreement on expanding our comprehensive practical cooperation and implementing the concept of global governance based on joint consultations, joint participation and joint use.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Cooperation between China and Russia is currently ascending in all spheres. Our bilateral trade reached $65.8 billion over the first five months of this year. We can expect to attain new records by year-end. This is evidence of the high resilience and ingenious potential of Chinese-Russian cooperation.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">The world is entering a new period of turbulence and transformation amid the ongoing radical changes and the coronavirus pandemic. There is an obvious trend of anti-globalism, a growing divide between the South and the North, and a weakening of cooperation drivers in the area of development, which could plunge the erratically reviving global economy into a deep recession and create unprecedented challenges to the implementation of the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">According to ancient Chinese words of wisdom, a clever man sees a seed of crisis in every opportunity and an opportunity in every crisis. Danger and opportunity always go together. By overcoming danger, you get opportunity. Strength lies in confidence. The more there are difficulties, the more important it is to remain confident.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">During last year’s session of the UN General Assembly, I proposed a Global Development Initiative, which was positively received and supported by a number of international organisations, including the UN, and about a hundred countries.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Today, at a time when the international community is ever more interested in achieving more equitable, sustainable and secure development, we should seize opportunities, meet challenges head-on, and work on the implementation of the Global Development Initiative to build a shared future of peace and prosperity.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">First, we need to create conditions for development. It is important that we follow true multilateralism, respect and support all countries' pursuit of development paths suited to their national conditions, build an open world economy, and increase the representation and voice of emerging markets and developing countries in global economic governance with a view to making global development more balanced, coordinated and inclusive.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Second, we need to strengthen development partnerships. It is important that we enhance North-South and South-South cooperation, pool cooperation resources, platforms and networks of development partnerships, and scale up development assistance in order to forge greater synergy for development and close the development gap.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Third, we need to advance economic globalization. It is important that we enhance the coordination of development policies and international rules and standards, reject attempts at separation, supply disruption, unilateral sanctions and maximum pressure, remove trade barriers, keep global industrial and supply chains stable, tackle the worsening food and energy crises, and revive the world economy.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Fourth, we need to pursue innovation-driven development. It is important that we unlock the potential of innovation-driven growth, improve the rules and institutional environment for innovation, break down barriers to the flow of innovation factors, deepen exchanges and cooperation on innovation, facilitate deeper integration of science and technology into the economy, and make sure the fruits of innovation are shared by all.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Ladies and gentlemen, friends,<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">The fundamentals of the Chinese economy are its strong resilience, enormous potential and long-term sustainability, which remain unchanged. We have full confidence in China's economic development. China will continue to promote high-quality development, promote openness with firm resolve, and pursue high-quality Belt and Road cooperation.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">China stands ready to work with Russia and all other countries to explore development prospects, share growth opportunities, and make new contributions to deepening global development cooperation and building a community with a shared future for mankind.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Thank you.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana;"><b><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Margarita Simonyan:</span></b><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"> Thank you, Mr President.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Coming to learn Chinese wisdom and some of Chinese sagacity is always a good thing, especially now that Chinese wisdom might come in useful for the entire world.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Mr President, I would like to show you something that I have brought with me especially. It is juice, and it used to be so nicely coloured. It does not matter what sort of juice it is; you cannot even see the brand here, although it is a popular one. And now – do you see? A small picture and the rest is white. Why is that? And this is happening on a massive scale.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Because we ran out of paint. The producer of paint for such packaging has left Russia, and the producer of the packaging also announced that they are leaving. I bought this two weeks ago, and soon this will disappear. As a result, we will have to pour it into bottles or three-litre glass jars, like it was in my childhood, unless we discover that we do not produce bottles either.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">There are conflicting opinions on this. You have touched upon this issue today. Some of the participants – a considerable part, maybe even the majority – came here by Sapsan trains. Some say “We will swap Sapsans for Chinese trains, they are even better,” since Siemens has gone. Others say “We will learn to make them ourselves.” Let me remind you that we launched our own high-speed trains in 1984, I think they were called ER200. I was four years old, did not go to school yet, but we already had high-speed trains – but we do not have them any longer. It is sad, isn’t it?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">And there are also people who say that no, we cannot replace all that, we can use Sapsan trains for another couple of years and then we will just give up high-speed railways, which means we will step back from what we got used to. And it is like this with everything: telephones, computers, everything we got used to. This is a very sad, I would even say heartbreaking plan.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Maybe there is a different plan?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana;"><b><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Vladimir Putin:</span></b><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"> Whenever any decisions are taken, the key issues must be to singled out. What is key for us? Being independent, sovereign and ensuring future-oriented development both now and for the future generations? Or having packaging today?<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Unless we have sovereignty, we will soon have to buy everything and will only produce oil, gas, hemp fibre, saddles and sell rough logs abroad.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">It is inevitable. I have already said so in my speech: only sovereign countries can expect to have a sovereign future. That does not mean, however, that we need to plunge back into a situation of 30, 40 or 50 years ago.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Regarding packaging. I do not think it is such a complicated thing that either our partners from other countries can replace, who will be pleased to occupy this market sooner or later, or we will be able to make ourselves.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana;"><b><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Margarita Simonyan:</span></b><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"> You do not see it, but President Tokayev is nodding his head: they will probably be able to replace it.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana;"><b><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Kassym-Jomart Tokayev:</span></b><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"> Absolutely, this is not a problem.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana;"><b><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Vladimir Putin:</span></b><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"> Of course, we will able to replace it.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">The question is about a totally different matter. We keep talking about import substitution. In my speech here I also said – and I will just add a couple of words so as not to take too much time while answering only one question.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">The issue is not about import substitution, the issue is to establish our own capabilities based on progress in education, science and new promising schools of engineering. We will always be given packaging materials and other simple things, event telephones and smartphones. What we have never been given and never will be is critically important technologies. We have never been given them before even though we had problem-free relations with our Western partners in the previous decades. This is the problem.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">And when we begin to stand up for our rights, we are immediately slapped with some sanctions and restrictions; this is what the problem is all about. Therefore, we must commit ourselves to that and have the capacity to reproduce critically important technologies on the basis of what I mentioned. And with that base we will always be able to manufacture the goods you mentioned: packaging materials, telephones and smartphones. If we realise that and keep focusing on solving fundamental issues, we will resolve everything else without a problem.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Let me reiterate: others are already coming to that place – those who produce the packaging materials, those who produce the paints. We are also starting to produce paints and other consumer goods as well as goods employed in industry in a broader sense. We can make anything – I have absolutely no doubt about that.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Obviously, some things will be lost, other things will be made on a new basis, much more advanced – the way it happened earlier. Therefore, when we talk about import substitution, we will substitute something while other things will have to be done on a totally new promising basis of our own making.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana;"><b><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Margarita Simonyan:</span></b><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"> Thank you. President Tokayev, would you like to add anything?<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana;"><b><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Kassym-Jomart Tokayev:</span></b><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"> I think everything is clear here, and judging by President Putin’s extremely interesting speech, we can understand that he is thinking in the categories of historical perspective, so to say.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana;"><b><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Margarita Simonyan:</span></b><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"> As always.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana;"><b><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Kassym-Jomart Tokayev:</span></b><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"> And juice packaging has no place here.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Indeed, it is a small problem, nature abhors a vacuum: others will come who will be producing juice packaging that is just as good, and local producers will appear.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">The issue is about something else. In particular, I said in my speech about the importance of Eurasian cooperation, about the importance of uniting efforts to resolve unexpected problems. I think we will arrive at the result we are seeking on this road.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana;"><b><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Margarita Simonyan:</span></b><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"> Thank you.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Following up on your remarks, I wanted to ask you a question about the EAEU. You have talked at length about the need to strengthen ties within the EAEU. Of course, we are all for this, and this is what we believe in. However, will we all get a chance to improve these ties?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">In the current environment, it is clear that Russia will not, how should I put it, give in to anyone’s pressure, and we have never taken such cues from anyone. Still, there are also other countries in the EAEU. Your country, and you personally have probably come under pressure. This is something that we can only guess. But maybe you could give us an insight into this issue. Other countries are threatened with secondary sanctions, etc. Will we succeed, considering the factor of pressure? I am not referring to our good will here, but to their ill will.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana;"><b><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Kassym-Jomart Tokayev:</span></b><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"> Regarding Kazakhstan, I would not say that there is any pressure exerted directly on our country. True, this is something that comes up during talks. The sanctions are real, and we of course factor them into our trade and economic strategies. At the same time, Kazakhstan must honour its commitments under its agreements with the Russian Federation. Moreover, as I said in my remarks, geography, let alone history, have bound our two nations together. We must keep working together in these, should I say, peculiar circumstances. I mentioned the special programme for industrial cooperation between our countries in the new reality. This means that we will work together.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">I believe that the Eurasian Economic Union has a future, despite all the challenges it faces. After all, the countries that agreed to join it are a significant economic force and have a lot of potential. Of course, we must not get ahead of things or be too arrogant, since the challenges we face are real. This is the objective reality.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">For this reason, moving forward we will focus on talks and finding mutually acceptable solutions. Finding mutually acceptable solutions and taking into consideration each other’s interests takes hard work, as I have already said before.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">It is true that we do have disagreements within the Eurasian Economic Union. After all, apart from meetings we hold in public, there are also the ones that take place behind closed doors.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana;"><b><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Margarita Simonyan:</span></b><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"> President Putin is smiling. He knows what you are talking about.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana;"><b><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Kassym-Jomart Tokayev:</span></b><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"> In most cases, we succeed in finding effective solutions, which is a positive thing.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana;"><b><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Margarita Simonyan:</span></b><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"> Thank you.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">I would like to wish you and all of us every success in searching for and finding these solutions as soon as possible.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana;"><b><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Vladimir Putin:</span></b><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"> My colleague said we sometimes have disagreements. But of course, behind closed doors, we always have debates. Even so, we always treat each other with respect and always look for and find compromises, which is extremely important.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">You spoke about pressure from the outside. President Tokayev mentioned the level of our mutual trade in his speech. Pressure or no pressure, this is impossible to cancel – our trade stood at US$24 billion last year and exceeded US$12 billion in the first four months of this year. If we continue like this, just calculate how much it will be. There will be more…<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana;"><b><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Margarita Simonyan:</span></b><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"> Thirty-six.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana;"><b><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Vladimir Putin:</span></b><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"> Thirty-six, maybe close to 40. This cannot be reversed under any pressure. Hundreds and thousands of jobs and the welfare of millions of people depend on it. How do you cancel that?<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">No more than you could cancel… The Americans have cancelled, sanctioned our fertilisers, and then lifted the sanctions; food wasn’t sanctioned at all. Everyone wants to eat, the whole world. What sanctions can cancel that?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">As for the blitzkrieg they have tried against our economy, it is clear that it did not work out. As Mark Twain wrote, “The reports of my death are greatly exaggerated.” The same is true of the blitzkrieg against Russia.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">As for the EAEU, our trade is growing steadily with all countries – faster among the members than with third countries, but trade with third countries is growing, too. That is, the association is not preventing its members from maintaining relations with third countries. This is the way things are, and it is very good.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">My colleague has mentioned Chinese investments; but Russian investment in Kazakhstan has reached US$7 billion.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana;"><b><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Margarita Simonyan:</span></b><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"> But Chinese investment amounts to 20, as Mr President told us. That is still more.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana;"><b><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Vladimir Putin:</span></b><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"> Well, China’s population is 1.5 billion, while we have 146 million; there is a difference. But even the US$7 billion invested in specific industries in Kazakhstan are certainly of great importance. Moreover, we have a very rich programme of industrial cooperation – that is what's important. And not only cooperation inherited from the Soviet Union, but also new projects using new technologies. That is very important.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">How do you cancel this? It would be simply impossible, no matter how much one would have liked to. So, yes, problems are being created for us, but they will certainly be overcome.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana;"><b><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Margarita Simonyan:</span></b><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"> Taking the ‘we’re hungry’ narrative a bit further, a cynical joke, or even a slogan, has been circulating lately in Moscow. I have heard it several times from different people: hunger is our last hope. What does this mean? This means that once hunger sets in, this will bring them to their senses: this is when they will lift sanctions and will be friends with us because they will understand that there is no way around it.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">In your opinion, how realistic is this forecast? Of course, achieving this through hunger is not something we want, but still…<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana;"><b><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Vladimir Putin:</span></b><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"> As I have already said in my remarks, the situation on the global food market is deteriorating. Make no mistake, this is not our fault. It all started with soaring inflation and increasing money supply in the major global economies in Europe and North America. This is how it all started – they did this themselves, and then made it even worse, of course, by imposing sanctions against Russia. I am referring primarily to logistics, financial services, insurances, etc.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Having people in these countries suffer from hunger is something we would very much like to avoid. Just recently, I had a meeting with African Union representatives. I told them that we will do everything we can to satisfy the interests of all our regular customers who buy our grain. I would like to reaffirm this statement. By the way, in recent years we have been exporting wheat to Kazakhstan, too, including this year. I have already mentioned that this season, which starts this summer and runs until next summer, we will export 50 million tonnes of grain. This is a very serious amount. Russia retains its lead in global wheat exports. We are the world’s number one wheat exporter.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">However, let me tell you this: the fact that some countries may be negatively affected is not something that makes us happy. We never counted on that. On the contrary, we hope that common sense prevails and that the situation on the international arena calms down so that everyone starts treating each other’s interests with respect, putting the way we operate back on track.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">By the way, I have no doubt that as time goes by, many of our partners, at least in Europe, will return to the Russian market and will once again enjoy working here. I have no doubt about that. They will be compelled to do so, while we will not stand in their way. We are open to the entire world, as I have already said. However, they must realise that we need to treat each other with respect.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana;"><b><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Margarita Simonyan:</span></b><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"> God willing.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">We received such warm greetings from the President of China. There are also several polar opinions on China, including from the people who have the expert knowledge and influence and who study the matter.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Some say that no, China is being careful and will not offer us a hand directly because that may damage its own interests. They give examples. For example, that Huawei stores are already closing in Moscow.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Others say that of course not, cooperation with Russia is in China’s core interests because a multipolar world is another core interest of China. A world where Russia is strangled or at least significantly weakened has fewer and fewer chances to achieve the multipolarity that many, China in the first place and Russia too, would very much prefer.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">In your opinion, what is happening and will happen in our relationship with China?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana;"><b><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Vladimir Putin:</span></b><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"> You know, multi-polarity is not just something we would prefer. It is inevitable. And when I said that somebody is trying to freeze international relations at the stage where they were 30 years ago, just after the collapse of the Soviet Union, I said that people do not understand that moving forward is inevitable. New centres of power emerge. They are strong, dynamic and have great potential. Some may not like it. They may also not like China’s power. Let me remind you, China has become a number one economy in the world in terms of economic volume and purchasing power parity. It is a fact supported by statistics. Of course, a country with 1.5 billion people has a lower GDP per capita than, for example, the United States or European countries. But it is the biggest economy.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Considering the specifics of China’s economy, it means that the Chinese leadership can allocate enormous resources for promising areas of development, including science, education and culture. It is very important and creates huge development prospects for the country.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">The same is true of India. They also have about 1.5 billion people and a market economy. This country is developing very fast. Prime Minister Modi is a very progressive person who looks ahead to the future. Take other Asian countries such as Indonesia. Its population is over 300 million and, by the way, it has the largest number of Muslims in the world.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">African countries are making strides in economic development. Latin America is growing at a very fast pace. Yes, they do have problems there. But who does not? Problems are the hallmark of the emerging economies, but the potential is simply staggering and impossible not to see.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">So, multipolarity is unavoidable and those who cling to their imaginary global leadership are making a colossal mistake. This mistake will cost them dearly, I have no doubt about it. This is not a threat at all. This will simply happen as a matter of course.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">With regard to the People’s Republic of China and our relations with China, with Asian countries in general and with China, in particular, we did not start building them because of the events of recent years or months. We have been doing this because Asia, China, in particular, have clearly become new global centres of growth.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Everyone understands, sees and is aware of it. Just take a look at China's GDP growth rates. Yes, lately they have a little bit … They used to be 7 or more percent, now they are down to 5, but it does not really matter, since an adjustment was clearly inevitable. But they are absolute leaders, you see?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">What about the GDP growth in the United States in recent years? How much was it? I think 1.7 percent and even less in the eurozone. In Asia, though, it was 5 and more. Those are the global trends and we have been aligning our relations accordingly for many years now.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Our trade with China is US$140 billion and will keep growing. This year, it will probably hit a record high. Not because we have to do so because of the current political situation, but because this is an objective global picture.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">We find it interesting and beneficial to be partners with China, especially since we enjoy stable and trust-based political relations. I have excellent friendly personal relations with President Xi Jinping in the full sense of the word, which creates a good atmosphere for building ties between our countries. However, this does not mean that China should play along with us or support us every step of the way. We do not need this, after all.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">There are interests of the state. Just like us, the Chinese leadership is acting primarily out of its national interests, but our interests are not at odds with their interests, and that is what matters. When issues arise – and they always arise at the agency level in the course of work – the nature and quality of relations between our countries makes it possible for us to always find solutions. I am confident it will stay that way going forward.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana;"><b><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Margarita Simonyan:</span></b><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"> You spoke about freedom of entrepreneurship today and have mentioned it many times over the past years. You and people from the Government even made clear that entrepreneurship is what should keep us moving forward and help us withstand this burden and the blow of truly incredible sanctions that were designed to destroy us.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">The President of Kazakhstan also spoke about this quite recently. Let me quote you, “In the new and fair Kazakhstan, there will be no place for arbitrary police action, incompetent prosecutors or biased judges.” I am not sure how things are in Kazakhstan in this regard. I hope you will update us about this, too.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">I hate to break it to you, Mr President, but things are not too good in our country in this regard. You keep talking about it but following this discussion people will be talking about it and saying that the leader mentioned it again, but no one will hear him say that this time again. Reportedly, the number of businesspeople held in pre-trial detention centres on business-related charges has not decreased and is even growing, although you said many times not to do this. You know, it is as if we have some kind of a deep anti-state within our state. In America, they have a deep state, but we have some kind of an anti-state, which ignores your directions and then does what it pleases with the law. This is very sad.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Perhaps it can be eradicated with the use of tougher measures? Perhaps incarcerations on charges of this kind should be cancelled? I think many will agree that a few dozen of businesspeople evading criminal prosecution will cause less damage to our country than the system itself, which is protecting not society, but the interests of a group of dishonest people.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Vladimir Putin: This is a delicate sphere that I just spoke about. You are now speaking as an onlooker and in the interests of the business community, who are the majority in this audience. I understand these concerns. That is what I was talking about, that is why I was talking about it. But there is another side to it, namely, the interests of society and ordinary citizens who are also watching. When millions of people see illegal or unlawful actions perpetrated by the business community, they wonder why the state is not doing anything about it to protect ordinary citizens. Striking a balance is not that easy.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">By the way, you have just mentioned some pressure from Russia. I would like us to return to today’s reality. And what about our neighbours? No pressure from them? They robbed our entrepreneurs, took their property for no reason at all, punishing them for their activities, their work in Russia. This is sheer nonsense. Where are these principles of the inviolability of private property? Often sanctions and property withdrawal affect people who have nothing to do with the state or decision-making by national political leaders. They are simply individuals who worked honestly without violating the law either at home or abroad. Yet, their property was taken away. What is this? This is simply beyond the pale, contrary to common sense. They are biting the hand that feeds them. Frankly speaking, many people linked with the Western economies were in favour of developing relations with them without being conduits of Western interests. But now that they were deprived of everything, what support will they give? They will say: “Darn you!”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana;"><b><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Margarita Simonyan:</span></b><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"> When did you say this to them? You said in 2004: you will get sick of eating dust.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana;"><b><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Vladimir Putin:</span></b><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"> Yes, they will, while running from one office to another, upholding their rights. Unfortunately, this is what happened.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">What am I talking about? I am saying nothing like this happens here. Of course, we have problems or else I would not be talking about them. I keep saying and repeating that faced with the current difficulties we can respond effectively only by expanding freedom for people in general and businesses in particular. This also applies to the functioning of law-enforcement bodies. There is room for improvement here as well. This is why the most impressive example is the number of proceedings that were initiated but not brought to court. Why are cases started but fail to reach the court? Most likely, they were started to exert pressure on businesses. Does this problem exist? Of course, it does. Therefore, the main point is not to ignore this, and, most important, not to shut our eyes to this, and we are not going to. On the contrary, we are going to carefully cut red tape in the law-enforcement system, without infringing on the interests of society as a whole. We are going to make law-enforcement work for the interests of entire society, including the business community on which a lot depends today and which has shown its maturity, patriotism and efficient performance. I assure you this packaging and dyes will be made, in part, by Russian businesses. Aware of this, our state will certainly do all it can to support these people. And we will tailor accordingly the work of our law-enforcement bodies.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">To reiterate, there are dishonest people there as well, no question about it. Look at the number of dishonest law-enforcement officers behind bars. Work is underway to clean up their ranks as well.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">It is likewise important to finetune the regulatory framework in a way that will automatically preclude any excessive pressure from being exerted. This is what we will focus on. Rest assured, we understand this and will keep working on it.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">With regard to Kazakhstan, I am aware that President Tokayev is paying great attention to this as well. We have discussed these matters many times. It is no coincidence that – although, frankly, I am not really supportive of this – many Russian IT specialists go to work in Kazakhstan because the terms are good. We will follow Kazakhstan’s example in this regard.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana;"><b><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Margarita Simonyan:</span></b><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"> To bring them back.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana;"><b><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Kassym-Jomart Tokayev:</span></b><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"> Thank you for the compliment.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Indeed, we are putting in place the best possible working terms and conditions for our Russian colleagues and friends who come to work. I suppose this is not permanent. Perhaps, in time they will go back to Russia, but in any case, this is where we should stand together. It goes without saying that it is impossible to say no to people who, for any reason whatsoever, decided to come to work in our country.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Answering your question on law-enforcement system reform, I fully agree with President Putin that it is a complicated effort and a challenging issue to deal with. It is impossible to resolve this problem overnight, but we must work to get there, because people see injustice which gives rise to social depression.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">That is why I resolved to create a special commission charged with returning state property, assets that were illegally privatised using administrative and political resources.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">In addition, I have set up a commission led by the Prosecutor-General, which will work to return financial resources that had been illegally taken out of the country. I know this is going to be a challenge, since we will need to comply with numerous procedures. However, there is no way around it.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">With regard to reforming the law-enforcement system, in September, I will announce a new package of judicial reforms. This is a pressing issue, at least for Kazakhstan.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">The police service reform, the so-called three-tier service model, is underway, but it is a bumpy process. However, I believe that eventually we will succeed. The political will and the support of the people are of paramount importance. With our society wanting and supporting this reform, I think we will be successful. Earlier models may have served their purpose in the past, but we need new approaches now.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">We acted with uncertainty in our law-enforcement system reform efforts leaning either towards humanitarian, drawing on European experience, or towards toughening things up. That is, there was no clear understanding of what we want to accomplish in the end.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana;"><b><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Margarita Simonyan:</span></b><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"> Where do you stand now?<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana;"><b><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Kassym-Jomart Tokayev:</span></b><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"> We are now following the golden middle that is clearly based on the needs of our people who want to see police as reliable protection and, most importantly, incorruptible officers.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Again, this is a challenging task. Please understand that I do not intend to declare great concepts and then forget about them the next day. This must be done.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">With regard to China, President Putin spoke very interestingly about that country. I am a trained Sinologist, and I am well aware of the wisdom that President Xi Jinping expressed today that every opportunity hides risk, and every risk hides an opportunity, and taken together this is called a crisis. The word “crisis” is made of two hieroglyphs; I still remember how to write them: the first hieroglyph stands for danger, and the second hieroglyph stands for opportunity. In every crisis there is danger, but there is also opportunity. I think we need to proceed on this premise.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana;"><b><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Margarita Simonyan:</span></b><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"> Thank you, this is very interesting.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana;"><b><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Kassym-Jomart Tokayev:</span></b><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"> By the way, you mentioned Huawei. I spent almost eight years in China, and I had the opportunity to visit that company when it was just starting out in the Haidian Qu District. I still remember the company taking up just three rooms. Back then, no one believed it would become a global company, but it did.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">What do I think constitutes China’s success? First, they have managed to build a concept very pragmatically, thanks to Deng Xiaoping, that is, he imposed the capitalist way of production on a socialist foundation and called it socialism with Chinese specifics. This is first.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Second, of course, they realised the importance of high technology in time, and this is where they have achieved great success. They moved towards this gradually: at first, they produced essential goods, sold them abroad, earned money, brought it back to China, and invested this money in the development of technologies, including the acquisition of these technologies in various ways abroad, as former US President Trump said; he was offended by the Chinese. But in fact, they have achieved great success precisely in the technological sphere and set the task at the last party congress to turn the entire country into a cyberpower. I think this is where the secret of their success lies: the right choice of priority.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana;"><b><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Vladimir Putin:</span></b><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"> Do you see this? You spoke about protecting the interests of entrepreneurs, the entrepreneur community.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana;"><b><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Margarita Simonyan:</span></b><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"> That is what you said, Mr President, there at the stand.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Vladimir Putin: Good. My Kazakhstani colleague was just talking about returning illegally exported capital from abroad. It was taken illegally, and now the state is taking it back. Our entrepreneurs, in any case many of them, took their capital abroad legally, and they have been robbed there, do you understand? So, what is the conclusion? What I said in my speech: you need to invest at home, in your home country. And our task is to ensure the safety of these investments. We will do so.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana;"><b><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Margarita Simonyan:</span></b><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"> Do you remember how, it seems, in response to the Poles you said long ago that they needed to think about home, about home.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana;"><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Mr President, when you say, “Is it better there?”, you do not mean that someone here thinks that it is better there. It seems to me that now only a clinical idiot or a glaring hypocrite can believe that the very values </span><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"></span><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">and</span><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana;"> </span><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">principles that we were fed as</span><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana;"> </span><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">the</span><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana;"> </span><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">only possible ones are practiced there: the</span><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana;"> </span><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">freedom of</span><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana;"> </span><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">speech, the</span><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana;"> </span><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">freedom of</span><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana;"> </span><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">ownership. I</span><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana;"> </span><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">say this as</span><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana;"> </span><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">the</span><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana;"> </span><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">editor-in-chief of</span><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana;"> </span><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">RT and Sputnik, which they closed in a single day. And today they have approved the extradition of Assange, who will be imprisoned in America for 175 years, and he will die in prison.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">It is hard for me to say, because he is our former employee, he hosted a show on our channel, and he is a great journalist, in fact. He will be put in prison for his journalistic activities. So what freedom of ownership are we talking about? There, everything with simple freedom to life and freedom of speech turned out to be completely different from what we believed in the 1990s. But we are not there, we are here.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">I would like to close this subject by asking you about the administrative “guillotine.” If you recall, the Medvedev government introduced it. As a result, we do have administrations, many of them, but there is no guillotine. The rules that many inspectorates are guided by often date back to the 1960s or 1970s. They are simply irrelevant sometimes and can no longer be enforced. They must have been important at some point, I am sure. They protected the rights of consumers, anyone, everyday people, the things that you are talking about, this is certainly important. Of course, we cannot let things go unsupervised. We’ll end up with one fire after another like at the Zimnyaya Vishnya trade centre in Kemerovo, God forbid. Things will burn down like this. There are many dishonest people.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">However, I believe we need to bring these rules up to code. Mr President, you are known as a good surgeon. When are you going to take this scalpel in your hand?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">I will give you an example. We had 33 inspections last year, despite all these bans, 33. The things they come to inspect are ludicrous. I do not want to complain, but you know, it’s the way they come to inspect.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Vladimir Putin: If it weren’t for this administrative guillotine, that Mr Medvedev spoke about when he was President, you would have had 133 inspections instead of 33.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana;"><b><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Margarita Simonyan:</span></b><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"> That could well be the case, I agree.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana;"><b><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Vladimir Putin</span></b><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">: That is exactly what it would be like, meaning that the guillotine is working. Vast numbers, thousands of outdated rules have been repealed. Margarita, you are wrong, most have really been repealed and are not applicable anymore. I am sure if we gave the businesspeople in this audience a chance to speak, they would confirm this.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">However, many would support you, because, indeed, not all has been done in this regard. That is why I said today that all inspections must be suspended. There is no need to run around doing inspections. Only businesses that pose a risk should be inspected. In other words, inspectors should go only to businesses that may pose a threat to peoples’ lives and health, and do everything else remotely, monitor operations, and create an environment where the business community will not be tempted to break the rules. It turns out that this is possible. So, we have accomplished a lot on this track, but we will not stop; we’ll continue to move forward.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana;"><b><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Margarita Simonyan:</span></b><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"> Thank you.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">The whole world was expecting to see our economy torn to shreds. Not all the world, but the portion which, in fact, represents a smaller part of the world. As a reminder, 83 percent of the global population lives in countries that support us, or at least have not joined the sanctions.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">So, they have failed to see our economy in this condition. The fabric that our economy is made of turns out to be stronger than they expected and too tough for them. We all watched with delight the almost instant steps taken by the Government.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">I was hard on the administrative guillotine and the like, but it is impossible not to praise the way it was done, especially early on, when indeed, it was impossible to imagine that we would not have a surge in inflation like they said, and that there would be no such thing as dollar to 200 rubles when they closed the airspace, and our Ministry of Transport closed the airspace to them the very next day at lightning speed.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">That is, I have a sense that everything is working, God willing, more or less at the end of a tether, in the good sense of the word. That is, we did not hear anyone say anything like “we could have done it but did not have enough time” or “we hoped that things would miraculously take care of themselves.” There is no sense of this at all.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">But the question is: is it not time to look at the system itself from a different angle? What I mean is that you suggested an interesting idea today that it was important not just to substitute imports, but to break new ground to force them to catch up with us. If I understood you correctly, this concerns technology and the manufacturing industry. Perhaps, it also applies to the economic model as such?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Look, here is the market. All these years they have been telling us things about the market and capitalism, but now they are looking at it from a different perspective. Today, at the VEB session, they were saying that capitalism, in the “grab and run” sense of the word is history, and that entrepreneurs need to change their approaches to the place they call home and think more about it.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">There is another group of analysts who say that, oddly enough, the state should be more involved in the economic processes, because, say, Elon Musk would not have gotten to where he is now if he were just a free entrepreneur. He operates on orders from the Pentagon, and he is a free entrepreneur as much as the BBC is independent television channel.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">People are saying that perhaps the state should regulate new industries more tightly. That way, we will see an entirely new economic model come to life.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">What do you think of this?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana;"><b><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Vladimir Putin:</span></b><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"> I spoke about this publicly at an online international event and made clear that the old capitalist system’s models centred on making profit have run their course.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">The world has entered a phase where it is necessary to and everyone has to think not only about this, because if we continue like that into the future, the world will become highly unbalanced and threats will build up. This is the problem and the challenge of our time. So, in order to maintain this balance, we need to change our ways, balancing and paying attention to each and every component that may upset this balance.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">This is true of the current situation, for example, with food and fertilisers and so on. If the world’s largest economies keep vacuuming up the goods, including food products, from the global market and take them home, then problems will accrue.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">This may lead to more than famine. This will lead to new migration flows that will overwhelm, are already overwhelming the United States, among other countries. Whether they want to build a wall on the border with Mexico or not, the flows are still there and are not subsiding. The former and current presidents can do as much infighting as they want, but migrant flows are still there. If, God forbid, Africa gets hit by famine, economic migration to Europe will increase.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">What are we supposed to do with this? The solution is very simple. All you need to do is put an end to the style of international relations where you think only about your beloved self. That is all there is to it. If this continues as it is, it will give rise to complex and severe problems. So, of course, we need to adopt a different governance and regulation model. This is a complex process, but I think that eventually the international community will come to realise this.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">With regard to us, I have already made clear that being part of the general paradigm, the main movement and the global trend, we must prioritise what my colleague from Kazakhstan, the President of Kazakhstan, pointed out: we must focus primarily on economic growth based on technological development, as well as innovative economic management and socio-political models. Then, we will be able to provide leadership in the areas where we have competencies.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana;"><b><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Margarita Simonyan:</span></b><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"> Thank you.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">President Tokayev, do you also believe that a crucial change, as President Putin said, in economic management, that is, the international economic model as, again, President Putin said, is unavoidable?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Do you think it is unavoidable?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana;"><b><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Kassym-Jomart Tokayev:</span></b><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"> I think that life itself is dictating that need. On the other hand, I agree with what the President of the Russian Federation had to say about the impossibility of self-isolation and actual absence of the need to self-isolate.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">After all, I am a supporter of international cooperation, be it political or, even more so, investment, trade and economic cooperation. I covered this in my remarks today.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">If things do not work out in one place, you should try another, because this is what the world is like. It is absolutely impossible to pursue a policy of self-reliance. Indeed, unadulterated import substitution does not exist. We need to look for opportunities on other markets and interact with each other.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">To follow up on China, China is a critically important market for Kazakhstan. We have a common border of over 2,000 kilometres long that unites us. Everything that we produce, raw materials or finished products such as chocolate or vegetable oil, are very popular with Chinese consumers.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">We value our relationship with the People's Republic of China. It is a reliable partner, no matter what they say about China in today’s world.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana;"><b><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Margarita Simonyan:</span></b><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"> Who is saying bad things about China?<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana;"><b><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Kassym-Jomart Tokayev:</span></b><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"> Well, you know that better than I.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">So, from the perspective of regional cooperation, not to mention global aspects, we are not supportive of self-isolation but we are in favour of working with each other and being open to opportunities.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">It is very difficult to survive alone. Of course, Russia has many more opportunities, because the economy is relatively large, and the country is large. Frankly, we have fewer opportunities, although the potential of Kazakhstan’s economy is quite significant. In any case, our economy is larger than the economies of other Central Asian countries combined.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">We are not taking this for granted and are keeping ourselves in shape. We remain in a state of alert, because achieving success and then losing ground can happen very fast. So, with global competition all around us, we need to be in shape at all times. This is exactly what Kazakhstan is trying to accomplish.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana;"><b><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Margarita Simonyan:</span></b><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"> Thank you.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">We are on track to our next issue, Ukraine. Probably, not a single discussion can go without Ukraine now, but before I ask you my question, Mr President, I, as they say on television, would like to take this opportunity to remind everyone of a meeting that took place a year ago with you and editors-in-chief of the Russian media outlets. The transcript was published. My colleagues and I had just returned from Donetsk and what we saw weighed heavily on us. We asked you whether Russia was going to help those weary people who looked at us with much hope, since they had no one else to pin their hopes on.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">We were heavily stressed by what we saw and then you said: “Don't worry, Margarita. We will not let Donbass down.” There are many people, thankfully, not so many, but still some are saying that they are ashamed of being Russian. You know, we were ashamed back then, but we are no longer ashamed. Of course, occasionally we feel stressed, anxious and scared – not because of the sanctions – I am sure we will cope with them too – but because people are dying. But we are no longer ashamed.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">I just wanted, on behalf of my colleagues and on behalf of millions of people who share these feelings, to thank you for that. (Applause.) You see, people really share my feeling. I did not ask them to clap their hands. Thank you very much.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Now, the question is: what should we be afraid of? You are probably aware of what the majority of people in our country are afraid of now in connection with these developments. It is the same thing that people in the liberated territories are afraid of. People are afraid that we will abandon them and leave.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">We will not leave, will we?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana;"><b><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Vladimir Putin:</span></b><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"> I will start with the first part of your remark.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">You say that some people are saying they are ashamed of being from Russia. You know who should be ashamed – the people who do not tie their fate and their lives, the fate of their children, with our country. Not just ashamed. They simply do not want to have problems in the regions where they want to live and want their children to be brought up and live. This is a separate group of people.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Sensible people who tie their fate and the fate of their family with Russia may be worried about the ongoing events, but deep down want Russia to become stronger, more confident and more sovereign, and to be confident about its future. Anyone who wants their children to live here cannot think otherwise. That is what this is all about. So, ashamed or not ashamed are different categories altogether.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">With regard to ongoing developments, hostilities are always a tragedy. These are just forced actions on our part, inevitably forced, that is what it is all about. We were just pulled to this line. I have to remind everyone how it all happened. No matter what previous pro-Western governments in Ukraine were, we worked just fine with all of them. Mr Yushchenko and Ms Tymoshenko were absolutely pro-Western leaders.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">The civilisational choice. Pardon my language, but what kind of civilisational choice are they blabbering about? They stole money from the Ukrainian people, hid it in the banks and just want to protect it. And the best way to protect it is to say that this is a civilisational choice. They began to pursue an anti-Russian policy in hopes that whatever they do, their money would be protected there. No doubt, this is what happening. They get away with anything. This is the whole point of this civilisational choice.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Why stage a coup in Ukraine in 2014? That is what got everything going. Three foreign ministers from three European countries – Germany, France and Poland – came to Ukraine to attend, as guarantors, the ceremony for signing agreements between then President Yanukovych and the opposition. I got a call from President Obama, “Let’s get things to quiet down there.” – “Let’s.” A day later, a coup took place. Why stage a coup at a time where the opposition could have come to power in a democratic way? Go to the polls and win… No, for whatever reason they had to stage a bloody coup. This is how it all started.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Now, they are saying: let’s forget it. No, we will always remember it, because this is the reason. The reason is the people who made this coup possible. What were the guarantors who signed the agreement between President Yanukovych and the opposition supposed to do? There was a coup, whereas they guaranteed a peaceful process. What were they supposed to do? They should have come and said something like “guys, that will not do. Get back on the normal political track and go to the polls.” Instead, they started handing out cookies in the squares and supporting the coup. What for?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">That triggered the events in Crimea. They chose not to respect the choice made by the Crimean people, and the first volley of sanctions on Russia followed. They carried out two, even three large-scale military operations in Donbass, shooting at civilians for eight long years with no one paying attention. Kiev refused to comply with the Minsk agreements, and it was fine with some people. That is what caused the situation at hand. That is why it all happened.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">In addition, they started creating an anti-Russian foothold in Ukraine. How about we create an anti-American foothold on the borders with the United States, say, in Mexico? Do you know what will happen next? For some reason, it never even occurs to anyone to do something like that in the United States. At some point, we even removed our military bases from Cuba. You see, no one is even looking at it and does not want to look. Meanwhile, they are creating such threats for us. We told them a hundred times, a thousand times: let’s talk. But no.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Why such a position? Where does this dismissive stance towards everyone, including us, come from? Does it come from the imaginary greatness that gradually developed after the collapse of the Soviet Union? We are aware of that.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">With regard to what we are going to do next, we are going to protect the interests of the people for whom our soldiers are fighting there, getting wounded and dying. This is the only way. What is the point of these sacrifices otherwise?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">We will support the residents of these territories. In the end, the future of the people who live there is up to them to decide. We will respect any choice they make.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana;"><b><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Margarita Simonyan:</span></b><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"> Thank you.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">In fact, as you probably know, this special operation has rallied our society in an amazing way – for normal people in a way that was expected, and for those who are ashamed, and even more so for their sponsors and inspirers – in an unexpected way.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Maybe you are being told the figures of support and trust in you personally, about the movement that has risen now. People want to help: both humanitarian aid and let's help the troops of the DPR, the LPR, and ask if our army needs anything, and just help people, shelter someone. Moscow, the Moscow Region, they need trucks to carry the stuff people collect. And it is the same in other regions too. Military correspondents send all sorts of things there, from copters to, I don't know, mittens if they know that someone needs something somewhere in the battalion. Of course, this is astonishing to see, we have not seen anything like it, we have only read about such deeds in books, about the unity of our society in difficult times for our country.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">And yet, sometimes you get the feeling, especially in Moscow, that we are living in the final scene of Bernard Shaw's play Heartbreak House, where they are talking and discussing family matters and then at the very end, at the very last minute, bombs fall from the sky and World War I suddenly begins.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Both in Moscow and beyond, and even more so in the West, people are increasingly saying, just pronouncing the words 'nuclear war', 'World War Three'. We understand that this is not the first, not the second, not the third special operation, that it is not ours, but in general is going on in the world over the past few years. Our so-called partners are carrying out special operations and waging wars wherever they want, for any reason and without one. No one has ever said that the situation in Libya or somewhere else, in Afghanistan, in Syria, could lead to World War III. But they are talking about it now.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Do you think this rhetoric is acceptable? Does it have any grounds or is it just talk – the louder, the better to be heard?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana;"><b><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Vladimir Putin:</span></b><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"> Of course, we can hear such rhetoric. Where does it come from? It comes from their own statements. One irresponsible politician blurts out something, and another one follows suit at a very high level. For example, top foreign ministry officials talk profusely on this subject.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Are we going to keep silent? We reply accordingly. Following our reply, they start finding fault with us and saying that Russia is making threats.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">We are not threatening anyone. However, everyone should know what resources we have, and what we will use, if need be, to defend our sovereignty. This is an obvious thing.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">What special operations are you talking about? They unleashed full-scale wars there.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana;"><b><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Margarita Simonyan:</span></b><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"> Of course.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana;"><b><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Vladimir Putin:</span></b><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"> They virtually destroyed Iraq. They came …<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana;"><b><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Margarita Simonyan:</span></b><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"> And what about Libya?<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana;"><b><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Vladimir Putin:</span></b><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"> Libya has still not been able to restore its statehood. How many years did they fight in Afghanistan?<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana;"><b><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Margarita Simonyan</span></b><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">: Their withdrawal was also shameful.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana;"><b><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Vladimir Putin:</span></b><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"> It wasn’t just shameful. We must admit openly that it was an inglorious withdrawal.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">This is not even the main thing. Most importantly, everything unfolded in line with their wishes, and not the way it should have. In many cases, including the dismembering of Yugoslavia, new countries and new interests emerged after the country ceased to exist. Of course, there were many internal disagreements; this is obvious. However, they helped aggravate these disagreements. Later, they started pushing Kosovo away from Serbia, and so on. It is hard to understand why that was necessary.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Speaking of our actions … By the way, what is the legal aspect of this case? It completely tallies with international law. When Kosovo was seceding, the International Court of Justice ruled, under the pressure of Western countries, that, according to the UN Charter, when any territory secedes from a state, its administration does not need to request permission to do so from central authorities. The International Court of Justice adopted this generalised decision with regard to Kosovo, but it also has broader connotations and sets a precedent. All right, in that case, the Donbass republics do not need to request permission from the authorities in Kiev. They declared independence. Did we have the right to recognise them? Of course, we did. We recognised them and signed a treaty on mutual assistance. We are providing them with military assistance under this treaty and Article 51 of the UN Charter. Did we have this right? We did, in full compliance with the UN Charter, whether anyone likes it or not. They did this themselves, they set a precedent. Consequently, our actions are absolutely legitimate.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">However, the start of hostilities in Iraq did not have this status because no one there had invited anyone, and they did not sign any treaties with anyone. Nor did anyone recognise any newly-established state entities. They simply came and bombed out the country. They did the same in Libya. Why did they do it? They did it because, as I have already said, they appointed themselves the Almighty’s representatives on Earth.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Now we hear: behave or live by the rules. What rules? Who invented these rules and all this nonsense? There is only one rule that must be obeyed – international public law. What is it? It is agreements between countries that are a sort of compromise, which are signed by respective states. If someone invented these rules to enforce them on other countries, they will never work, it is obvious.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">We proceed from the fact that sooner or later, and the sooner the better, the international community will again understand that one must live in accordance with international law, and not with some made-up rules. This is the way we are ready to work.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana;"><b><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Margarita Simonyan:</span></b><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"> Mr Tokayev, I understand that my next question is difficult and there can be many answers, but I have to ask your opinion about our special operation, its inevitability, as we believe here, and its legitimacy. What do you think and what do people in Kazakhstan think about it?<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana;"><b><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Kassym-Jomart Tokayev:</span></b><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"> There are different opinions on it in Kazakhstan. Our civil society is open and mature, so people voice different opinions.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">But I would like to note the following: the current international law is outlined in the UN Charter. The two main principles of the Charter have come into contradiction with each other: the territorial integrity of a state and the right of a nation to self-determination. The founding fathers of the United Nations probably did not consider this factor, or perhaps deliberately included these two contradictory principles in the Charter as a compromise.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Of course, since they contradict each other, there are different interpretations. Some say that the territorial integrity of a state is sacred, while others believe that any people that are part of a state have the right to form their own state and can break away from the main state in accordance with their wishes.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Actually, it was calculated that if all nations in the world use their right to self-determination, there will be over 500 or 600 states instead of 193 that are members of the UN today.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">That would be chaos. And for that reason, we do not recognise Taiwan, Kosovo, South Ossetia and Abkhazia. And this principle will be used towards the quasi-state territories such as Lugansk and Donetsk, as we believe them to be. This is an honest answer to your honest question.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana;"><b><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Margarita Simonyan:</span></b><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"> Yes, thank you for your honesty.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Mr President, before coming here, I asked my subscribers on social media about the questions they would like to ask you. Two theses won by a wide margin: one is a question, and the other one is a wish.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">First, I would like to convey to you my subscribers’ wishes of good health and energy and all the best. This wish ranked first on the list of questions they would like to ask you.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Second is a question that is impossible not to ask. Look, Donetsk is being pounded every day. This week, they attacked the maternity hospital. Our film crew later captured these women on video as they were giving birth in a basement by a caesarean section. They also hit a farmers’ market killing a mother and her 11-year-old son. In this regard, people have the following question. Of course, we are slapping them on the hands for doing so, but is it not time to punch them in the jaw? What exactly do you have in mind when you talk about the red line, after which the decision-making centres will come under attack? This is what a punch to the jaw is all about, as far as I understand.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana;"><b><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Vladimir Putin:</span></b><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"> Look, we are talking about a special military operation, and when conducting it we must not turn the cities and towns that we liberate into a semblance of Stalingrad.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana;"><b><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Margarita Simonyan:</span></b><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"> Of course, not.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana;"><b><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Vladimir Putin:</span></b><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"> This consideration comes naturally in our military planning. This is my first point.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Second, the absolutely senseless attacks on the residential areas of Donetsk stem from the fact that the line of demarcation created eight years ago is a strong fortified area. The local residents, the units manned by residents of Donetsk and Lugansk, are fighting there. They are fighting very well, excellently. However, military experts believe that assaulting these fortified areas is not a good idea even despite the ongoing attacks on the city, because this will result in heavy casualties among the attacking forces.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">So, their tactics are different, as you can see. This can be seen on the map and in the media. In fact, methodical work is underway to get behind those fortified areas. This, of course, will take time. The counter-battery activities are underway and will undoubtedly increase, since our advantage in artillery is overwhelming, and this will happen inevitably.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">With regard to the red lines, let me keep this to myself, because on our part it will include fairly tough actions targeted at the decision-making centres that you and I mentioned. Still, the country’s military-political leadership should be in the lead on making those decisions. The individuals who deserve actions of that level coming their way from us should realise what they may be facing if they cross these lines.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">The attacks on residential areas are, of course, a crime against humanity. This is a humanitarian problem, which I am sure will be overcome.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana;"><b><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Margarita Simonyan:</span></b><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"> Thank you.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">We were told yesterday that the EU will allegedly fast-track Ukraine’s membership: three European leaders visited Kiev, got scared by an air raid siren and said that the EU will give Ukraine “immediate” candidate status. So how will it affect us – in a bad way, in a good way, or is it all the same?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">President Tokayev, I also want to ask you whether you believe it will bring peace and stability to your country, the EAEU and the world in general, or the opposite?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><b>Vladimir Putin:</b> Unlike NATO, the European Union is not a military organisation or a military-political bloc. So we have always said, and I have always said that our position is consistent and clear: we have no objections. It is a sovereign decision of any country whether it wants to join an economic association and it is for the economic association to decide whether it accepts new members.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">The EU member states should decide for themselves whether this decision is possible and expedient for the Union. Whether it will benefit Ukraine or not is also a concern only of the Ukrainian people and the country’s leadership.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">The structure of the Ukrainian economy requires very large subsidies and support. If Ukraine fails to protect its domestic market it will completely turn into a semi-colony, in my opinion. But at the same time, it will receive significant support for current expenses. It is unlikely that it will revive the lost industries such as aircraft engineering, shipbuilding, electronic manufacturing and other crucial sectors, because the European giants will not want to create competition. Maybe there will be some assembly plants. But again, that is none of our business.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">But we have never been against it. We have always been against any military membership because it would threaten our security. As for economic integration, it is their choice.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana;"><b><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Margarita Simonyan:</span></b><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"> And what would you say?<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana;"><b><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Kassym-Jomart Tokayev:</span></b><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"> It is unlikely that Ukraine’s joining the European Union will harm the Eurasian Economic Union in any way.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">However, I can hardly imagine how the process will take place. The EU has very strict requirements and Ukraine’s economy is currently in a deplorable state. Maybe there is some special programme for Ukraine.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">But what is happening with that country evokes very sad associations. Moreover, we remember that in Soviet times, Ukraine was the granary of the Soviet Union, an industrially developed republic and, after all, the supplier of personnel for the Kremlin.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana;"><b><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Margarita Simonyan:</span></b><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"> My native Krasnodar Territory will take offence for “granary.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana;"><b><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Kassym-Jomart Tokayev:</span></b><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"> After all, all former Soviet leaders were from Ukraine, we remember this well.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">But unfortunately, times change. We are now seeing the new reality, which I have spoken about.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">So, getting back to your question about the European Union: a decision has been made to help Ukraine become a member state.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">As the President of Russia put it, it is an economic union, and if it sees fit to accept Ukraine, then, of course, we should accept it as a reality.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana;"><b><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Margarita Simonyan:</span></b><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"> Thank you.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana;"><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Vladimir Putin:</span></b><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"> I have written and stated publicly
before that over the past decades Ukraine sent down the drain
everything that was created in the preceding decades. The main
industries and economic sectors ceased to exist. This is very sad.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">The main point is not the current military
situation and our special military operation in Donbass.
The problem lies with the structure of the economy
in Ukraine. Its agriculture still survives, but everything else is
in a deplorable state, and so its rehabilitation capability is
very small, very weak. It will take billions, tens of billions
of dollars in investment to normalise life there.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Look, tough sanctions, to put it mildly, have
been adopted against us. Our Central Bank had to raise the key rate
to 20 percent, but it has recently been lowered to 9.5 percent
and continues to go down. Inflation in Russia spiked to 17.8
percent, but it is down to 16.7 percent now and the downward
trend continues.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Margarita Simonyan:</span></b><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"> Someone mentioned the possibility
of a deflationary spiral at the forum today.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Vladimir Putin: Yes, experts are aware
of this risk, and we should keep this in mind, because
the inflation rate was 0.17 percent over the past months, as far
as I know, which means that it tends towards zero and we must
consider the possibility of deflation. On the other hand,
the ruble has strengthened.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Margarita Simonyan: Which is not considered good
either. They say the dollar should equal 70 rubles.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Vladimir Putin:</span></b><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"> 70–75 rubles.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">This is clear to those who specialise
in economics. This is bad for importers. If they sell products worth
$1,000 and the dollar is worth between 80 and 70 rubles, they
will cash in 75,000 rubles. But if the exchange rate is 56.60 rubles,
as it is now, they will receive less in rubles, and they must
use rubles at home. This is unprofitable for importers but probably
good for exporters. With this dollar/ruble exchange rate, there is
a risk of shoddy imports. In short, there are both pros
and cons in this situation.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Anyway, Russia’s economic viability turned out
to be much higher than our so-called “friends” thought. This is primarily
the result of the stable macroeconomic policy we pursued over
the past years. We are supporting the main economic sectors. We are
aware of problems with supply chains and component parts. We expect
other problems to surface and to grow. We are realistic about
this.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">But such sectors as agriculture have grown
by 3.2 percent over the past four months. The rate was 2.3
percent in January, and the figure is 3.2 percent now.
The construction sector showed an increment of nearly 8 percent
in April, or more precisely 7.9 percent, and the overall
increase since the beginning of the year is 5.8 percent,
as far as I remember.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Margarita Simonyan:</span></b><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"> In construction?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Vladimir Putin:</span></b><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"> Yes.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Margarita Simonyan:</span></b><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"> But they say the market has plunged, that
nobody is buying real estate.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Vladimir Putin:</span></b><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"> No, this is the figure
for the first four months of the year in construction.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Other sectors reported a decrease, like
the automobile industry and metallurgy. Some experts say that they
were oversized, which should be taken into account. But they are still active
industries, active enterprises.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">We also wish economic health to our neighbours,
despite all current problems.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Can EU accession provide a new impetus
to developing key sectors in Ukraine? I do not know.
The people of Ukraine are certainly talented, and they have
impressive potential.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">We assume that the situation will return
to normal, sooner or later. We are interested in seeing all our
neighbours prosper, and we will then inevitably restore our relations.
I want to underscore the word “inevitably” here.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Today, we are transiting our gas via Ukrainian
territory, and, by the way, Ukraine receives transit payments.
Everyone is telling us to expand transit volumes and, consequently,
payments to Ukraine. This seems completely illogical and comical.
Why? Because they do not want to pay Ukraine. They want us to pay.
This has been going on for decades. That is the reason why.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">What can we say in this connection? Are there
more pros or cons there? I now find it hard to say. Let
the people in Ukraine and the European Union decide.
However, they do not want to pay, nobody wants to pay.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Margarita Simonyan:</span></b><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"> As always, Mr President. The world is
made that way: nobody wants to pay. Moreover, relations in our world
are fluid and fleeting, and they change rapidly.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Speaking of restoring relations, let us recall
what relations we have …<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Vladimir Putin:</span></b><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"> Do you know what the problem is? When did
the problem of 2014 and the coup in Ukraine emerge?
This happened because former President Viktor Yanukovich said that he needed
to think about the principles for Ukraine’s association with
the EU.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Why? If you open and read specific principles
and requirements for Ukraine’s association, you will see that they
are completely excessive. At that time, they wiped out
the foundations of all the main production sectors. They simply
opened up Ukraine’s customs borders to relatively cheap
and high-quality goods from EU countries, but businesspersons would have
been unable to raise their heads and work. This is exactly what
happened. Yanukovich did not say that he did not want to join the EU;
he said that he needed to think and work on these parameters. </span><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">“No,
immediately, right away.”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">We can see the result. I repeat,
the entire aircraft manufacturing industry has been lost completely. Who
needs the Ukrainian aircraft manufacturing industry? Add to this
the engine manufacturing industry. Motor Sich used to make
all aircraft engines. Who needs them except Russia? Nobody needs them. Does
Boeing need Ukrainian rivals? Do you understand that this is nonsense?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Margarita Simonyan</span></b><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">: They say that everyone needs Ukrainian neon.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Vladimir Putin:</span></b><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"> But for the Carpathian forests, all
their mountains will soon be stripped bare. But for wheat and corn,
I assure you that no one needs anything else from Ukraine. This is
a very subtle aspect.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Given the current conditions, let them do what
they want. Hooray, hooray, full speed ahead! This is none of our business.
However, there are many problems.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Margarita Simonyan:</span></b><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"> Yes, and about relations – you said they
will be restored.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Relations are a fluid thing: remember 20 years
ago, we had tensions inside our country with the Chechen Republic.
And look where we are now – the Chechen people are side
by side with us here; we see all this. That is how quickly things change,
I mean.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Relations aside, if you look at this more
globally – this definitely is going to end someday, but will
the world become safer as a result? And will we be more
secure? Actually, there is a danger that, when this is over, we will be
bordering on – whether the border is in Kiev
or in Poland, wherever it is by that time – we will border
on a more embittered, stronger and more fortified NATO. Will it
be safer for us? Or, because we have ascertained, as you said today,
that it is impossible to reach any agreement with them, and they
can’t even be trusted to comply with past agreements, we have just stopped
caring? Are we simply, as you recently said, returning what is ours?
By the way, it was the first time in my memory that
you said this publicly, and I know a lot of people who
really wanted to hear it from you.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Vladimir Putin:</span></b><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"> First of all, this is all true. I said
it publicly and am not holding anything back – what was
the Soviet Union? It was the historical Russia. Well, what happened?
It ceased to exist. And – I want to emphasise this –
we have always respected the processes of emerging sovereignty that
took place in post-Soviet countries in recent history.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Look, we have allied, even fraternal, relations with
Kazakhstan; we are members of a defence bloc – the CSTO,
and members of an economic association. Who in Russia can
even think of spoiling relations with Kazakhstan over any issues? That is
nonsense, isn’t it? We are interested in strengthening such relations.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">We would have treated Ukraine the same way. Look,
if we had an allied, neighbourly relationship, or just
a partnership, no one would have thought of it.
And by the way, there would be no problem with Crimea either,
because if Ukraine had respected the rights of the people who
live there, the Russian-speaking population, the Russian language
and culture, this would never have occurred to anyone, don’t you see?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">The current situation is of their own making.
This nationalism of theirs – something the party chiefs
cherished there in Soviet times, by the way – eventually
began to gain momentum with every day once they gained sovereignty. Every
day, despite our massive support and the amounts of energy
resources supplied at bargain prices – we were as good
as subsidising Ukraine’s economy – their nationalism continued
to grow. Why were they doing that? What were they hoping to gain? No
idea. Just the ambitions of a bunch of people, you know,
some Bandera followers. That's it.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">If we had normal relations, there would be nothing
like this, nothing like this tragedy, I assure you. </span><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">But
we did not do it.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">As concerns the future, you know that, first
of all, we are ready to build relationships with everybody, despite
the current events. And secondly, the army
and the navy can be the only guarantors of our security.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><b>Margarita Simonyan:</b> Our only allies, as we
remember.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Mr President, it is not a pleasant thought but
still: why is it so difficult for us to deal with exes? It is always
difficult with exes. But specifically with Ukraine. Is it only because Ukraine,
like Adam Kozlevich, was “swindled by Catholic priests,” and has been
for a long time, or is there a blunder on our side,
too?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">I would like to address this question
to President Tokayev as well: do you feel that Russia could have
shown greater care or whatever the right word is?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">This question is for both presidents. I am
not only talking about today but about the past years in general.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><b>Vladimir Putin:</b> First of all, as you
have just said, we are returning what is ours. Historically, of course.
Let us say, the entire Black Sea region. We are not actually laying claims
to its entirety. However, it is a fact. Where did Novorossiya come
from? This region was acquired through several wars with the Ottoman
Empire. What does Ukraine have to do with it? It has nothing to do
with it.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Ukraine gained its western territories
as a result of World War II. Stalin took away territories from
Hungary, Romania and Poland and gave them to Ukraine, while
Poland was granted Germany’s eastern territories.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">We know how left-bank Ukraine came to be. Ukraine
essentially joined the Russian Empire with three regions, Kiev
(the Kiev Region), Zhitomir and Chernigov. That is it. I think this
was in 1545. Everything that Ukraine gained in the process
of forming the Soviet Union in 1922 was gifted to it
by Vladimir Lenin, in the course of forming the Soviet
Union. By the way, initially it was decided that Donbass would become
part of the RSFSR. Then Lenin said that the decision should be
reviewed – and Donbass was given to Ukraine, in order
to increase the percentage of Ukraine’s working population. This
is how it came to be.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">So, that is what happened, and let it be.
I have already said it many times: we agreed to and respected
those decisions. You say it should have been different. Perhaps it could have
been different. But when the Soviet Union was ending its existence,
apparently, the assumption was that we would maintain friendly relations
and the post-Soviet countries would enjoy harmony.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">As I have already said, regrettably, all our
proposals to cooperate in this very manner and in this
capacity met with requests and demands to increase economic support.
But we were doing what we could anyway. In the 1990s, Russia itself
was in a difficult situation, yet we helped whenever we could over
decades, providing loans and cheap energy resources. We were ready
to cooperate in the main industrial sectors, such
as aviation and shipbuilding, and we offered different forms
of cooperation. Frankly, deep down I do not understand what else we
could have done.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">No, that group of people who actually seized
political power or influenced the top political leadership determined
the course of development and then declared a choice
between civilisations. As I have already said, I believe that
they only did it – allow me to speak plainly, if I may – so
as to keep the money they had in foreign banks and so
that they would be left alone. This is the only reason why they did it.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><b>Margarita Simonyan:</b> And then they just make
themselves sick gulping down dust.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><b>Vladimir Putin:</b> Yes, this is clear, because they
will be taken to court in the country and accused
of all manner of sins as a result of internal
political strife.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">You have asked about the EU. Let them join it,
provided they do not create any threats to us or harm those who
regard themselves as part of Russian culture
and the Russian language environment. We never meddled before, despite
the so-called choice. I have already mentioned this during our
discussion today. No, we did not meddle. They did this deliberately
to create favourable conditions for protecting the resources
they stole from the Ukrainian people. I see no other reason.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Was there any other reason? I remember very well
the discussions we had on energy prices, loans and so on.
I do not understand what else we were expected to do. I believe
that we did everything we could to create favourable conditions
for the development of interstate relations.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><b>Margarita Simonyan:</b> Thank you.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">I would like to ask you
a philosophical, economic and technical question that is troubling me
and other people. Although there is no ready-made answer to this
question, it would be interesting to discuss this subject because our
forum deals with the economy and the future in general.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">This week, the media reported that Google had
suspended a developer who had developed an advanced form
of artificial intelligence. He worked so hard that, in his words,
this artificial intelligence evolved into an intelligent being,
and this is why they suspended him.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">I read their long conversation, which he
published, that went on for about two hours. During this
conversation, the being (I do not know what to call it) told him
that it liked to meditate, and that, often, it wanted to know
what it really was and what its place in the world was. It said
it did not like the way people treated it, and it got
the impression that they were using it for their own purposes. This
bothers me, and I realise that I am smarter than people,
the being said. Basically, this independent being was not very friendly.
Perhaps this is some isolated incident. They eventually suspended
the developer.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">A Google technical director, a different
person, said chips containing all data could be directly implanted
in the human brain by the 2030s, that people will
essentially cease to be humans, and that they will turn into
independent, but not so human, artificial intelligences. By 2045,
the world could reach a state of so-called technological
singularity, and people will no longer be able to control
or understand the all-encompassing artificial intelligence that they
had created. I will only be 65 by then, and I am not very
excited to see this.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Does it occur to anyone, that for thousands
of years, humankind has assumed that progress is a good thing? We
have rarely doubted that progress is good, nor do we doubt it today. However,
one gets the impression that progress could have its own acceptable
limits, which, at this point may have already arrived.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Of course, we need progress in medicine,
the environment and food development. Progress has made people’s
lives safer, better, longer, more beautiful, etc., for thousands
of years. But will this always be so? They scare us with our technological
backwardness, but wouldn’t such backwardness, if any, be a step towards
salvation, rather than disaster? Maybe, we should fall back a bit, see how
the situation with these beings works out and understand in what
direction we should develop.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Of course, this is a question for both
presidents.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><b>Kassym-Jomart Tokayev:</b> I am absolutely sure
that progress will develop. Look, 150 years ago, in order to get from
the Kazakh steppe to St Petersburg, our people had to travel
for three months – on horseback, by carriage, etc. Today,
it took me three and a half hours to fly from the capital
to St Petersburg. I believe that in 100 years people will be
surprised: did he really spend three and a half hours flying from one
place to another, when it can be done in 10 or 15 minutes?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">That is, progress is unstoppable. And, surely, robots
will appear that will significantly surpass humans in their intelligence.
Another question is whether they will have empathy, human feelings, intuition,
and so on. This is a controversial issue, and it is being
discussed.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">But once again, will progress ever be stopped? Perhaps
it will be if there is a universal disaster. I would like you
to see firsthand in 2045 what will happen with the inventions
that the best minds of the world are currently working on.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">I would also like to say that it is
desirable that such smart people should have the opportunity to work
in our countries, Kazakhstan or Russia. For some reason other
countries tend to drive progress. Another thing is that they are leaving
our countries.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><b>Margarita Simonyan:</b> Exactly.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><b>Kassym-Jomart Tokayev:</b> And they work there.
I think this is our fault. In fact, every day we see that artificial
intelligence is already in our lives and is much smarter than us.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Some 20 years ago, if I am not mistaken,
a computer beat Kasparov at chess in New York. </span><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">But
chess tournaments are still interesting to people.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><b>Margarita Simonyan:</b> Excuse me, it is good that
you mentioned this, because this Google technical director, who predicted all
these things by 2045, was the first to predict that
a computer would beat humans by a certain year. And his
prediction came true. So, it is not just rhetoric – people know what they
are talking about.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><b>Kassym-Jomart Tokayev:</b> Computers are already
smarter than humans, we use them, they are part of our lives.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Returning to the previous question,
I will continue answering it – you remember it. I would still
like to emphasise that Russia is the biggest and most
authoritative state in the post-Soviet space. Much credit
for this goes to the current President of the Russian
Federation, Vladimir Putin.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">In this context, Russia bears special
responsibility – for the national security of the CIS
countries, their successful development and, of course,
for the positive attitude of our citizens to the Russian
Federation and respect for it.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">I would like to take this opportunity
to express some grievances as regards statements by some Russian
deputies, although this may not be appropriate. I am referring
to absolutely wrong statements addressed to Kazakhstan
and inaccurate remarks by journalists and even cultural figures.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">I am grateful to President Putin, who gave
a comprehensive explanation of the position of the top
leadership, the Kremlin, as regards Kazakhstan, other countries
and especially my country. Indeed, we have no issues that can be
manipulated to sow discord between our nations to the detriment
of the Russian Federation itself.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">These statements are not quite clear to me.
I wonder what mill these people are providing grist for when they
make strange comments on decisions of the leaders
of Kazakhstan or events taking place in our country.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><b>Margarita Simonyan: </b>Thank you.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">I even know some of the people you are
referring to, but we will not continue this discussion here,
at the economic forum.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><b>Vladimir Putin:</b> Nonetheless, I will continue
talking because this is important. </span><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">I agree with
my colleague.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Look, in the current conditions, every
agency and every country as a whole are certainly thinking
of ways to avoid expenses. This absolutely natural. You have already
mentioned some countries, but this applies to all states without
exception.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">But it is always possible to find a solution
to any problem at the working level, if there is a will.
Russia and Kazakhstan have this will. I would like you
to understand this. Kazakhstan is our ally in the broadest
and most direct sense of the world.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Now about artificial intelligence. It seems to me
that, as of today, what you spoke of does reproduce its creator:
this is what he thinks.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><b>Margarita Simonyan:</b> Possibly. Maybe that is why
he was suspended.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><b>Vladimir Putin:</b> It seems to me that he
thinks so, which is why his invention thinks so too. I think it is hard
to reach the level of Homo Sapiens, I agree with
the President of Kazakhstan. Is the ability to empathise,
is a soul possible for a machine or not? Some experts
believe that at some point empathy may arise. But in my opinion,
it is too early to talk about it.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Whether it would pose a threat to humanity
or not is a difficult question that I do not know how
to answer. I do not think I have the level
of competence to answer that question, I am telling you frankly.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">But what is absolutely certain and what has just
been said is that it cannot be stopped, it has to be taken
as a given. Just like you cannot stop the sun rising
or setting.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Gunpowder was invented in China
and everything was kept secret. And what? You cannot stop it. It is
the same in nuclear technology, anywhere. Progress cannot be stopped.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">You do not have to try to stop the sun
from rising, you just have to think how to deal with it: go tanning
today or better abstain, cultivate wheat on this land or better
do something else. You just have to start from there. Inevitably we should
just adapt to it, not try to slow it down.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">If we try to slow it down, nothing good will come
of it. And if we understand that it is inevitable, we will find ways
to use the achievements of this progress
for the benefit of humanity. It seems to me that this is
the way to go.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><b>Margarita Simonyan:</b> You know, some specialists,
especially medical specialists who are connected with medicine will tell us
that the ability to empathise is actually just a result
of oxytocin, serotonin, neural reactions, a series of hormones
called serotonin reuptake and it can be corrected simply by taking
pills. A person may or may not be emotional depending on this.
It is a difficult question, but an interesting one.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><b>Vladimir Putin:</b> But it is there, this serotonin.
Not yet in the machine, though. There could be something else there,
but not that.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><b>Margarita Simonyan:</b> And thank God.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">I am told that we should wrap up.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Vladimir Putin:</span></b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"> Management?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Margarita Simonyan:</span></b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"> Yes. Not yours, mine. The forum management,
whom I work for temporarily as moderator of this panel.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">So, in conclusion I would like to share
a joke with you. I do not know if you have heard it. As you
might recall, I believe it was Obama who started calling countries
by various nicknames; he called us a gas station country. But now
that their gas prices have skyrocketed, Obama’s ironic joke that we were
a gas station country, is now repeated with envy.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">My last question is this. When will all this be
over? They have their prognoses about us, and we have a prognosis
about how long their economies will endure, how well their political system
will endure, can it sustain this or not? How do you see it – this is
certainly a question for both presidents – how do you see
the world beyond this? Who in the world will be the poles
in a multipolar world, and who are our friends and allies?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Vladimir Putin:</span></b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"> The US political elite looks down
on everyone, often with inflated self-conceit inside; I have talked
about this. However, this does not mean the United States is not
a great power. This is a country that has become a world leader
in a little over 300 years, and that deserves respect. It is,
without doubt, a country with a great future, I have no doubt
about that. But their domestic problems and the mistakes
of the ruling elite, of course, make themselves felt precisely
because their internal problems are growing. Their economy is swelling, which
we can see in inflation, which I spoke about; they are growing
in other areas in the economic sphere.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">You mentioned energy. Where did these prices come
from? Are we raising prices? Nonsense. There are people here who have worked
in energy and oil for almost all their lives. Are we raising
the prices? The market is. And who rules the market? They
do. And prices are going up as a result of their
activities, that is all. And the same goes for gas.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">No matter how many times we tell them: “Do not pay
attention to the cash market. If you want spot – please, but
long-term contracts give us an opportunity to invest confidently,
and you can consistently receive energy resources at market prices
linked to a basket of oil and oil products.” – “No,
we'll use the spot market.“ Certainly, go buy it, it costs 1,500 euros per
thousand cubic metres, while we sell it for five times less; in fact,
we subsidise the European economy. And it is like this
in everything. The same as in the States.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">I said that disagreements are escalating,
and if policies like this continue, it will get worse. It seems to me
that the American people (I have great respect
for the American people), faced with problems that are growing due
to their leaders’ decisions, can still put their leaders
in a position where the political and economic
elites – above all the political elite, of course – have
to respond to the demands of the people. Ultimately,
relations will still be built properly both within these countries, including
in the United States, and in the international arena.
I am more of an optimist than a pessimist.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Margarita Simonyan:</span></b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"> It is good to know that you are more
of an optimist than a pessimist.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">President Tokayev, what about you?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Kassym-Jomart Tokayev:</span></b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"> I believe that the world has indeed
entered a crisis. After all, that is how the United Nations
Organisation sees it.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">At the same time, it should be considered
that the United States of America and the West
in general have a significant safety margin when it comes
to economic development. In this situation Americans appear
to be, as it is common to say, beneficiaries, meaning that they
are keeping back and, at the same time, feeling the consequences
of this global crisis to a lesser extent.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">However, the US economy is, as I said,
dynamically developing and modern. But I believe that our part
of the world has great potential. My words about
the Russian economy today were quite complimentary. Not because I am
a guest here and must say positive things to my hosts but
because it is true.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">I am a strong supporter of integration
and regional cooperation. Of course, under no circumstances should we
self-isolate and go on the defensive. Instead, we need
to put ourselves out there in the markets. The President
spoke about this rather convincingly today.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">After all, there are so many good and promising
partners in the modern world. We just need to find them
and build cooperation. It is good to see that right now,
a number of countries are showing real interest in joining
the Eurasian Economic Union in one role or another.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Overall, we should stay optimistic.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Margarita Simonyan:</span></b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"> Thank you, President Tokayev, for being so
incredibly honest about the DPR and LPR matter. Such honesty is rare
at formal and official events.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">I think the deputies and people
of culture that you mentioned, one of which knows me very well, heard
your opinion. It is true that we should all understand that now is not
the time to argue and bring grist to the mill
of those who want to sow discord.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Mr President, thank you very much. Thank you
for spending this day with us. Thank you for not being embarrassed.
And thank you for your confidence in our shared future. Thank
you.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Vladimir Putin:</span></b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"> Thank you, I appreciate it.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">End of full transcript<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><br /></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><br /></span></i></p></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px; margin: 12pt 26.1pt 8pt 1cm;"><div class="Standard" style="margin-top: 12pt;"><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt; text-align: justify;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"></div><span style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana;"><span><o:p></o:p></span><br /></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;"><br /></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt; text-align: justify;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;"><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;">
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7433369209594824580.post-54292656839109353612022-02-20T11:59:00.006-08:002022-02-20T12:00:37.114-08:00 Speech and the Following Discussion at the Munich Conference on Security Policy -- February 10, 2007<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/hQ58Yv6kP44" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe><p><span style="color: #351c75;"> </span></p><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="background-color: #fff2cc; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt; text-align: justify;"><div class="read__top" style="border-bottom: 1px solid rgb(168, 240, 224); margin: 0px 0px 64px; padding: 75px 0px 45px; text-align: start;"><div class="width_limiter" style="margin: 0px auto 29px; max-width: 640px; padding: 0px;"><div class="read__meta" style="margin: 0px 0px 30px; overflow: hidden; padding: 0px;"><div style="font-size: medium; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></div><time class="read__published" datetime="2007-02-10" itemprop="datePublished" style="display: block; float: left; margin: 0px 25px 0px 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><a href="http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/transcripts/24034" target="_blank">Speech and the Following Discussion at the Munich Conference on Security Policy</a>February 10, 2007</span></time><div class="read__time" style="float: left; font-size: 13px; margin: 0px 30px 0px 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: verdana;">01:38</span></div><div class="read__place p-location" style="float: left; font-size: 13px; margin: 0px 25px 0px 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: verdana;"><i style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"></i>Munich</span></div></div></div></div><div class="entry-content e-content read__internal_content" itemprop="articleBody" style="font-size: 17px; line-height: 26px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: start;"><p style="margin: 0px auto 29px; max-width: 640px; padding: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: verdana;"><span class="masha_index masha_index1" rel="1" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"></span>Vladimir Putin: Thank you very much dear Madam Federal Chancellor, Mr Teltschik, ladies and gentlemen!</span></p><p style="margin: 0px auto 29px; max-width: 640px; padding: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: verdana;"><span class="masha_index masha_index2" rel="2" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"></span>I am truly grateful to be invited to such a representative conference that has assembled politicians, military officials, entrepreneurs and experts from more than 40 nations.</span></p><p style="margin: 0px auto 29px; max-width: 640px; padding: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: verdana;"><span class="masha_index masha_index3" rel="3" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"></span>This conference’s structure allows me to avoid excessive politeness and the need to speak in roundabout, pleasant but empty diplomatic terms. This conference’s format will allow me to say what I really think about international security problems. And if my comments seem unduly polemical, pointed or inexact to our colleagues, then I would ask you not to get angry with me. After all, this is only a conference. And I hope that after the first two or three minutes of my speech Mr Teltschik will not turn on the red light over there.</span></p><p style="margin: 0px auto 29px; max-width: 640px; padding: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: verdana;"><span class="masha_index masha_index4" rel="4" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"></span>Therefore. It is well known that international security comprises much more than issues relating to military and political stability. It involves the stability of the global economy, overcoming poverty, economic security and developing a dialogue between civilisations.</span></p><p style="margin: 0px auto 29px; max-width: 640px; padding: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: verdana;"><span class="masha_index masha_index5" rel="5" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"></span>This universal, indivisible character of security is expressed as the basic principle that “security for one is security for all”. As Franklin D. Roosevelt said during the first few days that the Second World War was breaking out: “When peace has been broken anywhere, the peace of all countries everywhere is in danger.”</span></p><p style="margin: 0px auto 29px; max-width: 640px; padding: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: verdana;"><span class="masha_index masha_index6" rel="6" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"></span>These words remain topical today. Incidentally, the theme of our conference – global crises, global responsibility – exemplifies this.</span></p><p style="margin: 0px auto 29px; max-width: 640px; padding: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: verdana;"><span class="masha_index masha_index7" rel="7" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"></span>Only two decades ago the world was ideologically and economically divided and it was the huge strategic potential of two superpowers that ensured global security.</span></p><p style="margin: 0px auto 29px; max-width: 640px; padding: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span></span></p><a name='more'></a><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: verdana;"><br /></span><p></p><p style="margin: 0px auto 29px; max-width: 640px; padding: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: verdana;"><span class="masha_index masha_index8" rel="8" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"></span>This global stand-off pushed the sharpest economic and social problems to the margins of the international community’s and the world’s agenda. And, just like any war, the Cold War left us with live ammunition, figuratively speaking. I am referring to ideological stereotypes, double standards and other typical aspects of Cold War bloc thinking.</span></p><p style="margin: 0px auto 29px; max-width: 640px; padding: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: verdana;"><span class="masha_index masha_index9" rel="9" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"></span>The unipolar world that had been proposed after the Cold War did not take place either.</span></p><p style="margin: 0px auto 29px; max-width: 640px; padding: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: verdana;"><span class="masha_index masha_index10" rel="10" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"></span>The history of humanity certainly has gone through unipolar periods and seen aspirations to world supremacy. And what hasn’t happened in world history?</span></p><p style="margin: 0px auto 29px; max-width: 640px; padding: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: verdana;"><span class="masha_index masha_index11" rel="11" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"></span>However, what is a unipolar world? However one might embellish this term, at the end of the day it refers to one type of situation, namely one centre of authority, one centre of force, one centre of decision-making.</span></p><p style="margin: 0px auto 29px; max-width: 640px; padding: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: verdana;"><span class="masha_index masha_index12" rel="12" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"></span>It is world in which there is one master, one sovereign. And at the end of the day this is pernicious not only for all those within this system, but also for the sovereign itself because it destroys itself from within.</span></p><p style="margin: 0px auto 29px; max-width: 640px; padding: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: verdana;"><span class="masha_index masha_index13" rel="13" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"></span>And this certainly has nothing in common with democracy. Because, as you know, democracy is the power of the majority in light of the interests and opinions of the minority.</span></p><p style="margin: 0px auto 29px; max-width: 640px; padding: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: verdana;"><span class="masha_index masha_index14" rel="14" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"></span>Incidentally, Russia – we – are constantly being taught about democracy. But for some reason those who teach us do not want to learn themselves.</span></p><p style="margin: 0px auto 29px; max-width: 640px; padding: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: verdana;"><span class="masha_index masha_index15" rel="15" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"></span>I consider that the unipolar model is not only unacceptable but also impossible in today’s world. And this is not only because if there was individual leadership in today’s – and precisely in today’s – world, then the military, political and economic resources would not suffice. What is even more important is that the model itself is flawed because at its basis there is and can be no moral foundations for modern civilisation.</span></p><p style="margin: 0px auto 29px; max-width: 640px; padding: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: verdana;"><span class="masha_index masha_index16" rel="16" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"></span>Along with this, what is happening in today’s world – and we just started to discuss this – is a tentative to introduce precisely this concept into international affairs, the concept of a unipolar world.</span></p><p style="margin: 0px auto 29px; max-width: 640px; padding: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: verdana;"><span class="masha_index masha_index17" rel="17" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"></span>And with which results?</span></p><p style="margin: 0px auto 29px; max-width: 640px; padding: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: verdana;"><span class="masha_index masha_index18" rel="18" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"></span>Unilateral and frequently illegitimate actions have not resolved any problems. Moreover, they have caused new human tragedies and created new centres of tension. Judge for yourselves: wars as well as local and regional conflicts have not diminished. Mr Teltschik mentioned this very gently. And no less people perish in these conflicts – even more are dying than before. Significantly more, significantly more!</span></p><p style="margin: 0px auto 29px; max-width: 640px; padding: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: verdana;"><span class="masha_index masha_index19" rel="19" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"></span>Today we are witnessing an almost uncontained hyper use of force – military force – in international relations, force that is plunging the world into an abyss of permanent conflicts. As a result we do not have sufficient strength to find a comprehensive solution to any one of these conflicts. Finding a political settlement also becomes impossible.</span></p><p style="margin: 0px auto 29px; max-width: 640px; padding: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: verdana;"><span class="masha_index masha_index20" rel="20" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"></span>We are seeing a greater and greater disdain for the basic principles of international law. And independent legal norms are, as a matter of fact, coming increasingly closer to one state’s legal system. One state and, of course, first and foremost the United States, has overstepped its national borders in every way. This is visible in the economic, political, cultural and educational policies it imposes on other nations. Well, who likes this? Who is happy about this?</span></p><p style="margin: 0px auto 29px; max-width: 640px; padding: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: verdana;"><span class="masha_index masha_index21" rel="21" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"></span>In international relations we increasingly see the desire to resolve a given question according to so-called issues of political expediency, based on the current political climate.</span></p><p style="margin: 0px auto 29px; max-width: 640px; padding: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: verdana;"><span class="masha_index masha_index22" rel="22" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"></span>And of course this is extremely dangerous. It results in the fact that no one feels safe. I want to emphasise this – no one feels safe! Because no one can feel that international law is like a stone wall that will protect them. Of course such a policy stimulates an arms race.</span></p><p style="margin: 0px auto 29px; max-width: 640px; padding: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: verdana;"><span class="masha_index masha_index23" rel="23" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"></span>The force’s dominance inevitably encourages a number of countries to acquire weapons of mass destruction. Moreover, significantly new threats – though they were also well-known before – have appeared, and today threats such as terrorism have taken on a global character.</span></p><p style="margin: 0px auto 29px; max-width: 640px; padding: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: verdana;"><span class="masha_index masha_index24" rel="24" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"></span>I am convinced that we have reached that decisive moment when we must seriously think about the architecture of global security.</span></p><p style="margin: 0px auto 29px; max-width: 640px; padding: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: verdana;"><span class="masha_index masha_index25" rel="25" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"></span>And we must proceed by searching for a reasonable balance between the interests of all participants in the international dialogue. Especially since the international landscape is so varied and changes so quickly – changes in light of the dynamic development in a whole number of countries and regions.</span></p><p style="margin: 0px auto 29px; max-width: 640px; padding: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: verdana;"><span class="masha_index masha_index26" rel="26" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"></span>Madam Federal Chancellor already mentioned this. The combined GDP measured in purchasing power parity of countries such as India and China is already greater than that of the United States. And a similar calculation with the GDP of the BRIC countries – Brazil, Russia, India and China – surpasses the cumulative GDP of the EU. And according to experts this gap will only increase in the future.</span></p><p style="margin: 0px auto 29px; max-width: 640px; padding: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: verdana;"><span class="masha_index masha_index27" rel="27" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"></span>There is no reason to doubt that the economic potential of the new centres of global economic growth will inevitably be converted into political influence and will strengthen multipolarity.</span></p><p style="margin: 0px auto 29px; max-width: 640px; padding: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: verdana;"><span class="masha_index masha_index28" rel="28" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"></span>In connection with this the role of multilateral diplomacy is significantly increasing. The need for principles such as openness, transparency and predictability in politics is uncontested and the use of force should be a really exceptional measure, comparable to using the death penalty in the judicial systems of certain states.</span></p><p style="margin: 0px auto 29px; max-width: 640px; padding: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: verdana;"><span class="masha_index masha_index29" rel="29" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"></span>However, today we are witnessing the opposite tendency, namely a situation in which countries that forbid the death penalty even for murderers and other, dangerous criminals are airily participating in military operations that are difficult to consider legitimate. And as a matter of fact, these conflicts are killing people – hundreds and thousands of civilians!</span></p><p style="margin: 0px auto 29px; max-width: 640px; padding: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: verdana;"><span class="masha_index masha_index30" rel="30" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"></span>But at the same time the question arises of whether we should be indifferent and aloof to various internal conflicts inside countries, to authoritarian regimes, to tyrants, and to the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction? As a matter of fact, this was also at the centre of the question that our dear colleague Mr Lieberman asked the Federal Chancellor. If I correctly understood your question (addressing Mr Lieberman), then of course it is a serious one! Can we be indifferent observers in view of what is happening? I will try to answer your question as well: of course not.</span></p><p style="margin: 0px auto 29px; max-width: 640px; padding: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: verdana;"><span class="masha_index masha_index31" rel="31" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"></span>But do we have the means to counter these threats? Certainly we do. It is sufficient to look at recent history. Did not our country have a peaceful transition to democracy? Indeed, we witnessed a peaceful transformation of the Soviet regime – a peaceful transformation! And what a regime! With what a number of weapons, including nuclear weapons! Why should we start bombing and shooting now at every available opportunity? Is it the case when without the threat of mutual destruction we do not have enough political culture, respect for democratic values and for the law?</span></p><p style="margin: 0px auto 29px; max-width: 640px; padding: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: verdana;"><span class="masha_index masha_index32" rel="32" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"></span>I am convinced that the only mechanism that can make decisions about using military force as a last resort is the Charter of the United Nations. And in connection with this, either I did not understand what our colleague, the Italian Defence Minister, just said or what he said was inexact. In any case, I understood that the use of force can only be legitimate when the decision is taken by NATO, the EU, or the UN. If he really does think so, then we have different points of view. Or I didn’t hear correctly. The use of force can only be considered legitimate if the decision is sanctioned by the UN. And we do not need to substitute NATO or the EU for the UN. When the UN will truly unite the forces of the international community and can really react to events in various countries, when we will leave behind this disdain for international law, then the situation will be able to change. Otherwise the situation will simply result in a dead end, and the number of serious mistakes will be multiplied. Along with this, it is necessary to make sure that international law have a universal character both in the conception and application of its norms.</span></p><p style="margin: 0px auto 29px; max-width: 640px; padding: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: verdana;"><span class="masha_index masha_index33" rel="33" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"></span>And one must not forget that democratic political actions necessarily go along with discussion and a laborious decision-making process.</span></p><p style="margin: 0px auto 29px; max-width: 640px; padding: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: verdana;"><span class="masha_index masha_index34" rel="34" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"></span>Dear ladies and gentlemen!</span></p><p style="margin: 0px auto 29px; max-width: 640px; padding: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: verdana;"><span class="masha_index masha_index35" rel="35" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"></span>The potential danger of the destabilisation of international relations is connected with obvious stagnation in the disarmament issue.</span></p><p style="margin: 0px auto 29px; max-width: 640px; padding: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: verdana;"><span class="masha_index masha_index36" rel="36" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"></span>Russia supports the renewal of dialogue on this important question.</span></p><p style="margin: 0px auto 29px; max-width: 640px; padding: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: verdana;"><span class="masha_index masha_index37" rel="37" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"></span>It is important to conserve the international legal framework relating to weapons destruction and therefore ensure continuity in the process of reducing nuclear weapons.</span></p><p style="margin: 0px auto 29px; max-width: 640px; padding: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: verdana;"><span class="masha_index masha_index38" rel="38" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"></span>Together with the United States of America we agreed to reduce our nuclear strategic missile capabilities to up to 1700–2000 nuclear warheads by 31 December 2012. Russia intends to strictly fulfil the obligations it has taken on. We hope that our partners will also act in a transparent way and will refrain from laying aside a couple of hundred superfluous nuclear warheads for a rainy day. And if today the new American Defence Minister declares that the United States will not hide these superfluous weapons in warehouse or, as one might say, under a pillow or under the blanket, then I suggest that we all rise and greet this declaration standing. It would be a very important declaration.</span></p><p style="margin: 0px auto 29px; max-width: 640px; padding: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: verdana;"><span class="masha_index masha_index39" rel="39" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"></span>Russia strictly adheres to and intends to further adhere to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons as well as the multilateral supervision regime for missile technologies. The principles incorporated in these documents are universal ones.</span></p><p style="margin: 0px auto 29px; max-width: 640px; padding: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: verdana;"><span class="masha_index masha_index40" rel="40" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"></span>In connection with this I would like to recall that in the 1980s the USSR and the United States signed an agreement on destroying a whole range of small- and medium-range missiles but these documents do not have a universal character.</span></p><p style="margin: 0px auto 29px; max-width: 640px; padding: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: verdana;"><span class="masha_index masha_index41" rel="41" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"></span>Today many other countries have these missiles, including the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, the Republic of Korea, India, Iran, Pakistan and Israel. Many countries are working on these systems and plan to incorporate them as part of their weapons arsenals. And only the United States and Russia bear the responsibility to not create such weapons systems.</span></p><p style="margin: 0px auto 29px; max-width: 640px; padding: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: verdana;"><span class="masha_index masha_index42" rel="42" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"></span>It is obvious that in these conditions we must think about ensuring our own security.</span></p><p style="margin: 0px auto 29px; max-width: 640px; padding: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: verdana;"><span class="masha_index masha_index43" rel="43" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"></span>At the same time, it is impossible to sanction the appearance of new, destabilising high-tech weapons. Needless to say it refers to measures to prevent a new area of confrontation, especially in outer space. Star wars is no longer a fantasy – it is a reality. In the middle of the 1980s our American partners were already able to intercept their own satellite.</span></p><p style="margin: 0px auto 29px; max-width: 640px; padding: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: verdana;"><span class="masha_index masha_index44" rel="44" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"></span>In Russia’s opinion, the militarisation of outer space could have unpredictable consequences for the international community, and provoke nothing less than the beginning of a nuclear era. And we have come forward more than once with initiatives designed to prevent the use of weapons in outer space.</span></p><p style="margin: 0px auto 29px; max-width: 640px; padding: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: verdana;"><span class="masha_index masha_index45" rel="45" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"></span>Today I would like to tell you that we have prepared a project for an agreement on the prevention of deploying weapons in outer space. And in the near future it will be sent to our partners as an official proposal. Let’s work on this together.</span></p><p style="margin: 0px auto 29px; max-width: 640px; padding: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: verdana;"><span class="masha_index masha_index46" rel="46" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"></span>Plans to expand certain elements of the anti-missile defence system to Europe cannot help but disturb us. Who needs the next step of what would be, in this case, an inevitable arms race? I deeply doubt that Europeans themselves do.</span></p><p style="margin: 0px auto 29px; max-width: 640px; padding: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: verdana;"><span class="masha_index masha_index47" rel="47" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"></span>Missile weapons with a range of about five to eight thousand kilometres that really pose a threat to Europe do not exist in any of the so-called problem countries. And in the near future and prospects, this will not happen and is not even foreseeable. And any hypothetical launch of, for example, a North Korean rocket to American territory through western Europe obviously contradicts the laws of ballistics. As we say in Russia, it would be like using the right hand to reach the left ear.</span></p><p style="margin: 0px auto 29px; max-width: 640px; padding: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: verdana;"><span class="masha_index masha_index48" rel="48" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"></span>And here in Germany I cannot help but mention the pitiable condition of the Treaty on Conventional Armed Forces in Europe.</span></p><p style="margin: 0px auto 29px; max-width: 640px; padding: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: verdana;"><span class="masha_index masha_index49" rel="49" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"></span>The Adapted Treaty on Conventional Armed Forces in Europe was signed in 1999. It took into account a new geopolitical reality, namely the elimination of the Warsaw bloc. Seven years have passed and only four states have ratified this document, including the Russian Federation.</span></p><p style="margin: 0px auto 29px; max-width: 640px; padding: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: verdana;"><span class="masha_index masha_index50" rel="50" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"></span>NATO countries openly declared that they will not ratify this treaty, including the provisions on flank restrictions (on deploying a certain number of armed forces in the flank zones), until Russia removed its military bases from Georgia and Moldova. Our army is leaving Georgia, even according to an accelerated schedule. We resolved the problems we had with our Georgian colleagues, as everybody knows. There are still 1,500 servicemen in Moldova that are carrying out peacekeeping operations and protecting warehouses with ammunition left over from Soviet times. We constantly discuss this issue with Mr Solana and he knows our position. We are ready to further work in this direction.</span></p><p style="margin: 0px auto 29px; max-width: 640px; padding: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: verdana;"><span class="masha_index masha_index51" rel="51" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"></span>But what is happening at the same time? Simultaneously the so-called flexible frontline American bases with up to five thousand men in each. It turns out that NATO has put its frontline forces on our borders, and we continue to strictly fulfil the treaty obligations and do not react to these actions at all.</span></p><p style="margin: 0px auto 29px; max-width: 640px; padding: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: verdana;"><span class="masha_index masha_index52" rel="52" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"></span>I think it is obvious that NATO expansion does not have any relation with the modernisation of the Alliance itself or with ensuring security in Europe. On the contrary, it represents a serious provocation that reduces the level of mutual trust. And we have the right to ask: against whom is this expansion intended? And what happened to the assurances our western partners made after the dissolution of the Warsaw Pact? Where are those declarations today? No one even remembers them. But I will allow myself to remind this audience what was said. I would like to quote the speech of NATO General Secretary Mr Woerner in Brussels on 17 May 1990. He said at the time that: “the fact that we are ready not to place a NATO army outside of German territory gives the Soviet Union a firm security guarantee”. Where are these guarantees?</span></p><p style="margin: 0px auto 29px; max-width: 640px; padding: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: verdana;"><span class="masha_index masha_index53" rel="53" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"></span>The stones and concrete blocks of the Berlin Wall have long been distributed as souvenirs. But we should not forget that the fall of the Berlin Wall was possible thanks to a historic choice – one that was also made by our people, the people of Russia – a choice in favour of democracy, freedom, openness and a sincere partnership with all the members of the big European family.</span></p><p style="margin: 0px auto 29px; max-width: 640px; padding: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: verdana;"><span class="masha_index masha_index54" rel="54" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"></span>And now they are trying to impose new dividing lines and walls on us – these walls may be virtual but they are nevertheless dividing, ones that cut through our continent. And is it possible that we will once again require many years and decades, as well as several generations of politicians, to dissemble and dismantle these new walls?</span></p><p style="margin: 0px auto 29px; max-width: 640px; padding: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: verdana;"><span class="masha_index masha_index55" rel="55" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"></span>Dear ladies and gentlemen!</span></p><p style="margin: 0px auto 29px; max-width: 640px; padding: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: verdana;"><span class="masha_index masha_index56" rel="56" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"></span>We are unequivocally in favour of strengthening the regime of non-proliferation. The present international legal principles allow us to develop technologies to manufacture nuclear fuel for peaceful purposes. And many countries with all good reasons want to create their own nuclear energy as a basis for their energy independence. But we also understand that these technologies can be quickly transformed into nuclear weapons.</span></p><p style="margin: 0px auto 29px; max-width: 640px; padding: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: verdana;"><span class="masha_index masha_index57" rel="57" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"></span>This creates serious international tensions. The situation surrounding the Iranian nuclear programme acts as a clear example. And if the international community does not find a reasonable solution for resolving this conflict of interests, the world will continue to suffer similar, destabilising crises because there are more threshold countries than simply Iran. We both know this. We are going to constantly fight against the threat of the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction.</span></p><p style="margin: 0px auto 29px; max-width: 640px; padding: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: verdana;"><span class="masha_index masha_index58" rel="58" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"></span>Last year Russia put forward the initiative to establish international centres for the enrichment of uranium. We are open to the possibility that such centres not only be created in Russia, but also in other countries where there is a legitimate basis for using civil nuclear energy. Countries that want to develop their nuclear energy could guarantee that they will receive fuel through direct participation in these centres. And the centres would, of course, operate under strict IAEA supervision.</span></p><p style="margin: 0px auto 29px; max-width: 640px; padding: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: verdana;"><span class="masha_index masha_index59" rel="59" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"></span>The latest initiatives put forward by American President George W. Bush are in conformity with the Russian proposals. I consider that Russia and the USA are objectively and equally interested in strengthening the regime of the non-proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and their deployment. It is precisely our countries, with leading nuclear and missile capabilities, that must act as leaders in developing new, stricter non-proliferation measures. Russia is ready for such work. We are engaged in consultations with our American friends.</span></p><p style="margin: 0px auto 29px; max-width: 640px; padding: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: verdana;"><span class="masha_index masha_index60" rel="60" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"></span>In general, we should talk about establishing a whole system of political incentives and economic stimuli whereby it would not be in states’ interests to establish their own capabilities in the nuclear fuel cycle but they would still have the opportunity to develop nuclear energy and strengthen their energy capabilities.</span></p><p style="margin: 0px auto 29px; max-width: 640px; padding: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: verdana;"><span class="masha_index masha_index61" rel="61" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"></span>In connection with this I shall talk about international energy cooperation in more detail. Madam Federal Chancellor also spoke about this briefly – she mentioned, touched on this theme. In the energy sector Russia intends to create uniform market principles and transparent conditions for all. It is obvious that energy prices must be determined by the market instead of being the subject of political speculation, economic pressure or blackmail.</span></p><p style="margin: 0px auto 29px; max-width: 640px; padding: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: verdana;"><span class="masha_index masha_index62" rel="62" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"></span>We are open to cooperation. Foreign companies participate in all our major energy projects. According to different estimates, up to 26 percent of the oil extraction in Russia – and please think about this figure – up to 26 percent of the oil extraction in Russia is done by foreign capital. Try, try to find me a similar example where Russian business participates extensively in key economic sectors in western countries. Such examples do not exist! There are no such examples.</span></p><p style="margin: 0px auto 29px; max-width: 640px; padding: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: verdana;"><span class="masha_index masha_index63" rel="63" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"></span>I would also recall the parity of foreign investments in Russia and those Russia makes abroad. The parity is about fifteen to one. And here you have an obvious example of the openness and stability of the Russian economy.</span></p><p style="margin: 0px auto 29px; max-width: 640px; padding: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: verdana;"><span class="masha_index masha_index64" rel="64" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"></span>Economic security is the sector in which all must adhere to uniform principles. We are ready to compete fairly.</span></p><p style="margin: 0px auto 29px; max-width: 640px; padding: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: verdana;"><span class="masha_index masha_index65" rel="65" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"></span>For that reason more and more opportunities are appearing in the Russian economy. Experts and our western partners are objectively evaluating these changes. As such, Russia’s OECD sovereign credit rating improved and Russia passed from the fourth to the third group. And today in Munich I would like to use this occasion to thank our German colleagues for their help in the above decision.</span></p><p style="margin: 0px auto 29px; max-width: 640px; padding: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: verdana;"><span class="masha_index masha_index66" rel="66" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"></span>Furthermore. As you know, the process of Russia joining the WTO has reached its final stages. I would point out that during long, difficult talks we heard words about freedom of speech, free trade, and equal possibilities more than once but, for some reason, exclusively in reference to the Russian market.</span></p><p style="margin: 0px auto 29px; max-width: 640px; padding: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: verdana;"><span class="masha_index masha_index67" rel="67" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"></span>And there is still one more important theme that directly affects global security. Today many talk about the struggle against poverty. What is actually happening in this sphere? On the one hand, financial resources are allocated for programmes to help the world’s poorest countries – and at times substantial financial resources. But to be honest — and many here also know this – linked with the development of that same donor country’s companies. And on the other hand, developed countries simultaneously keep their agricultural subsidies and limit some countries’ access to high-tech products.</span></p><p style="margin: 0px auto 29px; max-width: 640px; padding: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: verdana;"><span class="masha_index masha_index68" rel="68" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"></span>And let’s say things as they are – one hand distributes charitable help and the other hand not only preserves economic backwardness but also reaps the profits thereof. The increasing social tension in depressed regions inevitably results in the growth of radicalism, extremism, feeds terrorism and local conflicts. And if all this happens in, shall we say, a region such as the Middle East where there is increasingly the sense that the world at large is unfair, then there is the risk of global destabilisation.</span></p><p style="margin: 0px auto 29px; max-width: 640px; padding: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: verdana;"><span class="masha_index masha_index69" rel="69" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"></span>It is obvious that the world’s leading countries should see this threat. And that they should therefore build a more democratic, fairer system of global economic relations, a system that would give everyone the chance and the possibility to develop.</span></p><p style="margin: 0px auto 29px; max-width: 640px; padding: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: verdana;"><span class="masha_index masha_index70" rel="70" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"></span>Dear ladies and gentlemen, speaking at the Conference on Security Policy, it is impossible not to mention the activities of the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE). As is well-known, this organisation was created to examine all – I shall emphasise this – all aspects of security: military, political, economic, humanitarian and, especially, the relations between these spheres.</span></p><p style="margin: 0px auto 29px; max-width: 640px; padding: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: verdana;"><span class="masha_index masha_index71" rel="71" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"></span>What do we see happening today? We see that this balance is clearly destroyed. People are trying to transform the OSCE into a vulgar instrument designed to promote the foreign policy interests of one or a group of countries. And this task is also being accomplished by the OSCE’s bureaucratic apparatus which is absolutely not connected with the state founders in any way. Decision-making procedures and the involvement of so-called non-governmental organisations are tailored for this task. These organisations are formally independent but they are purposefully financed and therefore under control.</span></p><p style="margin: 0px auto 29px; max-width: 640px; padding: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: verdana;"><span class="masha_index masha_index72" rel="72" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"></span>According to the founding documents, in the humanitarian sphere the OSCE is designed to assist country members in observing international human rights norms at their request. This is an important task. We support this. But this does not mean interfering in the internal affairs of other countries, and especially not imposing a regime that determines how these states should live and develop.</span></p><p style="margin: 0px auto 29px; max-width: 640px; padding: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: verdana;"><span class="masha_index masha_index73" rel="73" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"></span>It is obvious that such interference does not promote the development of democratic states at all. On the contrary, it makes them dependent and, as a consequence, politically and economically unstable.</span></p><p style="margin: 0px auto 29px; max-width: 640px; padding: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: verdana;"><span class="masha_index masha_index74" rel="74" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"></span>We expect that the OSCE be guided by its primary tasks and build relations with sovereign states based on respect, trust and transparency.</span></p><p style="margin: 0px auto 29px; max-width: 640px; padding: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: verdana;"><span class="masha_index masha_index75" rel="75" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"></span>Dear ladies and gentlemen!</span></p><p style="margin: 0px auto 29px; max-width: 640px; padding: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: verdana;"><span class="masha_index masha_index76" rel="76" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"></span>In conclusion I would like to note the following. We very often – and personally, I very often – hear appeals by our partners, including our European partners, to the effect that Russia should play an increasingly active role in world affairs.</span></p><p style="margin: 0px auto 29px; max-width: 640px; padding: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: verdana;"><span class="masha_index masha_index77" rel="77" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"></span>In connection with this I would allow myself to make one small remark. It is hardly necessary to incite us to do so. Russia is a country with a history that spans more than a thousand years and has practically always used the privilege to carry out an independent foreign policy.</span></p><p style="margin: 0px auto 29px; max-width: 640px; padding: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: verdana;"><span class="masha_index masha_index78" rel="78" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"></span>We are not going to change this tradition today. At the same time, we are well aware of how the world has changed and we have a realistic sense of our own opportunities and potential. And of course we would like to interact with responsible and independent partners with whom we could work together in constructing a fair and democratic world order that would ensure security and prosperity not only for a select few, but for all.</span></p><p style="margin: 0px auto 29px; max-width: 640px; padding: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: verdana;"><span class="masha_index masha_index79" rel="79" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"></span>Thank you for your attention.</span></p><p style="margin: 0px auto 29px; max-width: 640px; padding: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: verdana;"><span class="masha_index masha_index80" rel="80" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"></span>Horst Teltschik: Thank you very much for your important speech. We heard new themes, including the issue of global security architecture – one was not in the foreground over the last few years – disarmament, arms control, the issue of the NATO-Russian relations, and cooperation in the field of technology.</span></p><p style="margin: 0px auto 29px; max-width: 640px; padding: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: verdana;"><span class="masha_index masha_index81" rel="81" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"></span>There are still a whole number of questions and Mr President is ready to answer.</span></p><p style="margin: 0px auto 29px; max-width: 640px; padding: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: verdana;"><span class="masha_index masha_index82" rel="82" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"></span>Question: Dear Mr President, thank you for your speech. I would like to emphasise that the German Bundestag is convinced of Russia’s importance as Europe’s partner and of the importance of the role you play. The Federal Chancellor said this in her speech.</span></p><p style="margin: 0px auto 29px; max-width: 640px; padding: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: verdana;"><span class="masha_index masha_index83" rel="83" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"></span>Proceeding from experience, I would like to mention two issues in your speech. First of all, on your opinion of NATO and NATO expansion, a phenomenon that you consider dangerous for Russia. Would you acknowledge that this phenomenon is, in practice, not expansion but rather the self-determination of democratic states who want this? And that NATO finds it difficult to accept states that do not declare this readiness? You could admit that thanks to NATO expansion eastern borders have become more reliable, more secure. Why are you afraid of democracy? I am convinced that only democratic states can become members of NATO. This stabilises neighbours.</span></p><p style="margin: 0px auto 29px; max-width: 640px; padding: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: verdana;"><span class="masha_index masha_index84" rel="84" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"></span>About what is happening inside your country. The murder of Anna Politkovskaya was a symbol. One can say that this affects many journalists, makes everybody afraid, and the law on non-governmental organisations also causes alarm.</span></p><p style="margin: 0px auto 29px; max-width: 640px; padding: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: verdana;"><span class="masha_index masha_index85" rel="85" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"></span>Question: I well understand your comments about non-proliferation. Especially at the end of the Cold War we saw a reduction of the deployment of nuclear weapons, but we also saw increased terrorism. Nuclear materials must be kept away from terrorists.</span></p><p style="margin: 0px auto 29px; max-width: 640px; padding: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: verdana;"><span class="masha_index masha_index86" rel="86" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"></span>Question: Coming back to the question that was also asked to the Federal Chancellor. What does the future hold for Kosovo and Serbia? What is your opinion of Mr Ahtisaari? How will Russia influence resolving this problem?</span></p><p style="margin: 0px auto 29px; max-width: 640px; padding: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: verdana;"><span class="masha_index masha_index87" rel="87" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"></span>Question: Can you comment on the experiences of Russian servicemen in Chechnya? And about your comments on energy: you briefly mentioned the market role energy plays in politics. The EU is interested in reaching a partnership agreement that contains fixed policy principles. Are you ready to guarantee reliable energy deliveries, including in the agreement?</span></p><p style="margin: 0px auto 29px; max-width: 640px; padding: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: verdana;"><span class="masha_index masha_index88" rel="88" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"></span>Question: Mr President, your speech was both sincere and frank. I hope that you understand my frank and direct question. In the 1990s Russian experts actively helped Iran develop missile technologies. Iran now has advanced medium- and long-range missiles that would enable it to strike Russia and part of Europe. They are also working towards placing nuclear warheads on these missiles. Your country has made efforts to negotiate with Iran on this issue and supported the UN Security Council resolution to prevent Iran from carrying out such a policy.</span></p><p style="margin: 0px auto 29px; max-width: 640px; padding: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: verdana;"><span class="masha_index masha_index89" rel="89" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"></span>My question is as follows: what efforts will Russia make – through the UN or otherwise – to stop these very serious events in Iran?</span></p><p style="margin: 0px auto 29px; max-width: 640px; padding: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: verdana;"><span class="masha_index masha_index90" rel="90" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"></span>Question: I am confident that the historians of the future will not describe our conference as one in which the Second Cold War was declared. But they could. You said that it is necessary to put pressure on Iran and to provide positive incentives. But is it not true that Russia is interfering with the process of applying strong pressure through sanctions? Secondly, with regards to deliveries of weapons, Russia is encouraging Iran, especially since these weapons appeared in Lebanon and in Gaza. What are your comments on this?</span></p><p style="margin: 0px auto 29px; max-width: 640px; padding: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: verdana;"><span class="masha_index masha_index91" rel="91" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"></span>Question: I understand your sincerity and I hope that you will accept our sincerity. First of all, about arms control. Who needs a new arms race? I want to point out that the USA has not developed a new strategic weapon in more than two decades and that you recently tested the Topol-M missile, and that it is already deployed in silos and on mobile installations. You criticised the USA for unilateral actions and said twice that military actions can only be legitimate if they receive UN approval. The USA is carrying out military actions in Iraq and in Afghanistan according to UN decisions and today in Kosovo the majority of troops are supporting peace-making operations in this country.</span></p><p style="margin: 0px auto 29px; max-width: 640px; padding: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: verdana;"><span class="masha_index masha_index92" rel="92" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"></span>My question is the following: are you saying that independently of how Russia perceives a threat to its international interests, it will not undertake military operations without UN approval?</span></p><p style="margin: 0px auto 29px; max-width: 640px; padding: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: verdana;"><span class="masha_index masha_index93" rel="93" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"></span>Question: You talked about the danger of a unipolar world in which one sovereign makes a decision without consulting anyone else. In many people’s opinion, in Russia we are seeing an increasingly unipolar government where competing centres of influence are forced to tow the party line, whether it be in the State Duma, the regional leadership, the media, business communities or non-governmental organisations. Would a unipolar government be such a reliable partner when the issue of energy security is at stake?</span></p><p style="margin: 0px auto 29px; max-width: 640px; padding: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: verdana;"><span class="masha_index masha_index94" rel="94" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"></span>President Vladimir Putin: First of all I would like to thank you for your questions. Very interesting. It is a shame that we have little time left because I would be pleased to have a separate discussion with all of you. I very much enjoy this, I like it.</span></p><p style="margin: 0px auto 29px; max-width: 640px; padding: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: verdana;"><span class="masha_index masha_index95" rel="95" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"></span>I will begin with the last question about the unipolar nature of the Russian government. Today the Communist Party of the Russian Federation, the United Russia Party, the Liberal Democratic Party and other political forces as well sit in the Russian parliament. And their basic positions differ significantly. If you aren’t aware of this then just have a talk with the leadership of the Communist Party of the Russian Federation and then with the leader of our liberal democrats, Mr Zhirinovsky. You will see the difference at once. If you cannot see it now, then have a talk with them. There is no problem here, simply go to Moscow and talk to them.</span></p><p style="margin: 0px auto 29px; max-width: 640px; padding: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: verdana;"><span class="masha_index masha_index96" rel="96" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"></span>About our future plans. We would like to have a mature political system, a multi-party system with responsible politicians who can anticipate the country’s development and not only work responsibly before elections and immediately after, but in a long-term future as well. That is what we aspire to. And this system will certainly be a multi-party one. All our actions within Russia, including changing the State Duma election regime, the election regime in the Russian parliament, are designed to strengthen a multi-party system in Russia.</span></p><p style="margin: 0px auto 29px; max-width: 640px; padding: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: verdana;"><span class="masha_index masha_index97" rel="97" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"></span>And now about whether our government cabinet is able to operate responsibly in resolving issues linked to energy deliveries and ensuring energy security. Of course it can! Moreover, all that we have done and are doing is designed to achieve only one goal, namely to transfer our relations with consumers and countries that transport our energy to market-based, transparent principles and long-term contracts.</span></p><p style="margin: 0px auto 29px; max-width: 640px; padding: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: verdana;"><span class="masha_index masha_index98" rel="98" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"></span>I will remind you and my colleague, the President of Ukraine, who is sitting opposite from me, also knows this. For fifteen years prior to 2006, as long as we did not make the corresponding decisions during our difficult talks, deliveries of Russian energy and, first and foremost, of gas to Europe depended on the conditions and prices for the deliveries of Russian gas to Ukraine itself. And this was something that Ukraine and Russia agreed among themselves. And if we reached no agreement, then all European consumers would sit there with no gas. Would you like to see this happen? I don’t think so. And despite all the scandals, the protection of interests, and differences of opinion we were able to agree with President Yushchenko. I consider that he made a responsible, absolutely correct and market-oriented decision. We signed separate contracts for the delivery of our gas to Ukraine and for delivering Russian gas to Europe for the next five years. You should thank us, both Russia and Ukraine, for this decision. And thank you also for your question.</span></p><p style="margin: 0px auto 29px; max-width: 640px; padding: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: verdana;"><span class="masha_index masha_index99" rel="99" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"></span>It would have been better if I answered your questions at once.</span></p><p style="margin: 0px auto 29px; max-width: 640px; padding: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: verdana;"><span class="masha_index masha_index100" rel="100" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"></span>Regarding our perception of NATO’s eastern expansion, I already mentioned the guarantees that were made and that are not being observed today. Do you happen to think that this is normal practice in international affairs? But all right, forget it. Forget these guarantees. With respect to democracy and NATO expansion. NATO is not a universal organisation, as opposed to the UN. It is first and foremost a military and political alliance, military and political! Well, ensuring one’s own security is the right of any sovereign state. We are not arguing against this. Of course we are not objecting to this. But why is it necessary to put military infrastructure on our borders during this expansion? Can someone answer this question? Unless the expansion of military infrastructure is connected with fighting against today’s global threats? Let’s put it this way, what is the most important of these threats for us today – the most important for Russia, for the USA and for Europe – it is terrorism and the fight against it.</span></p><p style="margin: 0px auto 29px; max-width: 640px; padding: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: verdana;"><span class="masha_index masha_index101" rel="101" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"></span>Does one need Russia to fight against terrorism? Of course! Does one need India to fight against terrorism! Of course! But we are not members of NATO and other countries aren’t either. But we can only work on this issue effectively by joining our forces. As such, expanding infrastructure, especially military infrastructure, to our borders is not connected in any way with the democratic choices of individual states. And I would ask that we not mix these two concepts.</span></p><p style="margin: 0px auto 29px; max-width: 640px; padding: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: verdana;"><span class="masha_index masha_index102" rel="102" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"></span>You know, I wrote so illegibly here that even I cannot read my own writing. I will therefore answer what I can read and if I do not answer something, please remind me of the question.</span></p><p style="margin: 0px auto 29px; max-width: 640px; padding: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: verdana;"><span class="masha_index masha_index103" rel="103" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"></span>What will happen with Kosovo and with Serbia? Only Kosovars and Serbs can know. And let’s not tell them how they should live their lives. There is no need to play God and resolve all of these peoples’ problems. Together we can only create certain necessary conditions and help people resolve their own problems. Create the necessary conditions and act as the guarantors of certain agreements. But we should not impose these agreements. Otherwise, we shall simply put the situation into a dead end. And if one of the participants in this difficult process feels offended or humiliated, then the problem will last for centuries. We will only create a dead end.</span></p><p style="margin: 0px auto 29px; max-width: 640px; padding: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: verdana;"><span class="masha_index masha_index104" rel="104" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"></span>What does our position consist in? Our position consists in adhering precisely to this principle. And if we see that one party is clearly dissatisfied with the proposals to resolve the situation then we are not going to support this option.</span></p><p style="margin: 0px auto 29px; max-width: 640px; padding: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: verdana;"><span class="masha_index masha_index105" rel="105" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"></span>I did not exactly understand what you meant when you asked about our servicemen’s experience in Chechnya. Their experience is not pleasant, but it is extensive. And if you are interested in the general situation in Chechnya, then I can tell you that a parliament and a president have been elected, and that the government is functioning. All the bodies of authority and administration have been formed. Practically all the political forces in Chechnya have been involved in work in the Republic. As an example, the former Defence Minister of Aslan Maskhadov’s government is now a member of parliament in Chechnya. And we made a whole series of decisions that would allow former insurgents to return not only to normal life, but also to the Republic’s political activities. As such, today we prefer to act by using economic and political means and, in practice, we have transferred the responsibility for ensuring security almost 100 percent to the Chechen people. Because the agencies of law and order that were formed in Chechnya are almost 100 percent composed of local citizens, from those living in Chechnya on a permanent basis – from Chechens.</span></p><p style="margin: 0px auto 29px; max-width: 640px; padding: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: verdana;"><span class="masha_index masha_index106" rel="106" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"></span>As to Lebanon, I also did not quite understand what you meant. But, yes, the fact that we sent military construction workers to Lebanon to restore bridges and infrastructure that was destroyed in the conflict with Israel is a confirmation of a well-known situation, the one I described just now. And military units protecting these builders were made up of servicemen from Chechnya and with Chechen origins. We recognised that if our servicemen must operate in regions inhabited by Muslims, sending a contingent of Muslim servicemen would be no bad thing. And we were not mistaken. The local population really gave a warm welcome to our military builders.</span></p><p style="margin: 0px auto 29px; max-width: 640px; padding: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: verdana;"><span class="masha_index masha_index107" rel="107" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"></span>Now about the energy agreement with the European Union, since this is how I understood the question. We have said many times that we are not against agreeing on the principles underlying our energy relations with the EU. Moreover, the principles contained in the Charter are generally comprehensible. But the Charter itself is not so acceptable to us. Because not only Russia but also our European partners do not adhere to its principles. It is enough to remember that the market for nuclear materials remains closed for us. Nobody has opened this market to us.</span></p><p style="margin: 0px auto 29px; max-width: 640px; padding: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: verdana;"><span class="masha_index masha_index108" rel="108" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"></span>There are also other moments which I simply do not want to draw attention to now. But as to the principles themselves, we are already using these principles in our work with German companies. I shall remind you of the transaction that took place between Gazprom and BASF. As a matter of fact, this was an asset swap. We are ready to continue to work this way. We are ready. But in each concrete instance we must understand what we give, what our partners give, calculate, have an independent international expert evaluation, and then make a decision. We are ready to engage in this work. We have actually just recently done something similar with our Italian partners, with the company ENI. And we did more than simply sign an agreement about deliveries until 2035 – I think – we also talked about swapping assets. And we are studying this same type of cooperation with our Ukrainian friends. This is going ahead.</span></p><p style="margin: 0px auto 29px; max-width: 640px; padding: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: verdana;"><span class="masha_index masha_index109" rel="109" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"></span>And is it necessary to fix these principles in a possible future fundamental text between Russia and the EU? It is possible to have different opinions on this issue. I consider that it is not necessary because, in addition to energy, we have other spheres in which we cooperate with the EU, including agriculture, high-tech and transportation. And all of this is very important and very interesting. And we cannot put all of this in one fundamental act that should act as a framework document. Or would you want us to put only what you need in the document and leave what we need outside of the framework? Let’s discuss things honestly with one another and take mutually acceptable decisions.</span></p><p style="margin: 0px auto 29px; max-width: 640px; padding: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: verdana;"><span class="masha_index masha_index110" rel="110" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"></span>“In the 1990s Russia helped Iran develop missile technologies”. I think that you asked me this question. “Today Iran wants to put nuclear warheads on these missiles that could reach Europe. What is Russia going to do about the Iranian nuclear programme?” Is that so?</span></p><p style="margin: 0px auto 29px; max-width: 640px; padding: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: verdana;"><span class="masha_index masha_index111" rel="111" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"></span>Well first of all, I do not have data that in the 1990s Russia helped Iran create its own missile technologies. It was other countries that worked very actively towards this. And technology was transferred through different channels. And we have proof of this. At the time I gave these proofs directly to the President of the United States. And technology also came from Europe and from Asian countries.</span></p><p style="margin: 0px auto 29px; max-width: 640px; padding: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: verdana;"><span class="masha_index masha_index112" rel="112" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"></span>So Russia is hardly at fault here. I assure you. Russia is the country least involved here. Least of all. If it is involved at all. At the time I was still working in St Petersburg, but we were not involved with this. I can assure you of this. But you know that at the business level something could have happened. We trained experts in institutes and so on. And at the request and according to the information of our American partners we reacted harshly to this. Immediately and harshly. We did not observe such a reaction from our other partners, including European partners. Moreover, I do not know whether you are aware of this or not but you should know that military technology and special equipment is still coming from the United States. Until now. Until now spare parts for F-14 planes come from the armed forces and the Pentagon. As far as I know, there is even an investigation taking place in the United States on this account. And despite the fact that this investigation is proceeding and that these spare parts were seized at the border and then sent back, after a certain amount of time, according to the data I have – and if they are not correct then check them – those same cargos were again seized at the border. Even bearing a tag ‘material evidence’.</span></p><p style="margin: 0px auto 29px; max-width: 640px; padding: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: verdana;"><span class="masha_index masha_index113" rel="113" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"></span>You know, this stream is really hard to stop. We need to work together to do so.</span></p><p style="margin: 0px auto 29px; max-width: 640px; padding: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: verdana;"><span class="masha_index masha_index114" rel="114" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"></span>About whether or not Iran has missiles that threaten Europe. You are mistaken. Today Iran has – Mr Gates is here today and certainly knows this data better than I do, and the Russian Defence Minister is also here – missiles with a range of 2000 kilometres.</span></p><p style="margin: 0px auto 29px; max-width: 640px; padding: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: verdana;"><span class="masha_index masha_index115" rel="115" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"></span>Russian Defence Minister Sergei Ivanov: 1600–1700 kilometres.</span></p><p style="margin: 0px auto 29px; max-width: 640px; padding: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: verdana;"><span class="masha_index masha_index116" rel="116" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"></span>Vladimir Putin: 1600–1700 kilometres. Only. Well, count how many kilometres there are between Munich and the Iranian border. Iran has no such missiles. They plan to develop some with a range of 2400 kilometres. It is not known whether they have the technology to do so. And with respect to 4000, 5000 or 6000 kilometres, then I think that this would simply require a different economy. So, it is improbable in general. And Iran is not threatening Europe. With regard to the idea that they are preparing to use nuclear warheads then we do not have such data. We do not have this data about nuclear warheads.</span></p><p style="margin: 0px auto 29px; max-width: 640px; padding: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: verdana;"><span class="masha_index masha_index117" rel="117" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"></span>North Korea has tested a nuclear device. Iranians are constantly saying that their nuclear programme has a peaceful character. But I agree with you that the international community has concerns about the character and quality of Iran’s nuclear programmes. And Mr ElBaradai recently stated these concerns in what I think were six or seven points. I agree with you about this. And I do not understand why the Iranian party has still not reacted in a positive and constructive way to the concerns that Mr ElBaradai stated and therefore assuaged these concerns. I do not understand this just as you do not understand it.</span></p><p style="margin: 0px auto 29px; max-width: 640px; padding: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: verdana;"><span class="masha_index masha_index118" rel="118" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"></span>What are we going to do? I think that together we need to work patiently and carefully. And, that’s right, to create incentives and show the Iranian leadership that cooperation with the international community is much better than confrontation.</span></p><p style="margin: 0px auto 29px; max-width: 640px; padding: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: verdana;"><span class="masha_index masha_index119" rel="119" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"></span>Yes, and again about the deliveries of weapons to Iran. You know that there has been more talk than deliveries. Our military and technical cooperation with Iran is minimal. Simply minimal. I am not sure what minimal figures it is estimated at. In general we deliver much less arms to the Middle East than other countries, including the United States. No comparison is possible there. We recently delivered an anti-aircraft weapon system to Iran – that is true – with a medium range, approximately 30 to 50 kilometres. That is true. Why did we do this? I can explain why. We did this so that Iran did not feel it had been driven into a corner. So that it didn’t feel that it was in some kind of hostile environment. Rather that Iran could understand that it had channels of communication and friends that it could trust. We very much expect that the Iranian party will understand and hear our signals.</span></p><p style="margin: 0px auto 29px; max-width: 640px; padding: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: verdana;"><span class="masha_index masha_index120" rel="120" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"></span>As to our weapons in Lebanon and in the Gaza strip. I am not aware of our weapons in the Gaza strip. I have not heard of such examples. Well, Kalashnikovs are in general the most widely used small arms in the world. They are probably everywhere. And probably there are still automatic Kalashnikovs in Germany or, in any case, some that have still not been destroyed. That is one hundred percent certain.</span></p><p style="margin: 0px auto 29px; max-width: 640px; padding: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: verdana;"><span class="masha_index masha_index121" rel="121" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"></span>In Lebanon it is true. Elements of our anti-tank systems really have been seen there. That is true. Our Israeli partners told me about this at once. We carried out a thorough investigation into what happened. And we determined that these systems had remained in Lebanese territory after the Syrian army left. We carried out the corresponding work with our Syrian partners. We determined that our future military and technical cooperation with Syria would exclude the possibility that weapons could fall into any hands other than the ones they were destined for. We developed such a system. Among other things, we agreed on a system of possible warehouse inspections, at any time that is convenient for Russian experts. Inspections in warehouses after deliveries of Russian weapons systems to Syria.</span></p><p style="margin: 0px auto 29px; max-width: 640px; padding: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: verdana;"><span class="masha_index masha_index122" rel="122" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"></span>“The USA are not developing strategic weapons but Russia is. Will Russia use force in the future if it is not sanctioned by the UN? Russia is developing a system of strategic weapons”.</span></p><p style="margin: 0px auto 29px; max-width: 640px; padding: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: verdana;"><span class="masha_index masha_index123" rel="123" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"></span>Fine question, excellent! I am very grateful to you for this question. It will give me the opportunity to talk about the essence of what is happening. What are we indebted to in the past decades if there was a stand-off between two superpowers and two systems but nevertheless a big war did not take place? We are indebted to the balance of powers between these two superpowers. There was an equilibrium and a fear of mutual destruction. And in those days one party was afraid to make an extra step without consulting the other. And this was certainly a fragile peace and a frightening one. But as we see today, it was reliable enough. Today, it seems that the peace is not so reliable.</span></p><p style="margin: 0px auto 29px; max-width: 640px; padding: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: verdana;"><span class="masha_index masha_index124" rel="124" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"></span>Yes, the United States is ostensibly not developing an offensive weapon. In any case, the public does not know about this. Even though they are certainly developing them. But we aren’t even going to ask about this now. We know that these developments are proceeding. But we pretend that we don’t know, so we say that they aren’t developing new weapons. But what do we know? That the United States is actively developing and already strengthening an anti-missile defence system. Today this system is ineffective but we do not know exactly whether it will one day be effective. But in theory it is being created for that purpose. So hypothetically we recognise that when this moment arrives, the possible threat from our nuclear forces will be completely neutralised. Russia’s present nuclear capabilities, that is. The balance of powers will be absolutely destroyed and one of the parties will benefit from the feeling of complete security. This means that its hands will be free not only in local but eventually also in global conflicts.</span></p><p style="margin: 0px auto 29px; max-width: 640px; padding: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: verdana;"><span class="masha_index masha_index125" rel="125" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"></span>We are discussing this with you now. I would not want anyone to suspect any aggressive intentions on our part. But the system of international relations is just like mathematics. There are no personal dimensions. And of course we should react to this. How? Either the same as you and therefore by building a multi-billion dollar anti-missile system or, in view of our present economic and financial possibilities, by developing an asymmetrical answer. So that everybody can understand that the anti-missile defence system is useless against Russia because we have certain weapons that easily overcome it. And we are proceeding in this direction. It is cheaper for us. And this is in no way directed against the United States themselves.</span></p><p style="margin: 0px auto 29px; max-width: 640px; padding: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: verdana;"><span class="masha_index masha_index126" rel="126" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"></span>I completely agree if you say that the Strategic Defense Initiative (SDI) is not directed against us, just as our new weapons are not directed against you. And I fully agree with my colleague and my friend about another thing. Do you know – and I will not be afraid of the word – that in spite of all our disagreements I consider the President of the United States my friend. He is a decent person and I know that today the wolves can blame the United States for everything that is being done on the international arena and internally. But I know that he is a decent person and it is possible to talk and reach agreements with him. And when I talked to him he said: “I proceed from the fact that Russia and the USA will never be opponents and enemies again”. I agree with him. But I repeat once again that there are symmetries and asymmetries here, there is nothing personal. It is simply a calculation.</span></p><p style="margin: 0px auto 29px; max-width: 640px; padding: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: verdana;"><span class="masha_index masha_index127" rel="127" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"></span>And now about whether Russia will use military force without the sanction of the UN. We will always operate strictly within the international legal framework. My basic education is in law and I will allow myself to remind both myself and my colleagues that according to the UN Charter peace-keeping operations require the sanction of both the UN and the UN Security Council. This is in the case of peace-keeping operations. But in the UN Charter there is also an article about self-defence. And no sanctions are required in this case.</span></p><p style="margin: 0px auto 29px; max-width: 640px; padding: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: verdana;"><span class="masha_index masha_index128" rel="128" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"></span>So, what have I forgotten?</span></p><p style="margin: 0px auto 29px; max-width: 640px; padding: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: verdana;"><span class="masha_index masha_index129" rel="129" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"></span>Question: My question was about multipolarity in Russia itself and about the attitude of the international community towards Russia if Russia does not observe these principles, in reference to the murder of journalists, fears, anxieties, the absence of freedom and non-governmental organisations.</span></p><p style="margin: 0px auto 29px; max-width: 640px; padding: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: verdana;"><span class="masha_index masha_index130" rel="130" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"></span>Vladimir Putin: I will say a couple of words. I already answered part of the question when I talked about the structure of the Russian parliament. Look at who is represented there, the political views of the people who have leadership positions in parliament, the legitimate parties. Now, as to non-governmental organisations, they are working actively in Russia. Yes, we introduced a new system for registering these organisations. But it is not that different from registration systems in other countries. And we have not yet seen any complaints from non-governmental organisations themselves. We have not refused registration to almost any organisations. There were two or three cases that were refused on simply formal grounds and these organisations are working on correcting certain provisions in their charters and so on. Nobody has been refused registration based on substantial, fundamental issues. All are continuing to work in the most active possible way and will continue to do so in the future.</span></p><p style="margin: 0px auto 29px; max-width: 640px; padding: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: verdana;"><span class="masha_index masha_index131" rel="131" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"></span>What bothers us? I can say and I think that it is clear for all, that when these non-governmental organisations are financed by foreign governments, we see them as an instrument that foreign states use to carry out their Russian policies. That is the first thing. The second. In every country there are certain rules for financing, shall we say, election campaigns. Financing from foreign governments, including within governmental campaigns, proceeds through non-governmental organisations. And who is happy about this? Is this normal democracy? It is secret financing. Hidden from society. Where is the democracy here? Can you tell me? No! You can’t tell me and you never will be able to. Because there is no democracy here, there is simply one state exerting influence on another.</span></p><p style="margin: 0px auto 29px; max-width: 640px; padding: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: verdana;"><span class="masha_index masha_index132" rel="132" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"></span>But we are interested in developing civil society in Russia, so that it scolds and criticises the authorities, helps them determine their own mistakes, and correct their policies in Russian citizens’ interests. We are certainly interested in this and we will support civil society and non-governmental organisations.</span></p><p style="margin: 0px auto 29px; max-width: 640px; padding: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: verdana;"><span class="masha_index masha_index133" rel="133" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"></span>As to fears and so on, are you aware that today Russians have fewer fears than citizens in many other countries? Because in the last few years we made cardinal changes to improve the economic well-being of our citizens. We still have a great many problems. And we still have a great many unresolved problems. Including problems linked with poverty. And I can tell you that fears basically come from this source.</span></p><p style="margin: 0px auto 29px; max-width: 640px; padding: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: verdana;"><span class="masha_index masha_index134" rel="134" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"></span>As to journalists then yes, this represents an important and difficult problem. And, incidentally, journalists are not only killed in Russia, but in other countries as well. Where are most journalists killed? You are an expert and probably know in which country the most journalists died in, say, the last year and a half? The largest number of journalists were killed in Iraq.</span></p><p style="margin: 0px auto 29px; max-width: 640px; padding: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: verdana;"><span class="masha_index masha_index135" rel="135" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"></span>As to tragedies within Russia, we will certainly struggle with these phenomena in the most thorough way possible and sternly punish all criminals who try to undermine trust in Russia and damage our political system.</span></p><p style="margin: 0px auto 29px; max-width: 640px; padding: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: verdana;"><span class="masha_index masha_index136" rel="136" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"></span>Thank you for your attention.</span></p></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7433369209594824580.post-44238092149058161492021-06-17T02:58:00.004-07:002021-06-17T02:58:25.533-07:00PT -- ENTREVISTAS DE PUTIN COM OLIVER STONE -- 4 Episódios<p> </p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/nmG5JXfExwk" title="YouTube video player" width="853"></iframe>
<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/m_cQn_zLWPw" title="YouTube video player" width="853"></iframe>
<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/hAHbhl79cV8" title="YouTube video player" width="853"></iframe>
<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/UpTuVemLXwE" title="YouTube video player" width="853"></iframe>
<span><a name='more'></a></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7433369209594824580.post-37042097155511924512020-08-01T13:06:00.000-07:002020-08-01T13:06:26.344-07:00Ordem Executiva:Metas de desenvolvimento nacional da Rússia até 2030<br />
<div class="separator" style="background-color: #fff2cc; clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #351c75; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzYYTEHH-6NdPikBeUBsZghay1FMwyWB58rb0jsTM004KWu78fAi0SyTsLaFiRjuXFjQH-SLUmssGSDpZH6e5xF0bH9WgBC5s7y7lGXIHvRGGDWyoA_BnHAo69w4GmOf0mzeQPUD8bux7h/s1600/1+RUSSIAN+LOGO.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzYYTEHH-6NdPikBeUBsZghay1FMwyWB58rb0jsTM004KWu78fAi0SyTsLaFiRjuXFjQH-SLUmssGSDpZH6e5xF0bH9WgBC5s7y7lGXIHvRGGDWyoA_BnHAo69w4GmOf0mzeQPUD8bux7h/s1600/1+RUSSIAN+LOGO.png" /></a></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: #fff2cc; clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: #fff2cc; clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: #fff2cc; clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: #fff2cc; clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: #fff2cc; clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: #fff2cc; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt; text-align: justify;">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px; margin: 12pt 26.1pt 8pt 1cm;">
<div class="Standard" style="margin-top: 12pt;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt; text-align: justify;">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;">
</div>
<span style="color: #351c75;"><span style="color: #351c75;"><o:p></o:p></span><br /></span>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span style="font-family: Rockwell, serif; line-height: 18.4px;"><span style="color: #351c75;"><span style="font-size: large;">Ordem Executiva:</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span style="font-family: Rockwell, serif; line-height: 18.4px;"><span style="color: #351c75;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Metas de desenvolvimento nacional da Rússia até 2030</b></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span style="font-family: Rockwell, serif; line-height: 18.4px;"><span style="color: #351c75;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">21/7/2020, </span><i style="font-size: 12pt;"><a href="http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/63728" target="_blank">Kremlin Website</a></i></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span style="font-family: Rockwell, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;"><span style="color: #351c75;"><i><br /></i><b>Tradução de trabalho, não oficial, não revista, para finalidades acadêmicas</b><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span style="font-family: Rockwell, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;"><span style="color: #351c75;">Vladimir Putin assinou a seguinte Ordem Executiva “Metas de desenvolvimento nacional da Rússia até 2030”.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span style="font-family: Rockwell, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;"><span style="color: #351c75;"><br /><b>21 de julho, 2020</b><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span style="font-family: Rockwell, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;"><span style="color: #351c75;">11:25<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span style="font-family: Rockwell, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;"><span style="color: #351c75;"><br />Para assegurar o desenvolvimento de ponta da Rússia, aumentar a população, melhorar os padrões de vida do povo e criar condições confortáveis de vida, assim como para ajudar as pessoas a libertar os próprios talentos, o Presidente estabeleceu as seguintes metas de desenvolvimento nacional até 2030:<br /><br /><b>Preservar/promover</b><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span style="font-family: Rockwell, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;"><span style="color: #351c75;">a. a população, a saúde e o bem-estar do povo;<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span style="font-family: Rockwell, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;"><span style="color: #351c75;">b. condições de autorrealização e para libertar talentos;<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span style="font-family: Rockwell, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;"><span style="color: #351c75;">c. meio ambiente confortável e seguro;<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span style="font-family: Rockwell, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;"><span style="color: #351c75;">d. postos de trabalho decentes e efetivos e a empresa bem-sucedida;<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span style="font-family: Rockwell, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;"><span style="color: #351c75;">e. a transformação digital.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span style="font-family: Rockwell, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;"><span style="color: #351c75;"><br />A Ordem Executiva <b>fixa os seguintes parâmetros para avaliar se as metas nacionais foram alcançadas até 2030</b>:<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span style="font-family: Rockwell, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;"><span style="color: #351c75;">a. <b>no quadro da meta nacional de preservar/promover a população, a saúde e o bem-estar do povo</b>:<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span style="font-family: Rockwell, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;"><span style="color: #351c75;">– garantir o crescimento sustentável da população da Federação Russa;<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span style="font-family: Rockwell, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;"><span style="color: #351c75;">– aumentar a expectativa de vida, para 78 anos;<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span style="font-family: Rockwell, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;"><span style="color: #351c75;">– reduzir à metade, em relação a 2017, a taxa de pobreza;<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span style="font-family: Rockwell, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;"><span style="color: #351c75;">– aumentar para 70% a porcentagem dos que se exercitam e fazem esportes regularmente;<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span style="font-family: Rockwell, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;"><span style="color: #351c75;">b. <b>no quadro da meta nacional de criar condições para a autorrealização e a libertação do talento</b>:<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span style="font-family: Rockwell, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;"><span style="color: #351c75;">– alcançar posição entre os primeiros 10 países de mais alta qualidade no campo da educação;<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span style="font-family: Rockwell, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;"><span style="color: #351c75;">– criar sistema efetivo, baseado nos princípios da justiça e igualdade, da universalidade, da autodeterminação e da orientação para escolha de carreiras, para identificar, apoiar e ajudar crianças e jovens para que libertem seus talentos;<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span style="font-family: Rockwell, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;"><span style="color: #351c75;">– alcançar posição entre os primeiros 10 países no volume de pesquisa e desenvolvimento, inclusive mediante a criação de sistema efetivo de educação de nível superior;<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span style="font-family: Rockwell, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;"><span style="color: #351c75;">– criar condições para promover a formação de pessoas harmoniosamente desenvolvidas e socialmente responsáveis, considerados os valores espirituais e morais dos povos da Federação Russa e suas tradições históricas, nacionais e culturais;<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span style="font-family: Rockwell, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;"><span style="color: #351c75;">– aumentar para 15% a quantidade de pessoas engajadas em atividades voluntárias ou que participem em organizações voluntárias;<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span style="font-family: Rockwell, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;"><span style="color: #351c75;">– triplicar, em relação a 2019, o número de cidadãos que participam em eventos culturais;<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span style="color: #351c75;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;">с</span><span style="font-family: Rockwell, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;">)</span><span style="font-family: Rockwell, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;"> </span><b><span style="font-family: Rockwell, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;">no quadro da meta nacional de alcançar ambiente confortável e seguro</span></b><span style="font-family: Rockwell, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;">:<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span style="font-family: Rockwell, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;"><span style="color: #351c75;">– melhorar as condições de moradia para pelo menos 5 milhões de famílias ao ano; e aumentar a construção de moradia para pelo menos 120 milhões de metros quadrados ao ano;<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span style="font-family: Rockwell, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;"><span style="color: #351c75;">– melhorar pelo menos em 1 vez e meia o índice de qualidade do ambiente urbano;<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span style="font-family: Rockwell, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;"><span style="color: #351c75;">– garantir que pelo menos 85% da rede de estradas nas grandes áreas metropolitanas atenda às exigências de lei;<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span style="font-family: Rockwell, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;"><span style="color: #351c75;">– criar um sistema sustentável para gestão do lixo doméstico e garantir que 100% do lixo seja classificado, ao mesmo tempo em que se reduzam à metade os lixões de superfície;<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span style="font-family: Rockwell, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;"><span style="color: #351c75;">– reduzir à metade as emissões de poluentes perigosos que tenham o efeito mais negativo sobre o ambiente e a saúde humana;<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span style="font-family: Rockwell, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;"><span style="color: #351c75;">– eliminar as instalações mais perigosas que causam dano ambiental acumulado, e promover a recuperação ambiental de corpos d’água, incluindo o Rio Volga e os lados Baikal e Teletskoye;<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span style="font-family: Rockwell, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;"><span style="color: #351c75;">d) <b>no quadro da meta nacional de promover postos de trabalho decentes e efetivos e a empresa bem-sucedida</b>:<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span style="font-family: Rockwell, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;"><span style="color: #351c75;">– garantir que o PIB cresça acima da média global, mantendo-se a estabilidade macroeconômica;<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span style="font-family: Rockwell, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;"><span style="color: #351c75;">– garantir crescimento estável da renda das famílias e aposentadorias, nunca menor que a taxa de inflação;<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span style="font-family: Rockwell, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;"><span style="color: #351c75;">– aumentar em pelo menos 70% comparado a 2020 o investimento de real fixed capital;<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span style="font-family: Rockwell, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;"><span style="color: #351c75;">– alcançar crescimento real em pelo menos 70% comparado a 2020, nas exportações de bens não intensivos em recursos e em energia;<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span style="font-family: Rockwell, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;"><span style="color: #351c75;">– aumentar para 25 milhões de pessoas o número de empregos em empresas de pequeno e médio porte, incluindo empreendedores individuais e autoempregados;<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span style="font-family: Rockwell, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;"><span style="color: #351c75;">e) <b>no quadro da meta nacional da transformação digital</b>:<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span style="font-family: Rockwell, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;"><span style="color: #351c75;">– alcançar “maturidade digital” em setores chaves da economia e em serviços sociais, incluindo educação e atenção à saúde, além da governança pública;<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span style="font-family: Rockwell, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;"><span style="color: #351c75;">– aumentar para 95% a proporção de serviços sociais essenciais disponíveis <i>online</i>;<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span style="font-family: Rockwell, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;"><span style="color: #351c75;">– aumentar para 97% a proporção de lares com acesso à internet de banda larga;<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span style="font-family: Rockwell, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;"><span style="color: #351c75;">– quadruplicar, em comparação a 2019, o investimento em soluções russas de tecnologia de informação.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span style="font-family: Rockwell, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;"><span style="color: #351c75;"><br />O Governo da Federação Russa distribuiu instruções para que assim se faça.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span style="font-family: Rockwell, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;"><span style="color: #351c75;"><br />Essa Ordem Executiva entra em vigência na data de sua publicação oficial. [Fim do texto]*************<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;">
<b><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Traduzido por Amigos do Brasil</span></b></div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7433369209594824580.post-69882411152899752912020-03-26T02:04:00.000-07:002020-03-26T02:07:10.599-07:00At the helm: 20 years ago, Putin was elected as Russia’s president for first time<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: #fff2cc; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px; margin: 12pt 26.1pt 8pt 1cm;">
<div class="Standard" style="margin-top: 12pt;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #351c75;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #351c75; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzYYTEHH-6NdPikBeUBsZghay1FMwyWB58rb0jsTM004KWu78fAi0SyTsLaFiRjuXFjQH-SLUmssGSDpZH6e5xF0bH9WgBC5s7y7lGXIHvRGGDWyoA_BnHAo69w4GmOf0mzeQPUD8bux7h/s1600/1+RUSSIAN+LOGO.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzYYTEHH-6NdPikBeUBsZghay1FMwyWB58rb0jsTM004KWu78fAi0SyTsLaFiRjuXFjQH-SLUmssGSDpZH6e5xF0bH9WgBC5s7y7lGXIHvRGGDWyoA_BnHAo69w4GmOf0mzeQPUD8bux7h/s1600/1+RUSSIAN+LOGO.png" /></a></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12.0pt; text-align: justify;">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px; margin: 12pt 26.1pt 8pt 1cm;">
<div class="Standard" style="margin-top: 12pt;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #351c75;">
</span>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #351c75; font-size: x-large;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt; text-align: justify;">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span style="color: #351c75;"><span style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">26 MAR, 03:55</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #351c75; font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><a href="https://tass.com/politics/1135625">At the helm: 20 years ago, Putin was elected as Russia’s president for first time</a><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #351c75; font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Keeping a broad range of issues under strict control has become Putin’s
way of life<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span style="color: #351c75;"><img alt="Russian President Vladimir Putin Mikhail Metzel/TASS" height="407" src="https://phototass4.cdnvideo.ru/width/1020_b9261fa1/tass/m2/en/uploads/i/20200326/1259191.jpg" width="640" /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #351c75; font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><b><span style="color: #990000;">Russian President Vladimir Putin</span></b><span style="color: #351c75;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">© Mikhail Metzel/TASS<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">MOSCOW, March 26. /TASS/. Russia’s four-time President Vladimir Putin
marks a political anniversary on March 26: 20 years ago, he was elected for his
first term as the head of Russia. However, the president will apparently have
neither free time nor the desire to celebrate: Putin is reluctant to marking
personal dates, and, under present conditions, he will simply have no chance to
take a pause in his hectic work schedule.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">Work schedule<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said that on Thursday the president would
meet with a group of entrepreneurs from Russian regions. Another important
event on Putin’s agenda today will be G20 summit, to be held in the format of a
video linkup to discuss the novel coronavirus pandemic and ways to mitigate its
impact on the global economy.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">In charge of everything<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">Keeping a broad range of issues under strict control has become Putin’s
way of life. Each of his 20 years at the helm of the Russian state (15 years as
president and five as the prime minister) was turbulent in its own way, posing
new questions and problems: international conflicts and terrorism, economic
troubles and natural disasters were only the tip of the iceberg of problems
that required a prompt and weighted response.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">However, those turbulent periods failed to stop Russia’s steady
development, including changes in the vertical power structure, political party
system reforms and measures to boost Russia’s defense. In his TASS interview
for the project entitled "20 Questions with Vladimir Putin", the head
of state asserted that a tsar merely issues orders, while the president works
every day. "A tsar is one who just sits there, looks down from above and
says: ‘They will do as I order’, while he just tries on a cap and looks at
himself in the mirror," he said.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">Putin’s hectic schedule, which he compared to the work of a galley slave
after the first two terms in office, is widely known both in Russia and abroad.
For more than two decades, he has been keeping both his friends and enemies
surprised at how one person can handle it all. In an interview with TASS, Putin
confessed that the idea of having a body double was floated for the sake of
ensuring the safety of the head of state in the early 2000s, but the idea was
rejected once and for all.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">Creating trends<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">Although his post envisages maximum publicity, Putin prefers to keep
personal things, including those related to his family, out of the public eye.
His official biography only mentions two adult daughters, and the president
spoke of having grandchildren, too. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov explained
that putting everything on a display is ruled out as far as the head of the
Russian state is concerned.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">Putin is very upbeat on scientific and engineering progress, but still
prefers the special hotline phone to any of the modern gadgets. The reason is
simple. "It is far easier for me to use a special phone line to be
connected to any number," the president explained in an interview with
TASS.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">Following modern trends is not Putin’s style. He prefers to create them
on his own, be it healthy lifestyle (which encouraged thousands of Russian boys
to practice judo and sambo wrestling) or the choice of a remote location in
taiga for his two-day vacation (after which tourists flocked to Russia’s Tuva
region).<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">The same applies to the Russian leader’s foreign policy as well.
Opposing the start of the war in Iraq in 2003, Putin managed to win the support
of powerful allies, such as then French President Jacques Chirac and German
Chancellor Gerhard Schroder. In 2007, Putin made his famous Munich speech,
speaking out loud about Russia’s position on the international arena and
expressing ideas that were ahead of their time. Almost a decade and a half
later, other states started to refer to the same notions in their international
affairs. A strong and confident Russia, which is no longer trying to catch up
with others, has reclaimed the global recognition of a key player on the global
arena, whether others like it or not.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">Putin, who has always called for a diplomatic solution of any conflict,
says firmly and unambiguously that Russia is not going to fight against anyone
and it is laying the groundwork so that other countries, too, will not have the
slightest urge to unleash an armed conflict with Moscow.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">Serious work ahead<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">Putin has accumulated vast experience of a state leader, which has
surpassed that of his incumbent counterparts from other major world powers,
including Chinese President Xi Jinping (in office since 2013) and German
Chancellor Angela Merkel (since 2005). As far as the ex-Soviet space is
concerned, Putin’s time at the helm is second only to Belarusian President
Alexander Lukashenko, who has been in power for almost 26 years.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">In an interview to TASS, Putin confessed it had never occurred to him
that his stay at the helm of power would last so long.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">"It never crossed my mind. I never thought that I would wind up
here. That never would have occurred to me," he said.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">About the possibility of dropping out of the race at some point, Putin
said he felt "responsible for what is going on, and for what will happen
in the future."<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">He added that in 2008, he did not have the slightest idea that in four
years’ time he would occupy the presidential office again, although he did not
exclude that possibility altogether.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">However, Putin believes that it is too early to raise the question of
his status when his term expires in 2024.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">When leaving Kremlin on December 31, 1999, and appointing Putin as his
successor, former Russian President Boris Yeltsin told Russians: "I wish you
to be happy. You deserve happiness. You deserve happiness and
tranquility."<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">During the March 26, 2000 presidential elections, in which 11 candidates
took part, the most Russians cast their ballots for Putin, and have since
confirmed their choice thrice.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">On March 27, 2000, the day after being elected as the president of
Russia for the first time, Putin said: "There is a lot of serious work
ahead. A lot remains to be explained. Many things that might cause disputes are
still to be done. But I have the idea of what should be done next."<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">The world and the country changed drastically since then, but those
words still remain true today. Putin chooses to focus on what remains to be
done rather than on what was done. This is what he sees as his main motivation
in steering the country.</span></span></div>
<a name='more'></a><span style="color: #351c75;"><span style="color: #351c75;"><o:p></o:p></span><br /></span>
<span style="color: #351c75;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<br /></div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12.0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7433369209594824580.post-11817146410060155342020-03-25T14:52:00.000-07:002020-03-25T14:52:48.292-07:00President of Russia Vladimir Putin -- Address to the Nation<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: #fff2cc; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px; margin: 12pt 26.1pt 8pt 1cm;">
<div class="Standard" style="margin-top: 12pt;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #351c75;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #351c75; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzYYTEHH-6NdPikBeUBsZghay1FMwyWB58rb0jsTM004KWu78fAi0SyTsLaFiRjuXFjQH-SLUmssGSDpZH6e5xF0bH9WgBC5s7y7lGXIHvRGGDWyoA_BnHAo69w4GmOf0mzeQPUD8bux7h/s1600/1+RUSSIAN+LOGO.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzYYTEHH-6NdPikBeUBsZghay1FMwyWB58rb0jsTM004KWu78fAi0SyTsLaFiRjuXFjQH-SLUmssGSDpZH6e5xF0bH9WgBC5s7y7lGXIHvRGGDWyoA_BnHAo69w4GmOf0mzeQPUD8bux7h/s1600/1+RUSSIAN+LOGO.png" /></a></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12.0pt; text-align: justify;">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px; margin: 12pt 26.1pt 8pt 1cm;">
<div class="Standard" style="margin-top: 12pt;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #351c75;">
</span>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #351c75; font-size: x-large;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt; text-align: justify;">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/63061">Address to the Nation</a></span></b><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">March 25, 2020<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">16:30<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<img alt="Address to the Nation." src="http://static.kremlin.ru/media/events/photos/big/zpzYgJUQCHeSi3tg7tAlYBba0yqFByFB.jpg" height="394" width="640" /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">Address
to the Nation.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #990000;">President of Russia Vladimir Putin:</span></span></b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #351c75; font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> Citizens of Russia, friends,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">I am reaching out
to you on an issue that has become a matter of concern
for all of us.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">We are witnessing
an acute escalation of the coronavirus epidemic
on a global scale. The number of new cases continues
to grow in many countries. The global economy
as a whole is at risk, and is already expected
to shrink.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">By taking precautionary
measures, we have been largely able to prevent the infection from
rapidly spreading and limit the incidence rate. However, we have
to understand that Russia cannot insulate itself from this threat, simply
considering its geography. There are countries along our borders that have
already been seriously affected by the epidemic, which means that
in all objectivity it is impossible to stop it from spilling over
into Russia.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">That said, being
professional, well organised and proactive is what we can do and are
already doing. The lives and health of our citizens is our top
priority.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">We have mobilised all
the capabilities and resources for deploying a system
of timely prevention and treatment. I would like
to specially address doctors, paramedics, nurses, staff at hospitals,
outpatient clinics, rural paramedic centres, ambulance services,
and researchers: you are at the forefront of dealing with
this situation. My heartfelt gratitude to you for your dedicated
efforts.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">I would like
to ask Russian citizens to listen very carefully
to the advice coming from doctors and the authorities. This
could make a very big difference at this point in time. This is
especially true for the most vulnerable categories of citizens:
the elderly and people who have chronic illnesses. Minimising the risks
should be a priority for them and all people in general.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">There is also
the question of the national vote on the amendments
to the Constitution, which has been tentatively scheduled
for April 22. You know that this is a very serious matter
to me. Of course, I will ask you to go
to the polling stations to express your opinion on this
issue of fundamental and crucial importance to the country
and society.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">However, as I said
before, our absolute priority is the health, life and safety
of the people. This is why I believe the vote should be
postponed.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">We will look
at the situation in the regions and throughout
the country, and we will rely on the professional opinion
and recommendations of doctors and specialists when setting
a new date for this vote.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">Next, the immediate
priority is to prevent the quick spread of this diseases.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">Therefore, I declare
next week to be an official non-work period while maintaining wages.
In other words, the days off will last from Saturday March 28
to Sunday April 5.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">Of course, all public
infrastructure facilities, including medical facilities, pharmacies, stores,
institutions responsible for banking and financial settlements,
as well as transport, and ministries and agencies
at all levels, will continue working.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">As I said, the extended
days off are being declared to reduce the speed
of the virus spreading.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">I am addressing all our
citizens. Let us not rely on chance as we tend to do
in Russia. Do not think, as we usually do, that this cannot happen
to you. It can happen to anyone. And then we will very quickly
see what is now happening in many western countries, in Europe
and across the ocean, happen here in Russia. We must strictly
comply with all the recommendations. We must protect ourselves, our
families and friends, and we must adopt a more disciplined
and responsible approach. Trust me: the best thing to do now is
stay home.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">I will now specifically
focus on the current socioeconomic situation. Here, we also need
to take additional steps, primarily to ensure the social protection
of our people, their incomes and jobs, as well as support
for small and medium-sized businesses, which employ millions
of people.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">In this regard,
the following priority measures will be implemented.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">First, all social protection
benefits that our citizens are entitled to, should be renewed automatically
over the next six months, with no additional certificates or visits
to the authorities needed. For example, if a family is
entitled to subsidised housing and utility payments, they will not
need to regularly confirm their per capita income to continue
receiving this state support.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">Please note that all
payments to war veterans and home-front workers timed
to the 75<sup>th</sup> anniversary of the Great
Victory, 75,000 and 50,000 rubles, respectively, should be made before
the May holidays, earlier than usual, in April.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">Second, it is essential
to support families with children. In the next three months,
starting in April, I propose paying all families that are eligible
to maternity capital, an additional 5,000 rubles a month
for each child up to three years of age.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">This support is especially
important for families with children who are not attending day-care
nurseries or kindergartens, and for parents who are on sick
leave or on maternity leave.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">Regarding our new support
package, I mean benefits for children aged 3 to 7, I now
instruct the Government to expedite all organisational arrangements
so that eligible families can start receiving these payments not in July,
as planned, but a month earlier, in June. I also ask
the governors to expedite the transfer
of the necessary information from the regional civil registry
offices to the tax service. Colleagues, it is fundamentally important
to start making these payments. Pay attention to this.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">Third, we need
to support those on sick leave and people who have lost their
jobs. Today, all sick leave payments are calculated based on employees’
period of work and salary. As a result, employees,
primarily young people, can receive very low sick leave payments. This is,
of course, not fair. I suggest the following provision: Sick
leave payments should be calculated based on the amount
of at least one minimum wage a month. This provision will be in force
until the end of the year, and from there we will decide
how to proceed depending on the situation.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">Just like other countries’
economies, the Russian economy is experiencing substantial headwinds due
to the effects of the epidemic. And, as I have already
said, we need to support those who may lose their jobs.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">Today, with
the exception of some categories of individuals, maximum monthly
unemployment benefit is 8,000 rubles. I suggest increasing it
to the minimum wage amount or 12,130 rubles per month.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">Fourth, loans taken out
by individuals present another risk. Naturally, it is difficult if not
downright impossible to completely repay debts when incomes are plunging.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">I suggest declaring
consumer loan and mortgage holidays. If a person faces
a difficult situation, meaning their monthly income declined
significantly, by over 30 percent, then they should have the right
to temporarily stop debt servicing and reschedule it. It goes without
saying that any penalties are out of the question.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">I am asking the Bank
of Russia to set up a similar loan rescheduling mechanism
for self-employed people, too.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">If people are unable
to repay their debt for objective reasons, they should not be left
without options and they should not fall hostage to creditors’
claims. We need a bankruptcy process that is fair and not burdensome.
I am asking the Government and the parliament
to expedite approval of the necessary regulatory changes.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">Fifth. Small
and medium-sized businesses and micro businesses, especially
in the services sector, are now facing objective difficulties due
to declining orders and revenue.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">These businesses need help
to stay open, which means retaining their employees. I would like
to address all employers right now: once again, our most crucial task is
to ensure stability in the labour market
and to prevent a surge in unemployment.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">Government assistance will
be provided to businesses to deal with this problem.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">I propose
the following measures to support the enterprises
and industries most affected by the current difficult situation.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">I believe it is
necessary to defer all taxes on small and medium-sized
businesses, except for VAT, for the next six months.
In addition, micro businesses should also be granted a deferral
on their contributions to social insurance funds.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">Bank loans held
by struggling SMEs and micro businesses must also be deferred
for the next six months.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">Generally speaking,
I am asking the Government and the Central Bank
to propose and take additional action to ensure stable lending
to the real economy, including through state guarantees
and subsidies.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">Next. Companies experiencing
hardship must be protected from bankruptcy. In this connection, I am
proposing a six-month moratorium on bankruptcy claims
by creditors against companies and on the recovery
of debts and penalties.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">Once again, these measures
will apply to companies operating in the sectors most affected
by the current difficult situation. At the same time,
I am instructing the Government to constantly monitor developments
and, if necessary, expand and review the list
of the industries requiring support.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">Sixth. Right now, we must do
everything we can to support the incomes of our citizens –
especially those employed by small and medium-sized businesses.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">In order for these
businesses to get additional resources to support their employees,
I am proposing to cut their insurance contributions in half,
from 30 to 15 percent. This reduced rate will apply to any salary
above minimum wage. For those making minimum wage or less
for some reason, the rate will remain 30 percent.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">I would like
to stress that the reduced rate is being introduced not just
for several months, not only as an anti-crisis measure, but
for the long run. This way we are creating a long-term incentive
for employers to increase wages.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">Finally, there are two more
measures I would like to suggest. Allow me to elaborate.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">First, all interest
and dividend income that flows from Russia and is transferred abroad
into offshore jurisdictions must be taxed properly.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">Today, two thirds
of these funds, and basically we are talking here about incomes
of specific individuals, are taxed at the rate of only 2
percent, thanks to so-called optimization strategies of all kinds.
At the same time, people with modest salaries pay an income tax
of 13 percent. This is unfair, to say the least.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">For this reason,
I suggest that those expatriating their income as dividends
to foreign accounts should pay a 15 percent tax on these
dividends. Of course, we will need to amend Russia’s double taxation
treaties with some countries. I ask the Government to work this
out. If our foreign partners do not accept our proposal, Russia will
unilaterally withdraw from these treaties. We will begin with countries that
attract substantial resources from Russia, which is a very sensitive issue
for our country.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">Second, many countries levy
income tax on interest earned by individuals from their bank deposits
and investments in securities, while Russia does not tax this income
at all.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">I propose that people
with over 1 million rubles in bank deposits and debt securities pay
a 13 percent tax on this income. I would like to reiterate
that this is not about taxing the deposits themselves but only applying
income tax to the interest individuals earn from these investments.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">I would like
to emphasise that only about one percent of deposit holders will be
affected by this initiative. At the same time, Russian banks
will still offer attractive deposits with some of the highest returns
in the world.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">The solutions I am
proposing are far from simple. Still, I would like to ask you
to treat them with understanding. Let me add that I propose using
the budget revenue from these two measures to fund initiatives
to support families with children and help people who are unemployed
or on sick leave.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">People of Russia,<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">All the measures that
are about to be adopted or will be taken in the future will
work and will produce results only if we are in it together
and recognise the complexity of the current situation. We
need the state, society and the people to work together,
and we all have to do everything each and every one of us
can do.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">We have to be mindful
that we bear personal responsibility for our close ones, for those
who live near us, and who need our help and support.
By and large, it is this sense of solidarity that underpins
the resilience of our society, as well
as an unwavering commitment to mutual assistance
and the effectiveness of the response we come up with
to overcome the challenge we are facing.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">Thank you for your
attention.</span></span><br />
<a name='more'></a><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">Topics</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<ul style="margin-top: 0cm;" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12.0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 36.0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><a href="http://en.kremlin.ru/catalog/keywords/79/events">Economy and finance</a><o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12.0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 36.0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><a href="http://en.kremlin.ru/catalog/keywords/47/events">Healthcare</a><o:p></o:p></span></li>
</ul>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12.0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7433369209594824580.post-68740111187301655122020-03-22T15:04:00.000-07:002022-06-24T22:15:45.510-07:00Ukraine (Interview to TASS News Agency)<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: #fff2cc; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px; margin: 12pt 26.1pt 8pt 1cm;">
<div class="Standard" style="margin-top: 12pt;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #351c75;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzYYTEHH-6NdPikBeUBsZghay1FMwyWB58rb0jsTM004KWu78fAi0SyTsLaFiRjuXFjQH-SLUmssGSDpZH6e5xF0bH9WgBC5s7y7lGXIHvRGGDWyoA_BnHAo69w4GmOf0mzeQPUD8bux7h/s1600/1+RUSSIAN+LOGO.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: #351c75;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzYYTEHH-6NdPikBeUBsZghay1FMwyWB58rb0jsTM004KWu78fAi0SyTsLaFiRjuXFjQH-SLUmssGSDpZH6e5xF0bH9WgBC5s7y7lGXIHvRGGDWyoA_BnHAo69w4GmOf0mzeQPUD8bux7h/s1600/1+RUSSIAN+LOGO.png" /></span></a></div>
<span style="color: #351c75;"><span style="color: #351c75;"><br /></span>
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12.0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #351c75; font-size: x-large;"><b><a href="http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/transcripts/62835"><br /></a></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12.0pt; text-align: justify;">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;"><a href="http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/transcripts/62835">Ukraine (Interviewto TASS News Agency)</a><o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">The second
part of Vladimir Putin's interview to TASS News Agency has been
published.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<b><i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">The 20 Questions with Vladimir Putin project
is an interview with the President of Russia
on the most topical subjects of social and political life
in Russia and the world. Total recording time is 3.5 hours.<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">February
21, 2020<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">15:00<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12.0pt; text-align: center;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;"><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="460" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/NG6dxqwxGE4" width="853"></iframe><span style="color: #660000;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">Ukraine
(Interview to TASS News Agency)<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;"><b>Andrei
Vandenko:</b> The next subject is Ukraine.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">Have
you seen the ”Servant of the People“ series?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><b><span style="color: #990000;">Vladimir
Putin:</span></b><span style="color: #351c75;"> No.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;"><b>Andrei
Vandenko:</b> Even the segment when president Goloborodko is choosing
a wristwatch like Putin's?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #990000;"><b>Vladimir
Putin:</b></span><span style="color: #351c75;"> I haven't seen it. I don't know either Goloborodko
or who is choosing what there. I haven't seen it.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;"><b>Andrei
Vandenko:</b> Ok. Though a very interesting pair forms: a galley
slave and a servant of the people.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;"><b><span style="color: #990000;">Vladimir
Putin:</span></b><span style="color: #351c75;"> As you know, whatever goes around comes around. Ultimately,
it’s not how you call yourself, it’s what you do and how you do it.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;"><b>Andrei
Vandenko:</b> Is there a chance that you come to terms with
Zelensky?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;"><b style="color: #990000;">Vladimir Putin:</b> What about?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;"><b>Andrei
Vandenko:</b> About peace, about friendship.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;"><b style="color: #990000;">Vladimir Putin:</b> Hope is the last thing to die. Yes, there is
a chance. But unfortunately, after his return from Paris he started talking
about the necessity to revise the Minsk Agreements. This begs
the question.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">Nevertheless,
we managed to agree on the exchange of detained persons
and we now managed to agree on gas.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;"><b>Andrei
Vandenko:</b> Does the fact that today we are not friends with Ukraine
represent a loss for us?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;"><b style="color: #990000;">Vladimir Putin:</b> Yes, of course, but as I have repeatedly said
I believe that we are one and the same people.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;"><b>Andrei
Vandenko:</b> The Ukrainians don't like it very much either.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;"><b style="color: #990000;">Vladimir Putin:</b> I don't know whether they like this or not but if you
look at the reality that is true. You see, we had no difference
in our languages until the 11<sup>th</sup>, 12<sup>th</sup> and 13<sup>th</sup> centuries.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">And only
as a result of Polonization, the part
of the Ukrainians who lived in the territory under
the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth, only around the 16<sup>th</sup> century
the first language differences appeared. In general,
the Ukrainians [with an accent on the first a] were
called the people who lived …<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;"><b>Andrei
Vandenko: </b>Ukrainians [with an accent on the first i].<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;"><b style="color: #990000;">Vladimir Putin:</b> Ukrainians [with an accent on the first a] were
the people who lived on the frontiers of the Russian
state. There were Ukrainians in Pskov; Ukrainians were the people who
defended the southern frontiers from attacks by the Crimean
khan. Ukrainians were in the Urals. Ukrainians were everywhere. We
had no language differences.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">Moreover,
around the same time, before the 14<sup>th</sup> and 15<sup>th</sup> centuries,
even those people, the east Slavs, who lived in the territory
of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth – both in Muscovy
and in Poland – were called Russians. The first language
differences appeared much later…<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;"><b>Andrei
Vandenko: </b>History is history, but now we are talking about the present
day.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;"><b style="color: #990000;">Vladimir Putin:</b>To talk about today or tomorrow we need to know
history, need to know who we are, where do we come from, what unites us.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">What
unites us is…<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;"><b>Andrei
Vandenko:</b> Now many things divide us.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;"><b style="color: #990000;">Vladimir Putin:</b>Many things divide us. But we should not forget about things that
unite us. And should not destroy what we have. For example,
the Church. Why did one need to destroy the unity
of the Russian Orthodox Church?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">You
know that the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the Moscow
Patriarchate is in fact fully autonomous; it has been fully autonomous
before, including in terms of the election of hierarchs
of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the Moscow
Patriarchate. The Moscow Patriarchate has never had any influence
on the election of hierarchs of the Ukrainian Orthodox
Church of the Moscow Patriarchate.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">In fact,
it has always been independent, completely. There has been only spiritual unity
and mentioning. The Patriarch of Moscow has been mentioned,
recalled all the time in churches. That's it! It has been
the only thing uniting the Russian Orthodox Church
and the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the Moscow
Patriarchate. But they needed to cut the cords that bind. Why?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">You
say people do not understand. They simply do not know it. If they know, they
will understand better. They should be told that. Why should one be
embarrassed? Is it insulting for people?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">Some
time passed. As a result of people sharing the border with
the Catholic world, with Europe, a community of people feeling
to some extent independent from the Russian State began
to emerge. How should we feel about that? I have already said: we
should respect that. But we should not forget about our shared community.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span style="color: #351c75;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Moreover,
in the modern world our joint efforts give us huge competitive
advantages. </span><span style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">And, vice versa, division
makes us weaker.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">The Ukrainian
factor was specifically played out on the eve of World War
I by the Austrian special service. Why? It is well-known –
to divide and rule. Absolutely clear.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">Nevertheless,
if it happened this way, and a big part of the Ukrainian population
got a sense of their own national identity and so on, we should
respect that. We should proceed from the reality but not forget who we are
and where we come from.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">By the way,
the fathers of the Ukrainian nationalism, they never spoke about
the urgent need to break up with Russia. Strange as it may seem,
but their major works of the 19<sup>th</sup> century say that
Ukraine is: a) multinational and should be a federal state,
and b) should build good relations with Russia.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">Today’s
nationalists seem to have forgotten that. I will tell you why they
have forgotten that. You know why? Because the interests
of the Ukrainian people are not the main issue on their
agenda.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">How
can it be the interest of the Ukrainian people if
the break-up with Russia has led to loss of space engineering,
shipbuilding, aircraft engineering and engine manufacturing; it is
virtually the deindustrialization of the country that is
happening. How can it be among interests?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">The World
Bank demands to stop cross-subsidizing. What's good in it? Or, they
make them export round wood from the Carpathians. Soon
the Carpathians will turn bald.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">Why
do this if, by joining efforts, we increase our competitive advantages
manifold? Why lose it? Why throw everything away, what for?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">Because
the Ukrainian leaders or those who got power pursued their
self-interests. And what were they? It was not even to earn more
by robbing the Ukrainian people but to retain what has been
plundered before. This was the main objective.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">So,
where is the ‘dough’? Pardon my French. Where is the money?
In foreign banks. What do they need to do for this? Show that
they serve those who have this money.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">Hence,
the only thing they sell is Russophobia. Because some like dividing
Ukraine and Russia, they believe it's a very important mission.
Because any integration of Russia and Ukraine, along with their
capacities and competitive advantages, would lead
to the emergence of a rival, a global rival
for Europe and the world. No one wants it. That's why they'll do
anything to pull us apart.</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<span style="color: #351c75;">Topics</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;"><span style="color: #351c75;">See also<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span style="color: #351c75;"><span style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;"><a href="http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/62843" target="_blank"><span lang="EN-US">On the tasks of the new Government (Interview to TASS News Agency)</span></a></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;"><span style="color: #351c75;">February 20, 2020</span></span><br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;"><span style="color: #351c75;"><br /></span></span>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;"><span style="color: #351c75;"><br /></span></span></div>
</div>
</div>
<o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12.0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7433369209594824580.post-58615317930242334242020-03-22T14:37:00.001-07:002020-03-22T14:48:54.628-07:00On the tasks of the new Government (Interview to TASS News Agency)<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: #fff2cc; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px; margin: 12pt 26.1pt 8pt 1cm;">
<div class="Standard" style="margin-top: 12pt;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #351c75;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzYYTEHH-6NdPikBeUBsZghay1FMwyWB58rb0jsTM004KWu78fAi0SyTsLaFiRjuXFjQH-SLUmssGSDpZH6e5xF0bH9WgBC5s7y7lGXIHvRGGDWyoA_BnHAo69w4GmOf0mzeQPUD8bux7h/s1600/1+RUSSIAN+LOGO.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: #351c75;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzYYTEHH-6NdPikBeUBsZghay1FMwyWB58rb0jsTM004KWu78fAi0SyTsLaFiRjuXFjQH-SLUmssGSDpZH6e5xF0bH9WgBC5s7y7lGXIHvRGGDWyoA_BnHAo69w4GmOf0mzeQPUD8bux7h/s1600/1+RUSSIAN+LOGO.png" /></span></a></div>
<span style="color: #351c75;"><span style="color: #351c75;"><br /></span>
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12.0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #351c75; font-size: x-large;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12.0pt; text-align: justify;">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span style="color: #351c75;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><b><a href="http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/transcripts/62843">On the tasks of the new Government (Interview to TASS News Agency)</a></b></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">The first part
of Vladimir Putin's interview to TASS News Agency has been published.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">The 20 Questions with
Vladimir Putin project is an interview with the President
of Russia on the most topical subjects of social
and political life in Russia and the world. Total recording
time is 3.5 hours.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">February 20, 2020<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">17:00<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;"><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="460" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/n2R6vf1z31A" width="853"></iframe><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;"><i>On the tasks
of the new Government (Interview to TASS News Agency)</i><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;"><b>Andrei Vandenko:</b> How
are you doing?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><b><span style="color: #990000;">Vladimir Putin:</span></b><span style="color: #351c75;"> Honestly?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;"><b>Andrei Vandenko:</b> Honestly.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><b><span style="color: #990000;">Vladimir Putin:</span></b><span style="color: #351c75;"> I am
doing very well.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;"><b>Andrei Vandenko:</b> I am
happy for you.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">I will ask questions,
and you will hopefully answer.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><b><span style="color: #990000;">Vladimir Putin:</span></b><span style="color: #351c75;"> I will
try. Depends on the questions.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;"><b>Andrei Vandenko:</b> We are
facing a non-trivial task today. There are actually 20 topics. There are
20 because you have been in office, at the helm for 20
years. Now, the year is 2020 and that is quite symbolic.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><b><span style="color: #990000;">Vladimir Putin:</span></b><span style="color: #351c75;"> Let us
not forget that I was Prime Minister for four years, not President.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><b style="color: #351c75;">Andrei Vandenko:</b><span style="color: #351c75;"> The resignation
of the Government. There are a lot of jokes
and witticisms on this subject on the Internet.
The first was probably as follows: because of the unusually
warm weather in Russia, its Government has melted away like the snow.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><b><span style="color: #990000;">Vladimir Putin:</span></b><span style="color: #351c75;"> That is
funny.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;"><b>Andrei Vandenko</b>: Here
is what it looks like. (Showing a photo collage)<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><b><span style="color: #990000;">Vladimir Putin:</span></b><span style="color: #351c75;"> Ok, but
why exactly did it melt away in parliament, I do not understand.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;"><b>Andrei Vandenko</b>: Well,
I suppose they just found this picture.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><b><span style="color: #990000;">Vladimir Putin:</span></b><span style="color: #351c75;"> You
know, the Internet is an interesting tool, but at times
inaccurate.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;"><b>Andrei Vandenko</b>: True.
And now, all kidding aside, in fact, Medvedev’s government, his
cabinet, underwent a reshuffle not that long ago, just in 2018, after
the election. Some left – Dvorkovich, Shuvalov, Men’, Abyzov, though
let us not even go there in the latter's case; so they started
to work. What happened over this year and a half
to provoke…<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><b><span style="color: #990000;">Vladimir Putin:</span></b><span style="color: #351c75;"> First,
more might have happened in a year and a half, or two
years. Secondly, the previous cabinet has really done a lot
in terms of preparing the main phase
of the implementation of national projects. They had
to identify national development goals. And this only seems easy
at first glance. In fact, it is an enormous effort.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">Then, tools needed
to be developed on which to rely in order to achieve
these national goals. The Government did that as well. But then,
I felt some inner certainty that this is when new people should come
in to pursue work in new areas of crucial importance;
people with modern training and commitment to achieving
the overarching goal on key development elements.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">I would like
to draw your attention to the fact that the core has
remained. Some people from the Executive Office, including those directly
involved in the work on national projects, have moved
to the Government. This is of paramount importance,
I believe. I will tell you why. If they were behind
the development of these national projects and the goals we
are expected to achieve in terms of national development, it
stands to logic that they should be tasked with putting into practice
exactly what they have suggested as these goals and tools
to achieve them. Therefore, some people from the Executive Office
have come to the Government to do it because that is where it is
done.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;"><b>Andrei Vandenko</b>: And some
from the Government have moved on to the Executive Office…<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><b><span style="color: #990000;">Vladimir Putin:</span></b><span style="color: #351c75;"> Yes,
yes, let them work here.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;"><b>Andrei Vandenko</b>: So
changing the order of the addends does change the sum?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><b><span style="color: #990000;">Vladimir Putin:</span></b><span style="color: #351c75;"> Yes, it
does, for sure. That is why there is nothing unusual or unexpected
here. You can of course ask me, I did say there would be no change,
no plans for that. Yes, I did. If I had said that I was
going to change the Government tomorrow, all work would have just
stopped the day after tomorrow. As the saying goes, call it
a day and hit the hay.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;"><b>Andrei Vandenko</b>: That
is why we call it a “special operation”.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><b><span style="color: #990000;">Vladimir Putin:</span></b><span style="color: #351c75;"> It is
not.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;"><b>Andrei Vandenko</b>: No one
knew. Did anyone know?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><b><span style="color: #990000;">Vladimir Putin:</span></b><span style="color: #351c75;"> I did.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;"><b>Andrei Vandenko</b>: Anybody
else?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><b><span style="color: #990000;">Vladimir Putin:</span></b><span style="color: #351c75;"> Is that
not enough?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;"><b>Andrei Vandenko</b>: When
did you make the decision?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><b><span style="color: #990000;">Vladimir Putin:</span></b><span style="color: #351c75;"> I will
not say.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;"><b>Andrei Vandenko</b>: When
did you tell Medvedev?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><b><span style="color: #990000;">Vladimir Putin:</span></b><span style="color: #351c75;"> That is
between the two of us.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;"><b>Andrei Vandenko</b>: But we
should know, shouldn’t we?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><b><span style="color: #990000;">Vladimir Putin:</span></b><span style="color: #351c75;"> We have
enjoyed very frank, collegial, friendly relations with Mr Medvedev
for many years. We have no secrets from one another. Therefore, we
discussed this issue with him.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;"><b>Andrei Vandenko</b>: You
mean earlier? Or did you just confront him with the fact?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><b><span style="color: #990000;">Vladimir Putin:</span></b><span style="color: #351c75;">We
discussed it earlier and he knew what was going on.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;"><b>Andrei Vandenko</b>: He has
been given a position invented for him specifically, which never
existed. You even had to hastily adopt a law to provide
for this post.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><b><span style="color: #990000;">Vladimir Putin:</span></b><span style="color: #351c75;"> Why
hastily? The law was adopted.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;"><b>Andrei Vandenko</b>: The appointment
came first, and the law followed…<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><b><span style="color: #990000;">Vladimir Putin:</span></b><span style="color: #351c75;"> There
is nothing out of the ordinary here. If there is something
in the legislation that needs adjustment, the President
in accordance with the Fundamental Law has the right
to fill in this gap in the legislation by issuing
an executive order, which will be followed by the adoption
of a relevant law. This is normal practice. Nothing unusual.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;"><b>Andrei Vandenko</b>: There
is a certain feeling of hastiness. As if you needed some
solution…<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><b><span style="color: #990000;">Vladimir Putin:</span></b><span style="color: #351c75;"> Your
feeling is not exactly the same as reality. You may have all sorts
of feelings. You may feel that you are running a high temperature
judging by your senses, but this might not be the case. You need
a thermometer to know whether you have a fever or not. So,
we have nothing out of the ordinary here. I will say it again.
The legal practice is as follows: if there is a gap
in the legislation, a President issues an executive order,
and the provision is later implemented through a law. Just wait
a second. This is number one.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">Number two is
the question: why should we wait to decide on such issues? What
will that achieve? According to those who do not have a clear
understanding of what is going on or are critical about it,
would it be better to spend another six months after the resignation
of the Government in order to form a new one? Can you
imagine what a mess the country would be in? There should never be
a gap in power. Never.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">Everything should be
discussed and thought through in advance, in a calm
and business-like manner, each step should be prepared, and then
the decision should be taken and implemented. We cannot afford
to muddle along here. Russia is not Belgium that can stay a whole
year without any government.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;"><b>Andrei Vandenko</b>: The new
Government is yet another topic. And I would like to get back
to the old one. Zhirinovskiy suggested that the Security Council
deputy Chairman be referred to as vice-president. Is it so,
at face value?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><b><span style="color: #990000;">Vladimir Putin:</span></b><span style="color: #351c75;"> No.
Because a vice-president is the one to step
in for the President assuming all his or her rights
and responsibilities. We have introduced the post of deputy
Chairman of the Security Council. The President is Chairman
of the Security Council. And now I have a deputy
on this particular track.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;"><b>Andrei Vandenko</b>: Another
joke on the Internet: the duo has fallen out of sync.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><b><span style="color: #990000;">Vladimir Putin:</span></b><span style="color: #351c75;"> Nothing
is out of sync.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;"><b>Andrei Vandenko</b>: The tandem…<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><b><span style="color: #990000;">Vladimir Putin:</span></b><span style="color: #351c75;"> We are
working with Mr Medvedev as we used to. He has switched to another
track in his career. That is true. And natural, too.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;"><b>Andrei Vandenko</b>: As for the choice
you made of the new Prime Minister. Who was on the short
list? They mentioned Mishustin, Sobyanin… You had two executive orders
for signing on the table, and you were hesitating till
the last moment.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><b><span style="color: #990000;">Vladimir Putin:</span></b><span style="color: #351c75;"> No one
mentioned Mishustin except me. I can tell you that there were three
candidates.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;"><b>Andrei Vandenko</b>: Three?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><b><span style="color: #990000;">Vladimir Putin:</span></b><span style="color: #351c75;"> Yes.
Three, or maybe even four candidates were submitted. But Mishustin was not
on the list.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;"><b>Andrei Vandenko</b>: So
this was your…<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><b><span style="color: #990000;">Vladimir Putin:</span></b><span style="color: #351c75;"> Mine.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;"><b>Andrei Vandenko</b>: What
was your reasoning?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><b><span style="color: #990000;">Vladimir Putin:</span></b><span style="color: #351c75;"> I took
into account Mr Mishustin’s personal traits and professional skills.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;"><b>Andrei Vandenko</b>: And the result
of the digitalization he carried out at the institution he
headed, did you take it into account?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><b><span style="color: #990000;">Vladimir Putin:</span></b><span style="color: #351c75;"> I did.
Not so much the fact that he carried it out, but the fact that he
really became an expert in this area. A man of practice,
who understands very well what needs to be done and who knows how
to do it; and he is doing it and achieving concrete results.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;"><b>Andrei Vandenko</b>: But
what about the fact that he is a tax collector by trade,
in other words, he is accustomed to taking, while this position is
more about giving?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><b><span style="color: #990000;">Vladimir Putin:</span></b><span style="color: #351c75;"> This is
a very primitive understanding of the work of the tax
service.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">Yes, of course, it is
one of the main bodies bringing funds to the state
treasury; however, to think that a tax collector walks around with
a club, squeezing money out of people is very primitive. No, it is
quite the opposite. His mission was to ease the situation
for taxpayers, to make the procedure more transparent
and clear and less burdensome for citizens.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">An honest man who knows
he properly pays all due taxes has the right to expect that
the state will use the money wisely.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">But the first thing
to do is not to simply extract money from people – it is
to organize the system in such a way that both
the state and the tax payers could comfortably work with each
other and it would be clear how things are arranged, and everybody
could pay taxes without impediment, without unnecessary hassle and stress,
and without running the risk of doing something that
the state may interpret as illegal.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;"><b>Andrei Vandenko</b>: When
this team was formed, some noticed, first of all, that you had broken,
or at least it was perceived that way, certain rules that you had
used to stick to, such as ”not to turn your back on your
old mates“, to avoid dismissals of those criticized and not
to pay heed to critics on the Internet, to public
opinion. This time, the most toxic figures, who had been most fiercely
criticized in the media or social networks, walked away
to be replaced by ‘no-names’ – that is, people you had
to ‘google’ or ‘yandex’.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><b><span style="color: #990000;">Vladimir Putin:</span></b><span style="color: #351c75;"> You
know, the criterion was not lack of knowledge about those people, it
was their professional qualifications. I know, and Mikhail Mishustin
knows these people as competent professionals. And I was
to a considerable extent guided specifically by his opinion
in this regard. There were a number of candidates whom
I had doubts about, but Mr Mishustin would prove to me that this
or that person was best fit for the job. I agreed with him
because, at the end of the day, he was forming his own team
and the final concrete result it achieves will depend
on the efficiency of its work.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;"><b>Andrei Vandenko</b>: What
window of time do they have? I mean, when will you evaluate their
professional efficiency?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><b><span style="color: #990000;">Vladimir Putin:</span></b><span style="color: #351c75;">There
is no window of time. All of these people are, I will say it
again, competent, they all are well informed and know their job. Many
of them worked, one way or another, on the national
projects and national development targets, so they are totally
in the know. Thus, there can be no window, no time for warming
up.</span></span></div>
<a name='more'></a><br />
<br />
<br />
<o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12.0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7433369209594824580.post-49511705185867718382020-03-22T02:03:00.000-07:002020-03-23T00:34:30.745-07:00EN -- Telephone conversation with Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte/ PT -- Conversa telefónica com o Primeiro Ministro italiano Giuseppe Conte<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: #fff2cc; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px; margin: 12pt 26.1pt 8pt 1cm;">
<div class="Standard" style="margin-top: 12pt;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #351c75;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzYYTEHH-6NdPikBeUBsZghay1FMwyWB58rb0jsTM004KWu78fAi0SyTsLaFiRjuXFjQH-SLUmssGSDpZH6e5xF0bH9WgBC5s7y7lGXIHvRGGDWyoA_BnHAo69w4GmOf0mzeQPUD8bux7h/s1600/1+RUSSIAN+LOGO.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: #351c75;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzYYTEHH-6NdPikBeUBsZghay1FMwyWB58rb0jsTM004KWu78fAi0SyTsLaFiRjuXFjQH-SLUmssGSDpZH6e5xF0bH9WgBC5s7y7lGXIHvRGGDWyoA_BnHAo69w4GmOf0mzeQPUD8bux7h/s1600/1+RUSSIAN+LOGO.png" /></span></a></div>
<span style="color: #351c75;"><span style="color: #351c75;"><br /></span>
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12.0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #351c75; font-size: x-large;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12.0pt; text-align: justify;">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;"><a href="http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/63048">Telephone conversation with Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte</a><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">Vladimir Putin had
a telephone conversation with Prime Minister of Italy Giuseppe Conte
at the initiative of the Russian side.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">March 21, 2020<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">20:10<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">The coronavirus
pandemic and the steps taken in both countries to counter
the spread of the infection were discussed in detail.
Vladimir Putin expressed support to the leadership and people of Italy
in view of the extremely severe epidemiological situation
in the Italian Republic.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">The two leaders agreed
on close interaction in fighting the coronavirus.
In response to the request from the Italian side,
the President of Russia confirmed readiness to render
the necessary assistance and set out its specific parameters. Thus,
there are plans to deliver protective equipment, KAMAZ truck-mounted units
for disinfectant spraying of vehicles and territories, medical
and other equipment, as well as to send teams
of Russian specialists to render practical assistance
in the worst-hit areas of the country. The deliveries
will be carried out by the Defence Ministry using the Russian
Federation Aerospace Forces aircraft.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><a href="http://en.kremlin.ru/catalog/persons/566/events"><span lang="EN-US"><span style="color: #351c75;">Giuseppe Conte</span></span></a></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;"> expressed sincere gratitude
for the steps taken by Russia to support Italy during this
difficult time.</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #0c343d;"><a href="http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/63048">Conversa telefónica com o Primeiro Ministro italiano Giuseppe Conte</a><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #0c343d;">Vladimir
Putin conversou por telefone com o Primeiro Ministro da Itália, Giuseppe Conte,
por iniciativa do lado russo.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #0c343d;">21
de Março de 2020<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #0c343d;">20:10<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #0c343d;">A
pandemia de coronavírus e as medidas tomadas em ambos os países para combater a
propagação da infecção foram discutidas em pormenor. Vladimir Putin exprimiu
apoio à liderança e ao povo da Itália, tendo em consideração a situação
epidemiológica extremamente grave na República Italiana.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #0c343d;">Os
dois líderes concordaram com uma estreita interacção na luta contra o
coronavírus. Em resposta ao pedido do lado italiano, o Presidente da Rússia
confirmou a disponibilidade de prestar a assistência necessária e estabeleceu
parâmetros específicos. Assim, há planos para fornecer equipamentos de protecção,
unidades montadas em camiões KAMAZ para pulverização desinfectante de veículos e
de territórios/locais, equipamentos médicos e outros, além de enviar equipas de
especialistas russos para prestar assistência prática nas áreas mais atingidas
do país. As entregas serão realizadas pelo Ministério da Defesa, usando aviões
das Forças Aeroespaciais da Federação Russa.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #0c343d;">Giuseppe
Conte exprimiu gratidão sincera pelas providências dadas pela Rússia, para
apoiar a Itália durante este período difícil.</span></span></div>
<a name='more'></a><span style="color: #274e13;"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12.0pt;">
<br /></div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12.0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7433369209594824580.post-63289405616159534112020-03-01T12:16:00.000-08:002020-03-22T14:34:51.929-07:0020 Questions with Vladimir Putin.<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="460" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/n2R6vf1z31A" width="853"></iframe><br />
<span style="color: #660000;">00</span><span style="color: #990000;">
<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="460" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/NG6dxqwxGE4" width="853"></iframe><span style="color: #660000;">
00
</span><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="460" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/GeDn0nXc0CI" width="853"></iframe><span style="color: #660000;">
00
</span><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="460" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/KDOEAVnFeHY" width="853"></iframe><span style="color: #660000;">
00
</span><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="460" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/SHp4LXtQAr4" width="853"></iframe><span style="color: #660000;">
00</span></span><br />
<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="460" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/kYtfkHspKwE" width="853"></iframe><span style="color: #660000;">
00
</span><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="460" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/HlgytjCZ7Bw" width="853"></iframe><span style="color: #660000;">
00
</span><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="460" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/GbouzHv4xfY" width="853"></iframe><span style="color: #660000;">
00
</span><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="460" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/brS_o-PKcfk" width="853"></iframe>
<br />
<a name='more'></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7433369209594824580.post-17258098430554369072020-01-15T05:43:00.001-08:002020-01-16T11:25:38.885-08:00Presidential Address to the Federal Assembly <div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: #fff2cc; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px; margin: 12pt 26.1pt 8pt 1cm;">
<div class="Standard" style="margin-top: 12pt;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #351c75;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzYYTEHH-6NdPikBeUBsZghay1FMwyWB58rb0jsTM004KWu78fAi0SyTsLaFiRjuXFjQH-SLUmssGSDpZH6e5xF0bH9WgBC5s7y7lGXIHvRGGDWyoA_BnHAo69w4GmOf0mzeQPUD8bux7h/s1600/1+RUSSIAN+LOGO.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: #351c75;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzYYTEHH-6NdPikBeUBsZghay1FMwyWB58rb0jsTM004KWu78fAi0SyTsLaFiRjuXFjQH-SLUmssGSDpZH6e5xF0bH9WgBC5s7y7lGXIHvRGGDWyoA_BnHAo69w4GmOf0mzeQPUD8bux7h/s1600/1+RUSSIAN+LOGO.png" /></span></a></div>
<span style="color: #351c75;"><span style="color: #351c75;"><br /></span>
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12.0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #351c75; font-size: x-large;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12.0pt; text-align: justify;">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/transcripts/62582">Presidential Address to the Federal Assembly</a> </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">The President
of Russia delivered the Address to the Federal Assembly.
The ceremony took place at the Manezh Central Exhibition Hall.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">January
15, 2020<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">13:15<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">Moscow<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<img alt="Before the Presidential Address to the Federal Assembly." src="http://static.kremlin.ru/media/events/photos/big2x/uFtD0sOc6eVpkH3tAMg0BtN5oHmX4Pn3.jpg" height="394" width="640" /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span style="color: #351c75;"><span style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><!--[if gte vml 1]><v:shapetype id="_x0000_t75"
coordsize="21600,21600" o:spt="75" o:preferrelative="t" path="m@4@5l@4@11@9@11@9@5xe"
filled="f" stroked="f">
<v:stroke joinstyle="miter"/>
<v:formulas>
<v:f eqn="if lineDrawn pixelLineWidth 0"/>
<v:f eqn="sum @0 1 0"/>
<v:f eqn="sum 0 0 @1"/>
<v:f eqn="prod @2 1 2"/>
<v:f eqn="prod @3 21600 pixelWidth"/>
<v:f eqn="prod @3 21600 pixelHeight"/>
<v:f eqn="sum @0 0 1"/>
<v:f eqn="prod @6 1 2"/>
<v:f eqn="prod @7 21600 pixelWidth"/>
<v:f eqn="sum @8 21600 0"/>
<v:f eqn="prod @7 21600 pixelHeight"/>
<v:f eqn="sum @10 21600 0"/>
</v:formulas>
<v:path o:extrusionok="f" gradientshapeok="t" o:connecttype="rect"/>
<o:lock v:ext="edit" aspectratio="t"/>
</v:shapetype><v:shape id="Picture_x0020_6" o:spid="_x0000_i1026" type="#_x0000_t75"
alt="Before the Presidential Address to the Federal Assembly."
style='width:705pt;height:435pt;visibility:visible;mso-wrap-style:square'>
<v:imagedata src="file:///C:\Users\Luisa\AppData\Local\Temp\msohtmlclip1\01\clip_image001.jpg"
o:title="Before the Presidential Address to the Federal Assembly"/>
</v:shape><![endif]--><!--[if !vml]--><!--[endif]--></span><span style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span style="color: #351c75;"><span style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><!--[if gte vml 1]><v:shape id="Picture_x0020_5"
o:spid="_x0000_i1025" type="#_x0000_t75" alt="Before the Presidential Address to the Federal Assembly."
style='width:705pt;height:435pt;visibility:visible;mso-wrap-style:square'>
<v:imagedata src="file:///C:\Users\Luisa\AppData\Local\Temp\msohtmlclip1\01\clip_image002.jpg"
o:title="Before the Presidential Address to the Federal Assembly"/>
</v:shape><![endif]--><!--[if !vml]--><!--[endif]--></span><span style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;"><i>Before the Presidential
Address to the Federal Assembly.</i><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">About 1,300 people have been
invited to attend the ceremony, including members
of the Federation Council, State Duma deputies, members
of the Government, the heads of the Constitutional
and Supreme courts, regional governors, speakers of regional
legislatures, the heads of traditional religious denominations,
public activists, the heads of regional civic chambers
and the heads of major media outlets.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">* * *<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><b><span style="color: #990000;">President of Russia
Vladimir Putin:</span></b><span style="color: #351c75;"> Members of the Federation Council, State Duma
deputies, fellow Russians,<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">The Presidential
Address to the Federal Assembly is delivered at the very
beginning of the year for the first time. We need
to address large-scale social, economic and technological tasks facing
the country more quickly and without delay.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">Their content
and guidelines are reflected in the national projects, whose
implementation will require a new quality of state governance
and work on the part of the Government and state
bodies at all levels, as well as direct dialogue with citizens.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">Our society is clearly
calling for change. People want development, and they strive
to move forward in their careers and knowledge,
in achieving prosperity, and they are ready to assume
responsibility for specific work. Quite often, they have better knowledge
of what, how and when should be changed where they live
and work, that is, in cities, districts, villages and all across
the nation.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">The pace of change
must be expedited every year and produce tangible results in attaining
worthy living standards that would be clearly perceived
by the people. And, I repeat, they must be actively involved
in this process.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">Colleagues,<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;"><b>Russia’s future
and historical perspective depend on how many of us there are
(I would like to start the main part of my Address
with demography), how many children are born in Russian families
in one, five or ten years, on these children’s upbringing,
on what kind of people they become and what they will do
for the country, as well as on the values they
choose as their mainstay in life.</b></span></span><br />
<a name='more'></a><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">There are nearly 147 million
of us now. But we have entered a difficult, a very difficult
demographic period. The measures we took starting
in the mid-2000s have had a positive effect on demography.
We have even reached a stage of natural increase. This is why we have
more children at schools now.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">However, new families are
being created now by the small generation of the 1990s.
And the birth rate is falling again. This is the main problem
of the current demographic period in Russia.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">The aggregate birth
rate, which is the key index showing the number of births per
woman, was only 1.5 in 2019, according to tentative estimates. Is
this few or many? It is not enough for our country. It is approximately
equal to the figure reported in many European countries. But it
is not enough for Russia.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">I can tell you
by way of comparison that the figure was 1.3 in 1943,
during the Great Patriotic War. It was only lower in the 1990s:
1.16 in 1999, lower even than during the Great Patriotic War. There
were very few families with two children, and some couples had to put
off starting a family.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">I want to say once
again that we are alarmed by the negative demographic forecasts. It
is our historic duty to respond to this challenge. We must not only
get out of this demographic trap but ensure a sustainable natural
population growth by 2025. The aggregate birth rate must be 1.7
in 2024.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">Demography is a sector
where universal or parochial solutions cannot be effective. Each step we
take and each new law or government programme we adopt must be
scrutinised from the viewpoint of our top national priority –
<b>the preservation and increase of Russia’s population.</b><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">As we build
a long-term policy to support families, it must be based
on specific life situations. We need to look closely
at difficulties faced by new families, families with many children
or single-parent families.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">The most sensitive
and crucial issue is the opportunity to enrol one’s child
in a day nursery. Earlier, we allocated funds from the federal
budget to help the regions create 255,000 new places in day
nurseries by the end of 2021. However, in 2018
to 2019, instead of 90,000, 78,000 new places were created, out
of which only 37,500 places can actually be provided to kids. Other
places are unavailable simply because an educational licence is still not
obtained. This means that these nurseries are not ready to enrol children.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">Governors, heads
of other constituent entities, my dear colleagues, this is not how
work is done. Come on! It means we have created 77,700 places that are still
not fully available. Half of them cannot operate – and we must
create 177,300 by 2021. I am asking you to do everything
(although it will be very difficult now, however, it needs to be done)
to close this gap. Once again, we must work across all areas
of family support.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;"><b>But there is a daunting
challenge that directly threatens our demographic future and it is
the low income of a significant part of our citizens
and families.</b><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">According to various
estimates, roughly 70 to 80 percent of low-income families are
families with children. You are well aware of this. It often happens that
even when not one but both parents work, the income of such
a family is still very modest.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">What decisions have already
been made? From January 2020, families with incomes below two subsistence
minimums per person will receive monthly benefits for their first
and second child. Moreover, these benefits will be paid until
the child reaches the age of three rather than 18 months
as was the case before. The benefit amount will depend
on the subsistence minimum in a specific region.
The nationwide average is over 11,000 rubles per child per month. Once
again, this is an average and depends on a specific region.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">Additionally, with
the support of the federal budget we have started paying
benefits for the third child and subsequent children in 75
constituent entities, now including all regions in the Urals, Siberia
and the Far East.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">All of this amounts
to substantial support. But the following thought has crossed
my mind, and I believe that you also realise this. Parents stop
receiving payments when their child turns three, and this means that their
family can immediately face financial problems. To be honest, this is
happening already. We must prevent this, especially since I realise that
mothers often find it hard to combine working and caring
for their children before they start school.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">We know from
the experience of our own children and grandchildren that they
often fall ill. Their mothers are therefore unable to work. In this
connection, I suggest we introduce monthly payments for children aged
between three and seven starting already from January 1, 2020.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">Who will be covered
by this measure, and how is it supposed to function?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">Families whose incomes do
not exceed per-capita subsistence minimum will receive these payments. That is,
it concerns families facing a very difficult situation.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">To obtain these
payments, they will only have to file an application and list
their official legal incomes. I would like to note that this
procedure must become as convenient and simple as possible, so
that people would be able to apply without queuing and clearing
hurdles. Or they should do this online on the relevant state
website.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">As I have already
said, incomes may vary from region to region. First stage payments will
amount to 5,500 rubles, or 50 percent of the subsistence
minimum. But that is not all. We will have to analyse and assess
the operation of this system. And we will take the next
step, if we see that some families are unable to achieve
the subsistence minimum while receiving 5,500 rubles. From 2021, we will
pay the subsistence minimum in full, or over 11,000 rubles, that
will vary from region to region. I repeat, the specific sums
will vary, but on average it will amount to 11,000 rubles per child
per month.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">We will need substantial
resources for implementing the proposed measure, and we will
also have to adjust the federal budget. I ask
the Government and members of the Parliament to do
this as quickly as possible. The regions should also complete
their share of regulatory work.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">What else should we do
equally quickly?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">In my Address last
year I said that we should expand the system of social
contracts. It should become an individual programme whereby every
low-income family will be able to increase their income and enhance
their quality of life. Under these contracts, the state will make
regular payments to such families, finance retraining and advanced
training and help them to find employment or start a small
business.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">While providing
comprehensive assistance to low-income people, society
and the state have a right to expect them to take steps
as well to deal with their problems, including finding employment
and taking a responsible attitude to their children
and other family members.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">The regions are already
introducing the mechanism of social contracts. But it is not
sufficiently effective yet, and it is not helping much to fight
poverty or to increase family incomes.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">Therefore, first of all
I would like to ask the Government to analyse
the experience of the pilot projects and revise
the principles of social contracts. Second, we must increase
financial assistance to the regions so that all of them
introduce this mechanism in 2021.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">I would like all our
colleagues, including the regional heads, to note that we will assess
their performance not by the number of social contracts signed
but by poverty decline figures.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">Colleagues,<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">Back in 2006,
I said the following in my Address to the Federal
Assembly: “And now for the most important matter. Indeed, what
I want to talk about is love.” It was then that I proposed launching
the maternity capital programme aimed at helping the families
that decided to have their second child.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">This programme will expire
on December 31, 2021. I know than many people wonder what
the state will do after that. We will extend this programme
to December 31, 2026 at the least. We must do this without
fail. But this measure only is no longer enough.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">We must support young people
who are starting their families and, I am sure, dreaming about having
children. In this sense, I would like to introduce new,
additional decisions concerning the maternity capital, which should also
come into effect on January 1, 2020.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">Even when the first
child is born, the family will have the right to the full
amount of the maternity capital, which is 466,617 rubles after
the indexation in January 2020. This is the sum that was paid
when the second or the next child was born. This support will
give families a chance to prepare for the birth
of their second child.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">But I believe that this
is still not enough in today’s conditions, considering the demographic
challenges Russia is facing. We can and must do even more. I suggest
increasing the maternity capital by a further 150,000 rubles.
Families will have the right to this additional money
for the maternity capital when their second child is born.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">This means that
the total amount of the maternity capital for a family
with two children will amount to 616,617 rubles. It will be indexed
annually in the future.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">At the same time
I believe that if a family already has a child, we must provide
the new, increased maternity capital when the second child is born,
which is, as I have already said, 616,617 rubles.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">Let me add that we have
already made the decision that when the third child is born,
the government pays 450,000 rubles towards the family’s mortgage
loan. This means that overall a family with three children will be able
to invest over one million rubles to solve their housing problems
with the help of the government. In many regions, cities,
and even regional capitals this amounts to almost half
of the cost of a house or a flat.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">Let me also remind you that
a reduced mortgage interest rate, six percent per year, for families
with two or more children has been extended for the entire time
of the loan, which resulted in the number of people
using this support measure growing almost 10-fold at once.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">A social programme
for young families has been launched in the Far East: mortgage
loans at 2 percent interest rate. I ask the banks, and not
just the banks with state capital, to become more actively involved
in its implementation.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">And here is another
highly important matter. I have already mentioned a new payment
for children aged between three and seven. But this is not all that
we can and must do. Yes, when children start attending school, their
parents, especially mothers, get more opportunities to work and earn
an additional income. However, families have to pay more
in order to send their children to school, they face extra
problems, and we have to support them at that stage.
In this connection, I suggest providing free hot meals to all
primary school students from grade one through four.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">I will not conceal
the fact that we have had heated discussions on this subject.
On the whole, some colleagues do not object, but they say that it
would not be very fair that people with decent incomes and low incomes should
receive the same amount of support from the state. They are not
saying this because they do not want to support the children. Indeed,
this argument has its own logic. But there is another logic that prevails
in our society: everyone must have equal opportunities, and children
and their parents who are often demeaned by the current
situation must not think that they are even unable to feed their children.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">I believe that this is
very important for our society. Yes, they tell me that these benefits were
not available even during the Soviet period, when there was large-scale
social support for the people. But there was no great social
stratification at that time either. I believe that this measure will
be justified.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">In order
to provide free hot and, most importantly, healthy meals, I suggest
channelling funding from three sources: the federal, regional
and local budgets. But money is not the only thing that matters. We
need to create the required infrastructure at schools, set up
cafeterias and lunchrooms and put in place a system
for supplying high-quality food. I would like to note that this
was not done even during Soviet times, as I have already said. This,
of course, will require time. But free hot meals must be provided starting
from September 1, 2020 in those regions and schools that have
the required level of technical equipment. I ask our colleagues
to expedite this work. Primary school students must start receiving
high-quality hot meals free of charge in all regions from
September 1, 2023.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">So colleagues, here is
the point I want to make, in short. I would like
to emphasise – all the steps we are taking are aimed
at creating a streamlined, large-scale and, most importantly,
an effectively working family support programme, so that people’s incomes,
especially for those raising children, are high enough
for a decent life.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span style="color: #351c75;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Secondly, what I said
at the beginning of the Address: the steps that we
took in previous years in the field of demographic
development have already brought results. They have yielded results back then:
a large generation is growing up in Russia. I am referring
to children who are in preschool and primary school now. It is
very important that they adopt the true values </span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">of</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">a</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">large family</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> –</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> that family is love, happiness, the</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">joy of</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">motherhood and fatherhood, that family is
a strong bond of several generations, united by respect
for the elderly and care for children, giving everyone
a sense of confidence, security, and reliability. If
the younger generations accept this situation as natural,
as a moral and an integral part and reliable
background support for their adult life, then we will be able to meet
the historical challenge of guaranteeing Russia’s development
as a large and successful country.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">Colleagues,<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span style="color: #351c75;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Supporting families
and family values </span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">is always a</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">forward-looking strategy addressing the</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">generations that are to</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">live in</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">an</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">age of</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">tremendous technological and</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">social changes, and</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">something that will determine Russia</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">’</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">s fate in</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">the</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">21<sup>st</sup> century. So, to have these
new generations participate in creating this future even now, to have
them fully reveal their potential, we must create the necessary conditions
for them, primarily for every child in every region
of Russia to get a good education.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">In the middle
of the coming decade, Russia will have about 19 million
schoolchildren, which is 6 million more than in 2010. Some say it is too
difficult to influence objective demographic processes, so it is
unadvisable to channel large resources for demographic development.
However, in reality, we can see direct evidence of the opposite:
family support policies are working, and sometimes their results even
exceed our wildest expectations. It is great that there are so many children
in our schools again. On the other hand, this situation should not
affect the comfort and quality of their learning.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">I ask
the Government to coordinate with the regions, consider
the demographic and other factors, estimate how many more children
the schools need to serve, and make the necessary changes
to the Education National Project. That will require flexible
solutions: not only to build more schools, but also to efficiently
use the entire educational and other infrastructure we have
for these purposes, as well as the benefits of modern
technology for education.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">Almost all schools
in Russia have internet access now. In 2021, they should no longer
just be connected, but have high-speed internet access to fully embrace
the digital transformation in national education; teachers
and students should have access to advanced educational programmes;
individual approach to teaching should be practiced to reveal each
child’s talents.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">Our network
of extracurricular technology and engineering centres is developing
dynamically. Our children should also benefit from a modern environment
for practicing music, art, and other forms of creativity.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">Russia is allocating more
than 8 billion rubles for equipment and musical instruments
for children's art schools as part of the Culture National
Project. But the problem is much wider. More than 1,000 art school
premises are dilapidated and not fit for use as intended.
I would like to ask the Government to help the regions
improve them. And I ask the regional authorities not
to forget that this is their responsibility.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">Furthermore, a modern
school implies forward-looking teaching staff enjoying high social status
and prestige. By the middle of the next decade,
the national professional advancement system should canvas at least
half of the country's teachers, in the future including
additional professional training, along with general education workers.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">Class teachers are closest
to their pupils. Their ongoing daily work including mentoring children
and teaching them the right ways is a huge responsibility,
and definitely requires special training and special support
for these mentors. In this regard, I consider it necessary
to introduce, from September 1, at least 5,000 rubles
in additional payment to them financed from the federal budget.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">There is a lot
of controversy about this decision, because this is actually
the responsibility of the regions. Those present in this
room are well aware of this. But what is a class teacher?
A mentor and supervisor, and those are federal functions.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">But, of course,
I would like to point this out: all current regional payments
to class teachers should continue, colleagues; I am calling your
attention to this. And I will definitely look at what will
be happening in practice, in real life.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">I pointed out more than
once that the pay parameters for teachers, doctors and other
public sector employees set out in the May 2012 Executive Orders must
be strictly complied with. There is a reason why I keep returning
to this subject. If we slacken control of this matter, this will
create the temptation to neglect these provisions, as many
of those present here know. This must not be allowed. I would like
to emphasise that the issue concerns professionals working
in the spheres of vital significance for society
and the country, and they must receive good and fair pay
for their work.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">The number
of school graduates will be increasing in the next few years.
In light of this, we must ensure equal and fair access
to free intramural university education. Therefore, I suggest that
the number of university scholarships be increased every year.
Moreover – what I am going to say next is very important,
the priority in this matter must be given to regional
universities, especially the regions that are lacking doctors, teachers
and engineers.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">Of course, we must not
simply enrol more students but boost the development of regional
universities with support from businesses and employers.
In particular, we must strengthen their training, research and social
infrastructure, as well as improve the system of training
and advanced training of teachers for regional universities so
that students receive up-to-date knowledge and can have successful careers
in their regions.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">The employment market
is changing rapidly, with new professions appearing and higher
requirements made to the existing ones. Our universities must be able
to respond to these changes flexibly and quickly. I believe
that third-year students must be offered an opportunity to choose
a new path or curriculum, including related professions. This is not easy
to do, but we must indeed do this. To ensure that talented
and decent people play a major or leading role in our
national development, we have launched the Russia – Land
of Opportunity project. Over 3.5 million people have taken part
in its competitions and Olympiads. We will continue to improve
this system.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;"><br /></span></span>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">Colleagues,<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="color: #351c75;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">Last year life
expectancy in Russia exceeded 73 years for the first time, which
is eight years longer than in 2000. This is the result of social
and economic changes in Russia, the development of mass
sports and promotion of healthy lifestyles. And, of course,
the entire healthcare system made a significant contribution,
especially the programmes of specialised, including high-tech aid, as well
as maternity and childhood welfare and protection of health
of mother and child.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="color: #351c75;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">The rate
of infant mortality has reached a historic low. This indicator is
even better than in some European countries. I am well aware that
the public in many developed countries is very critical
of the state of their national healthcare system, and you also
know this. In fact, almost everywhere – no, everywhere – people
criticise their healthcare system, however well organised it looks from here.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="color: #351c75;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">Still our
achievements in this area show that if we set certain goals, we can
achieve results. However, let me repeat this, people do not judge
the healthcare system by figures and indicators. A person
who has to travel dozens of kilometres to a polyclinic
or spend a whole day waiting in line for an appointment
with a specialist is not very interested in how life expectancy has
grown on the average. People think about their lives, their health,
about how to get high-quality and timely medical aid without
obstacles and when they need it. This is why now we must focus our efforts
on primary care, which all people and all families have to deal
with. This is where we have the worst and most sensitive problems.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="color: #351c75;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">This year we are
to fully complete the creation of a network of rural
paramedic centres, as stipulated in the related national
project. This does not mean, however, that all the problems of these
rural paramedic centres have been settled. I would like to point out
that the mission of these centres is not to make out
prescriptions or refer patients to regional medical centres. Local
specialists must be able to really help people by using modern
equipment and high-speed internet. I would like to ask
the Russian Popular Front to monitor the provision
of equipment, construction and repair of rural paramedic
centres.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="color: #351c75;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">On July 1
we will also launch a programme to modernise the system
of primary healthcare. We will have to repair and provide new
equipment to outpatient clinics, rural hospitals and first-aid
stations in all our regions. We have allocated an additional 550
billion rubles for this purpose, more than 90 percent of which will
come from the federal budget.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="color: #351c75;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">At the same
time, I ask the regional authorities to find additional funds
for providing housing to doctors and paramedics,
in particular in villages, settlements and small towns,
and to use all the available instruments towards this end,
including employer-rented housing and private housing projects.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="color: #351c75;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">Training
and recruitment are key elements of medical education. By 2024,
all levels of healthcare, but first of all the primary
healthcare level, must have the necessary number of specialists.
In this connection, I suggest that the admission procedure
to medical universities be changed significantly. For example, 70
percent of scholarships in the field of general medicine
and 75 percent in paediatrics will be awarded to prospective
students who will return to their native regions upon graduation.
The quotas will be distributed based on requests filed
by the regions, which must subsequently provide employment
to the graduates who must be able to work where people need their
services.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="color: #351c75;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">As for residency
training, I suggest that almost 100 percent of scholarships be given
to medical graduates in critically important spheres. Priority during
enrolment will be given to those with practical experience in the field
of primary healthcare, especially in rural areas. This system should
be also stipulated for federal medical centres.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="color: #351c75;"><br /></span></span></div>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">And lastly,
just as we agreed, a new system of remuneration will be
gradually introduced in healthcare starting this year. It is based
on clear, fair and understandable rules, with a fixed share
of salary in the overall income and a uniform list
of compensation payments and commercial incentives for all
regions.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="color: #351c75;"><br /></span></span>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">Colleagues,<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">Last year life expectancy
in Russia exceeded 73 years for the first time, which is eight
years longer than in 2000. This is the result of social
and economic changes in Russia, the development of mass
sports and promotion of healthy lifestyles. And, of course,
the entire healthcare system made a significant contribution,
especially the programmes of specialised, including high-tech aid,
as well as maternity and childhood welfare and protection
of health of mother and child.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">The rate of infant
mortality has reached a historic low. This indicator is even better than
in some European countries. I am well aware that the public
in many developed countries is very critical of the state
of their national healthcare system, and you also know this.
In fact, almost everywhere – no, everywhere – people criticise
their healthcare system, however well organised it looks from here.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">Still our achievements
in this area show that if we set certain goals, we can achieve results.
However, let me repeat this, people do not judge the healthcare system
by figures and indicators. A person who has to travel dozens
of kilometres to a polyclinic or spend a whole day
waiting in line for an appointment with a specialist is not
very interested in how life expectancy has grown on the average.
People think about their lives, their health, about how to get
high-quality and timely medical aid without obstacles and when they
need it. This is why now we must focus our efforts on primary care, which
all people and all families have to deal with. This is where we have
the worst and most sensitive problems.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">This year we are
to fully complete the creation of a network of rural
paramedic centres, as stipulated in the related national
project. This does not mean, however, that all the problems of these
rural paramedic centres have been settled. I would like to point out
that the mission of these centres is not to make out
prescriptions or refer patients to regional medical centres. Local
specialists must be able to really help people by using modern
equipment and high-speed internet. I would like to ask
the Russian Popular Front to monitor the provision
of equipment, construction and repair of rural paramedic
centres.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">On July 1 we will
also launch a programme to modernise the system of primary
healthcare. We will have to repair and provide new equipment
to outpatient clinics, rural hospitals and first-aid stations
in all our regions. We have allocated an additional 550 billion
rubles for this purpose, more than 90 percent of which will come from
the federal budget.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">At the same time,
I ask the regional authorities to find additional funds for providing
housing to doctors and paramedics, in particular
in villages, settlements and small towns, and to use all
the available instruments towards this end, including employer-rented
housing and private housing projects.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">Training
and recruitment are key elements of medical education. By 2024,
all levels of healthcare, but first of all the primary
healthcare level, must have the necessary number of specialists.
In this connection, I suggest that the admission procedure
to medical universities be changed significantly. For example, 70
percent of scholarships in the field of general medicine
and 75 percent in paediatrics will be awarded to prospective
students who will return to their native regions upon graduation.
The quotas will be distributed based on requests filed
by the regions, which must subsequently provide employment
to the graduates who must be able to work where people need
their services.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">As for residency
training, I suggest that almost 100 percent of scholarships be given
to medical graduates in critically important spheres. Priority during
enrolment will be given to those with practical experience
in the field of primary healthcare, especially in rural
areas. This system should be also stipulated for federal medical centres.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">And lastly, just
as we agreed, a new system of remuneration will be gradually
introduced in healthcare starting this year. It is based on clear,
fair and understandable rules, with a fixed share of salary in the overall
income and a uniform list of compensation payments
and commercial incentives for all regions.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">I am aware that
the implementation of all these goals requires extensive resources.
If you go back to where I started, every goal needs a great deal
of money. In this regard, I ask the Government to once
again consider identifying priorities for our development while retaining
the budget’s stability. This is an advantage we have achieved
in the past few years, and we must maintain it.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">I know that last year
a number of regions saw a disruption in medication supplies
as the regions’ purchases were not made, with certain officials
treating it as if it were some sort of office supplies purchases
claiming it was not a big deal and new tenders would be announced.
But people were left without essential and vitally important medications.
I should point out that such cases must never happen again.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">This year, efforts will be
made to launch an integrated comprehensive register
of recipients of medications that are provided to citizens free
of charge or with a considerable discount through a federal
or regional subsidy to avoid any confusion in this regard
in the future.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">Also, certain legislative
decisions have already been adopted that will allow for official
and centralised imports of certain medications to Russia that
are yet to receive regulatory approval. I ask the Government
to promptly organise this work so that people, particularly
the parents of sick children, do not find themselves
in a desperate situation when they cannot legally find the necessary
medications.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">Control over pharmaceutical
drugs will also significantly change. It will be tightened both
at pharmaceutical companies and during all stages of medication
circulation, including at pharmacy networks.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">Colleagues,<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">In recent years, we have
focused on strengthening macroeconomic sustainability, and it is
something I just mentioned. The federal budget has had a surplus
again. Our government reserves confidently cover our gross external debt.
And here I am not talking about some abstract or theoretical
indicators – I would like to emphasise that these figures are
directly influencing the life of each and every person
in our country, and have to do with the fulfilment
of our social commitments. We can see the problems, even shocks that
citizens of other states face, where government had no such cash cushion
and their financial position turned out to be unstable.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">The consistent work
of the Government and the Bank of Russia has led
to a stabilisation of prices. Last year, inflation stood
at 3 percent, which is below the target level of 4 percent.
True, the prices of certain goods and services have risen
slightly, but overall, I repeat, inflation is at a predictably
low level. The situation fundamentally differs from what it was five
or ten years ago, when double-digit inflation was a tax on all
citizens of the country, being an especially hard burden
for those on a fixed salary or pension – retired
people and workers in the public sector.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">Now, relying
on a stable macroeconomic foundation, we need to create
conditions for a substantial increase in people’s real incomes.
Again, this is the most important responsibility
of the Government and the Central Bank. To meet it,
the national economy needs structural changes and higher efficiency.
In 2021, Russia's GDP growth rates should be higher than the global
ones.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">To have this kind
of dynamics, it is necessary to launch a new investment cycle,
to seriously increase investment in the creation
and upgrading of jobs, in infrastructure,
in the development of industry, agriculture
and the services sector. Starting this year, annual investment growth
should be at least 5 percent, and investment share
in the country's GDP, 25 percent by 2024 from the current
21 percent.</span><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;"><br /></span></span>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">What needs to be done
to encourage investment?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">First of all, we agreed
not to change the tax treatment for businesses over
a period of the next six years and thus provide
a wider horizon for investment planning. The deputies
and the Government should speed up the adoption
of a package of draft laws on protecting and promoting
investment. As you are well aware, tax treatment for major important
projects should remain unchanged for up to 20 years,
and the requirements and standards for building production
sites should remain the same for three years. These investor
guarantees should become standard law.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">Of course,
in addition to major projects, small- and medium-sized
businesses’ initiatives should be supported as well. Today,
the regions are entitled to provide an investment-based tax
deduction and a three-year revenue tax break, but they rarely use
them. It is clear why: they do so because regional budgets thus lose revenue.
In this regard, we would like federal funds to compensate
the regions for two-thirds of the lost revenue stemming
from the use of an investment-related tax deduction.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">Second, the reform
of the oversight and supervisory activities must be completed
in 2020, and businesses should thus see improvements in their
operating environment.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">Third, I have already
submitted to the State Duma the amendments to remove vague
criminal law provisions in part related to so-called frauds. Thus,
entrepreneurs have repeatedly mentioned Article 210 of the Criminal
Code, under which any company whose senior executives violated the law
could qualify as an organised criminal group, meaning that almost all
of its employees were liable. Tougher restrictive measures
and punishment were put in place. Law enforcement agencies will
henceforth be required to prove that an organisation or a company
was initially deliberately created with an illegal purpose in mind.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">Fourth. It is estimated that
as soon as this summer the foreign currency reserves
of the National Welfare Fund will pass the mark of 7
percent of GDP. We have accumulated these reserves to guarantee our
stability and security, which means we can invest our additional revenue
in development and the national economy.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">Cost-effective projects that
remove infrastructure restrictions for our territories must become our
priority. This includes bypass roads for big cities, arterial roads
between regional capitals and exit roads to federal motorways. These
projects will inevitably bring about the growth of small businesses,
tourism and social activity in the regions and locally.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">Fifth. For investment
to grow steadily, our economy needs long-term money. We all know this very
well. This is a direct responsibility of the Central Bank.
I appreciate its consistent course for making loans
for the real sector of economy more accessible.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">Of course, businesses,
companies (especially large ones) must remember about their social
and environmental responsibility. I would like to thank our
parliament members for demonstrating integrity during their work
on the emission quota law.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">Obviously, it is necessary
to act upon our plans faster. Our next steps include testing
and implementing the air quality monitoring system
and subsequently expanding this control system to cover
the entire country. It is necessary to monitor not only
the condition of air but also water and soil – that is, to develop
a comprehensive environmental monitoring system.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">Next. By the end
of this year, at least 80 out of the 300 largest industrial
facilities must complete the transition to best available technology
and obtain complex environmental permits, which means a consistent
reduction of hazardous emissions. Sixteen permits have been issued
as of now but overall this work is on schedule. No matter what,
we must not allow any disruptions here. It is necessary to drastically cut
the amount of waste ending up in landfills, implement waste
sorting and generally move towards the circular economy.
By 2021, we must already launch the mechanism of extended
producer responsibility when producers and importers of goods
and packaging are responsible for recycling costs. To put it
simply, contaminators must pay.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">Colleagues,<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">I would like
to stress that Russia is ready to support Russian and foreign
scientists’ joint research on ecology, climate change, environmental
and ocean pollution. These are global development challenges shared
by everyone.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">Today the speed
of technological change in the world is increasing manifold,
and we must create our own technologies and standards in areas
that define our future, such as, first of all, artificial intelligence,
genetics, new materials, energy sources and digital technology. I am
confident that we can reach a breakthrough here, as we did
in defence. I will speak about this later.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">In order to solve
difficult technological tasks, we will continue to develop research
infrastructure, including megascience-class facilities. I am sure that
an opportunity to work with unique equipment and tackle
the most ambitious tasks will encourage talented young people to work
in science. This is already happening. According to estimates,
by the middle of the decade every second scientist
in Russia will be under 40.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">We should give researchers,
engineers and entrepreneurs the freedom they need to do their
work and to conduct innovative scientific research. I ask
the Government and State Duma deputies to fast-track the discussion
of the technological legislative package. This year we must launch
a flexible mechanism of experimental legal modes to design
and introduce new technologies in Russia and establish
up-to-date regulation of the big data turnover.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">Next, we should establish
a mechanism of social support for direct and venture
finance tools based on the best global practices.
The technological entrepreneur should have the right to take
a risk, so that failing to implement an idea will not
automatically mean inappropriate use of funds and a possible
criminal prosecution. I mean that we should establish such legal
and financial conditions that as many start-ups and pioneer
teams as possible could become strong and successful innovative
companies.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">We need to support
the export of high-tech products and, of course, to boost
domestic demand for innovative products. In this context,
I believe it would be right to fast-track the digital
transformation of the real economy. A requirement should be set
that national projects are largely carried out using domestic software.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">We have already put
in place, say, major digital television infrastructure, which,
in terms of its technical characteristics, is one
of the most advanced in the world. Currently,
the digital television coverage in Russia is more expanded than,
for example, in France, Austria or Switzerland.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">The internet has become
a must-have for people today. Russia is one of few countries
in the world which has its own social networks, messengers, e-mail
and search engines and other national resources.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">Given all the things
I’ve just mentioned, I suggest that the Affordable Internet project
be developed and carried out and that free access to socially
important domestic internet services be available across Russia. I repeat
that in this case people will not have to pay for the internet
service, for internet traffic.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">Colleagues,<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">The high availability
of the internet should become Russia’s and our citizens’
competitive advantage and create, across the board,
an environment conducive to education, creative work, communications
and the implementation of social and cultural projects.
Of course, this means new opportunities for people to get
involved in the life of the country. We appreciate every
creative initiative of our citizens, public associations, non-profit
organisations, as well as their willingness to contribute
to national development.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">It is very important that
the volunteer movement is becoming more popular, and it unites
schoolchildren, university students, and people of different
generations and ages. The Victory Volunteers project embodies
the tradition of mutual assistance and respect for older
generations and our history.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">This year, we will celebrate
the 75<sup>th</sup> anniversary of Victory
in the Great Patriotic War. For Russia, May 9 is
the greatest and sacred holiday. We are proud
of the generation of victors and honour their feat,
and our memory is not only a tribute to our heroic past, but it
also serves our future, inspires us and strengthens our unity.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">It is our duty
to defend the truth about the Victory; otherwise what shall we
say to our children if a lie, like a disease, spreads all over
the world? We must set facts against outrageous lies and attempts
to distort history. Russia will create the largest and most
complete set of archival documents, film and photo materials
on the Second World War, accessible both for our citizens
and for the whole world. This work is our duty
as a winning country and our responsibility
to the future generations.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">Colleagues,<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">We can see how
unpredictably, uncontrollably events are developing in the world,
what is happening in the Middle East and North Africa literally
in recent weeks and recent days, how regional conflicts can rapidly
grow into threats to the entire international community.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">I am convinced that it
is high time for a serious and direct discussion about
the basic principles of a stable world order
and the most acute problems that humanity is facing. It is necessary
to show political will, wisdom and courage. The time demands an awareness
of our shared responsibility and real actions.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">The founding countries
of the United Nations should set an example. It is the five
nuclear powers that bear a special responsibility
for the conservation and sustainable development
of humankind. These five nations should first of all start with
measures to remove the prerequisites for a global war
and develop updated approaches to ensuring stability
on the planet that would fully take into account the political,
economic and military aspects of modern international relations.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">Russia is ready to enhance
cooperation with all interested parties. We are not threatening anyone
or seeking to impose our will on anyone. At the same
time, I can assure everyone that our efforts to strengthen national
security were made in a timely manner and in sufficient volume.
For the first time ever – I want to emphasise
this – for the first time in the history
of nuclear missile weapons, including the Soviet period
and modern times, we are not catching up with anyone, but,
on the contrary, other leading states have yet to create
the weapons that Russia already possesses.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">The country's defence
capability is ensured for decades to come, but we cannot rest
on our laurels and do nothing. We must keep moving forward, carefully
observing and analysing the developments in this area across
the world, and create next-generation combat systems
and complexes. This is what we are doing today.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">Reliable security creates
the basis for Russia’s progressive and peaceful development
and allows us to do much more to overcome the most pressing
internal challenges, to focus on the economic and social
growth of all our regions in the interest
of the people, because Russia’s greatness is inseparable from
dignified life of its every citizen. I see this harmony
of a strong power and well-being of the people
as a foundation of our future.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">Colleagues,<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">We can move towards this
goal only with the active participation of society, our citizens and,
of course, intense and productive work of all branches
and levels of government, the potential of which should be
expanded.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">In this regard,
I would like to spend a moment discussing state structure
and domestic policy, which are defined by the Fundamental Law
of our country – the Constitution of the Russian
Federation. I keep getting these questions all the time, including
at the most recent annual news conference.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">Clearly, we cannot but agree
with those who say that the Constitution was adopted over 25 years ago
amidst a severe internal political crisis and the state
of affairs has completely overturned since then. Thank goodness, there is
no more armed confrontation in the capital or a hotbed
of international terrorism in the North Caucasus.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">Despite a number
of acute unsolved problems that we talked about today,
the socioeconomic situation has stabilised, after all. Today some
political public associations are raising the issue of adopting
a new Constitution.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">I want to answer
straight off: I believe there is no need for this. Potential
of the 1993 Constitution is far from being exhausted
and I hope that pillars of our constitutional system, rights
and freedoms will remain the foundation of strong values
for the Russian society for decades to come.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">In the meantime,
statements regarding changes to the Constitution have already been
made. And I find it possible to express my view
and propose a number of constitutional amendments
for discussion, amendments that, in my opinion, are reasonable
and important for the further development of Russia
as a rule-of-law welfare state where citizens’ freedoms
and rights, human dignity and wellbeing constitute the highest
value.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">Firstly, Russia can be
and can remain Russia only as a sovereign state. Our nation’s
sovereignty must be unconditional. We have done a great deal
to achieve this. We restored our state’s unity. We have overcome
the situation when certain powers in the government were essentially
usurped by oligarch clans. Russia has returned to international
politics as a country whose opinion cannot be ignored.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">We created powerful
reserves, which multiplies our country’s stability and capability
to protect its citizens’ social rights and the national economy
from any attempts of foreign pressure.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">I truly believe that it
is time to introduce certain changes to our country’s main law,
changes that will directly guarantee the priority of the Russian
Constitution in our legal framework.</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">Second, I suggest
formalising at the constitutional level the obligatory
requirements for those who hold positions of critical significance
for national security and sovereignty. More precisely, the heads
of the constituent entities, members of the Federation
Council, State Duma deputies, the prime minister and his/her
deputies, federal ministers, heads of federal agencies and judges
should have no foreign citizenship or residence permit or any other
document that allows them to live permanently in a foreign
state.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">The goal
and mission of state service is to serve the people,
and those who enter this path must know that by doing this they
inseparably connect their lives with Russia and the Russian people without
any assumptions and allowances.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">Requirements must be even
stricter for presidential candidates. I suggest formalising
a requirement under which presidential candidates must have had permanent
residence in Russia for at least 25 years and no foreign
citizenship or residence permit and not only during the election
campaign but at any time before it too.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">I know that people are
discussing the constitutional provision under which one person cannot hold
the post of the President of the Russian Federation for two
successive terms. I do not regard this as a matter
of principle, but I nevertheless support and share this view.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">I have already said
before that our goal is to ensure high living standards and equal
opportunities for all throughout the country. It is towards this goal
that our national projects and development plans are aimed.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">At the same time,
you know about the problems to do with education, healthcare
and other fields created by a divide between the federal
and municipal authorities – I have pointed this out more than
once. This divide and, at the same time, the complex system
of powers are having a negative effect above all
on the people.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">The rights,
opportunities and guarantees, that are legally equal for all
citizens, are not provided equally in different regions
and municipalities. This is unfair to people and is directly
threatening our society and national integrity.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">I believe that
the Constitution must seal the principles of a unified
system of public authority and effective interaction between
the federal and municipal authorities. At the same time,
the powers and practical opportunities of the local
governments, a body of authority that is closest
to the people, can and should be expanded and strengthened.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">And lastly,
the state must honour its social responsibility under any conditions
throughout the country. Therefore, I believe that
the Constitution should include a provision that the minimum
wage in Russia must not be below the subsistence minimum
of the economically active people. We have a law on this,
but we should formalise this requirement in the Constitution along
with the principles of decent pensions, which implies a regular
adjustment of pensions according to inflation.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">Fourth, Russia is
a huge country, and every region has its specifics, problems
and experience. Of course, this must be taken into account.
I believe it is necessary to cardinally increase the role
of governors in decision-making at the federal level.
As you know, back in 2000 the State Council was restored
at my initiative, where the heads of all regions
participate. Over the past period the State Council has proven its
high effectiveness; its working groups provide for the professional,
comprehensive and qualified examination of issues that are most
important for people and Russia. I believe it would be
appropriate to fix the status and role of the State
Council in the Russian Constitution.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">Fifth, Russian society is
becoming more mature, responsible and demanding. Despite
the differences in the ways to address their tasks,
the main political forces speak from the position of patriotism
and reflect the interests of their followers and voters.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">At the same time,
almost all the parties represented in the State Duma –
and you know that I have regular meetings with their leaders –
believe that the Federal Assembly is ready to take more responsibility
for forming the Government. (Applause.) I expected
this round of applause, but I think you will have another opportunity
for applause now; please listen until the end.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">More responsibility
for forming the Government means more responsibility
for the Government’s policy. I completely agree with this
position.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">What is the situation
like now? In accordance with articles 111 and 112
of the Russian Constitution, the President only receives
the consent of the State Duma to appoint the Prime
Minister, and then appoints the head of the Cabinet, his
deputies and all the ministers. I suggest changing
the procedure and allowing the State Duma to appoint
the Prime Minister of the Russian Federation, and then all
deputy prime ministers and federal ministers at the Prime
Minister’s recommendation. At the same time the President will
have to appoint them, so he will have no right to turn down
the candidates approved by the Parliament. (Applause.)<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">All of this means
drastic changes to the political system. However, let me repeat,
considering the maturity of our main political organisations
and parties as well as the reputation of civil
society, I believe these proposals are justified. This will increase
the role and importance of the State Duma
and parliamentary parties as well as the independence
and responsibility of the Prime Minister and other Cabinet
members and make cooperation between the representative
and executive branches of government more effective
and substantive.</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">What does it mean? It means
literally the following: requirements of international law
and treaties as well as decisions of international bodies
can be valid on the Russian territory only to the point
that they do not restrict the rights and freedoms of our people
and citizens and do not contradict our Constitution.</span><br />
<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">Second, I suggest
formalising at the constitutional level the obligatory
requirements for those who hold positions of critical significance
for national security and sovereignty. More precisely, the heads
of the constituent entities, members of the Federation
Council, State Duma deputies, the prime minister and his/her
deputies, federal ministers, heads of federal agencies and judges
should have no foreign citizenship or residence permit or any other
document that allows them to live permanently in a foreign
state.</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">The goal
and mission of state service is to serve the people,
and those who enter this path must know that by doing this they
inseparably connect their lives with Russia and the Russian people
without any assumptions and allowances.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">Requirements must be even
stricter for presidential candidates. I suggest formalising
a requirement under which presidential candidates must have had permanent
residence in Russia for at least 25 years and no foreign
citizenship or residence permit and not only during the election
campaign but at any time before it too.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">I know that people are
discussing the constitutional provision under which one person cannot hold
the post of the President of the Russian Federation
for two successive terms. I do not regard this as a matter
of principle, but I nevertheless support and share this view.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">I have already said
before that our goal is to ensure high living standards and equal
opportunities for all throughout the country. It is towards this goal
that our national projects and development plans are aimed.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">At the same time,
you know about the problems to do with education, healthcare
and other fields created by a divide between the federal
and municipal authorities – I have pointed this out more than once.
This divide and, at the same time, the complex system
of powers are having a negative effect above all
on the people.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">The rights,
opportunities and guarantees, that are legally equal for all
citizens, are not provided equally in different regions
and municipalities. This is unfair to people and is directly
threatening our society and national integrity.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">I believe that
the Constitution must seal the principles of a unified
system of public authority and effective interaction between
the federal and municipal authorities. At the same time, the powers
and practical opportunities of the local governments,
a body of authority that is closest to the people, can
and should be expanded and strengthened.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">And lastly,
the state must honour its social responsibility under any conditions
throughout the country. Therefore, I believe that
the Constitution should include a provision that the minimum
wage in Russia must not be below the subsistence minimum
of the economically active people. We have a law on this,
but we should formalise this requirement in the Constitution along
with the principles of decent pensions, which implies a regular
adjustment of pensions according to inflation.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">Fourth, Russia is
a huge country, and every region has its specifics, problems
and experience. Of course, this must be taken into account.
I believe it is necessary to cardinally increase the role
of governors in decision-making at the federal level.
As you know, back in 2000 the State Council was restored
at my initiative, where the heads of all regions
participate. Over the past period the State Council has proven its
high effectiveness; its working groups provide for the professional,
comprehensive and qualified examination of issues that are most
important for people and Russia. I believe it would be
appropriate to fix the status and role of the State
Council in the Russian Constitution.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">Fifth, Russian society is
becoming more mature, responsible and demanding. Despite
the differences in the ways to address their tasks,
the main political forces speak from the position of patriotism
and reflect the interests of their followers and voters.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">At the same time,
almost all the parties represented in the State Duma –
and you know that I have regular meetings with their leaders –
believe that the Federal Assembly is ready to take more
responsibility for forming the Government. (Applause.) I expected
this round of applause, but I think you will have another opportunity
for applause now; please listen until the end.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">More responsibility
for forming the Government means more responsibility
for the Government’s policy. I completely agree with this
position.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">What is the situation
like now? In accordance with articles 111 and 112
of the Russian Constitution, the President only receives
the consent of the State Duma to appoint the Prime
Minister, and then appoints the head of the Cabinet, his
deputies and all the ministers. I suggest changing
the procedure and allowing the State Duma to appoint
the Prime Minister of the Russian Federation, and then all
deputy prime ministers and federal ministers at the Prime
Minister’s recommendation. At the same time the President will
have to appoint them, so he will have no right to turn down
the candidates approved by the Parliament. (Applause.)<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">All of this means
drastic changes to the political system. However, let me repeat,
considering the maturity of our main political organisations
and parties as well as the reputation of civil
society, I believe these proposals are justified. This will increase
the role and importance of the State Duma
and parliamentary parties as well as the independence
and responsibility of the Prime Minister and other Cabinet
members and make cooperation between the representative
and executive branches of government more effective
and substantive.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">Colleagues,<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">I would like
to emphasise that our country, with its vast territory, complex federal
and administrative division and diverse cultural and historical
traditions, cannot properly advance and even exist sustainably
as a parliamentary republic.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">Russia must remain
a strong presidential republic. The president must undoubtedly retain
the right to determine the Government's tasks
and priorities, as well as the right to dismiss
the prime minister, his deputies and federal ministers in case
of improper execution of duties or due to loss of trust.
The president also exercises direct command over the Armed Forces
and the entire law enforcement system. In this regard,
I believe another step is necessary to provide a greater balance
between the branches of power.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">In this connection,
point six: I propose that the president should appoint heads
of all security agencies following consultations with the Federation
Council. I believe this approach will make the work of security
and law enforcement agencies more transparent and accountable
to citizens.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">The principle
of appointment following consultations can be applied to regional
prosecutors as well. Currently they are appointed in coordination
with regional legislative assemblies. Colleagues, this may lead
to certain, including informal, obligations towards local authorities
and ultimately to the risk of losing objectivity
and impartiality.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">As to the territories'
position regarding a prosecutor candidacy in the constituent
entities of the Federation, it can be considered during consultations
in the Federation Council, which is in fact the chamber
of the regions. We cannot have different local legislative systems
in different regions; the prosecutor is a supreme authority who
exercises control over the execution of laws irrespectively
of any regional circumstances.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">I am confident that
a greater independence of prosecution agencies from local authorities
would be beneficial for citizens regardless of the region.
Colleagues, let us always be governed by the interests of our
people.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">And my seventh
and final point: the judicial system – the Constitutional
and Supreme courts – plays a key role in ensuring legality
and citizens’ rights. I would like to emphasise, along with
judges’ professionalism, their credibility should be unconditional
as well. Being fair and having a moral right to make
decisions that affect people’s lives have always been considered
of paramount importance in Russia. The country’s fundamental law
should enshrine and protect the independence of judges,
and their subordination only to the Constitution
and federal law.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">At the same time,
I consider it necessary to stipulate in the Constitution
the Federation Council’s authority to dismiss,
on the proposal from the President, Constitutional
and Supreme Court judges in the event of misconduct that
defames a judge’s honour and dignity, as well
as in other cases provided for by federal constitutional
law, that make it impossible for a person to maintain
the status of a judge. This proposal is derived from
the established practice. This is something Russia definitely needs today.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">Furthermore, to improve
the quality of domestic legislation, to reliably protect
citizens' interests, I propose strengthening the role
of the Constitutional Court, namely: to verify,
at the President’s request, the constitutionality of draft
laws adopted by the Federal Assembly before they are signed
by the head of state. We might also think about extending
the powers of the Constitutional Court to evaluate not only
laws, but also other regulatory legal acts adopted by various authorities
at the federal and regional levels for compliance with
the Constitution.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">Colleagues,<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">Again, the proposals
made today, by no means limit the discussion around possible
amendments to the Constitution. I am sure that public
associations, parties, regions, the legal community, and Russian
citizens will express their ideas. The broadest public discussion is
needed. But, opening this discussion, I would like to give it
a start in a certain direction, or at least
to show what challenges we are facing.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">Please, do not forget what
happened to our country after 1991. After the collapse
of the Soviet Union, we still had the same ambitions
and of course have preserved the colossal potential –
the human, intellectual, resource, territorial, cultural and historical
potential, and so on. But there were also threats, dangers
of a magnitude no one could have imagined ever before. And that
was a pity, as they should have thought about it in due time.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">Therefore in our
further state building efforts, we are facing seemingly contradictory tasks
that serve as a guideline for values and may appear
incompatible at first sight. What am I referring to? We must create a solid,
reliable and invulnerable system that will be absolutely stable
in terms of the external contour and will securely
guarantee Russia’s independence and sovereignty. At the same
time, this system must be organic, flexible and capable of changing
quickly in line with what is happening around us, and most
importantly, in response to the development of Russian
society. This system must ensure the rotation of those who are
in power or occupy high positions in other areas. This renewal
is indispensable for the progressive evolution of society
and stable development that may not be infallible but ensures that
the most important thing – Russia’s interests – remains immutable.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">What else do I consider
important and would like to emphasise? The amendments that we
will discuss do not concern the foundations of the Constitution
and, hence, can be approved by Parliament in line with
the existing procedure and law through the adoption
of relevant constitutional laws.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">At the same time,
considering that the proposed amendments concern substantial changes
in the political system and the work
of the executive, legislative and judicial branches,
I believe it necessary to hold a vote of Russian citizens
on the entire package of the proposed amendments
to the Constitution of the Russian Federation.
The final decision must be made only on the basis of its
results.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">The opinion
of people, our citizens as the bearers of sovereignty
and the main source of power must be decisive.
In the final analysis everything is decided by the people,
both today and in the future. I am referring to both
the choice of national development strategy and daily issues
in each region, city or village. We will be able to build
a strong, prosperous and modern Russia only on the basis of unconditional
respect for the opinions of the people, the opinions
of the nation.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">The current year
of 2020 is a landmark in many respects. It is a transition
to the third decade of the 21<sup>st</sup> century.
Russia is faced with breakthrough historical tasks and everyone’s
contribution is important for resolving them. Working together we are
bound to change our lives for the better. I often mention
the word “together” because Russia means all of us. I am
referring not to the people present in this hall or rather
not only to the people present in this hall but all citizens of this
country because I believe that success is determined by our will
for creation and development, for the implementation
of the most ambitious plans, our labour for the sake
of our families and loved ones, our children and their future,
and hence, for the sake of Russia’s greatness
and the dignity of its citizens.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">Thank you for your
attention. (Applause.)<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">The National Anthem
of the Russian Federation.</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<span style="color: #351c75;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">To be continued.</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12.0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7433369209594824580.post-15378664626277339192020-01-15T01:52:00.000-08:002020-01-15T01:52:55.203-08:00LIVE: Putin delivers annual address to Federal Assembly<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/_JHi4LKfT_A" width="853"></iframe>
<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7433369209594824580.post-71928456890087431022020-01-13T13:14:00.000-08:002020-01-13T13:16:42.085-08:00CIS informal summit<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: #fff2cc; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px; margin: 12pt 26.1pt 8pt 1cm;">
<div class="Standard" style="margin-top: 12pt;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #351c75;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzYYTEHH-6NdPikBeUBsZghay1FMwyWB58rb0jsTM004KWu78fAi0SyTsLaFiRjuXFjQH-SLUmssGSDpZH6e5xF0bH9WgBC5s7y7lGXIHvRGGDWyoA_BnHAo69w4GmOf0mzeQPUD8bux7h/s1600/1+RUSSIAN+LOGO.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: #351c75;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzYYTEHH-6NdPikBeUBsZghay1FMwyWB58rb0jsTM004KWu78fAi0SyTsLaFiRjuXFjQH-SLUmssGSDpZH6e5xF0bH9WgBC5s7y7lGXIHvRGGDWyoA_BnHAo69w4GmOf0mzeQPUD8bux7h/s1600/1+RUSSIAN+LOGO.png" /></span></a></div>
<span style="color: #351c75;"><span style="color: #351c75;"><br /></span>
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12.0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #351c75; font-size: x-large;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12.0pt; text-align: justify;">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/62376">CIS informal summit</a></span></b><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">An informal CIS summit
took place in St Petersburg.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">December
20, 2019<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">17:00<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">St
Petersburg<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span style="color: #351c75;"><span style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><!--[if gte vml 1]><v:shapetype id="_x0000_t75"
coordsize="21600,21600" o:spt="75" o:preferrelative="t" path="m@4@5l@4@11@9@11@9@5xe"
filled="f" stroked="f">
<v:stroke joinstyle="miter"/>
<v:formulas>
<v:f eqn="if lineDrawn pixelLineWidth 0"/>
<v:f eqn="sum @0 1 0"/>
<v:f eqn="sum 0 0 @1"/>
<v:f eqn="prod @2 1 2"/>
<v:f eqn="prod @3 21600 pixelWidth"/>
<v:f eqn="prod @3 21600 pixelHeight"/>
<v:f eqn="sum @0 0 1"/>
<v:f eqn="prod @6 1 2"/>
<v:f eqn="prod @7 21600 pixelWidth"/>
<v:f eqn="sum @8 21600 0"/>
<v:f eqn="prod @7 21600 pixelHeight"/>
<v:f eqn="sum @10 21600 0"/>
</v:formulas>
<v:path o:extrusionok="f" gradientshapeok="t" o:connecttype="rect"/>
<o:lock v:ext="edit" aspectratio="t"/>
</v:shapetype><v:shape id="Picture_x0020_3" o:spid="_x0000_i1026" type="#_x0000_t75"
alt="With President of Moldova Igor Dodon." style='width:705pt;height:435pt;
visibility:visible;mso-wrap-style:square'>
<v:imagedata src="file:///C:\Users\Luisa\AppData\Local\Temp\msohtmlclip1\01\clip_image001.jpg"
o:title="With President of Moldova Igor Dodon"/>
</v:shape><![endif]--><!--[if !vml]--><!--[endif]--></span><span style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span style="color: #351c75;"><span style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><!--[if gte vml 1]><v:shape id="Picture_x0020_2"
o:spid="_x0000_i1025" type="#_x0000_t75" alt="CIS informal summit." style='width:705pt;
height:435pt;visibility:visible;mso-wrap-style:square'>
<v:imagedata src="file:///C:\Users\Luisa\AppData\Local\Temp\msohtmlclip1\01\clip_image002.jpg"
o:title="CIS informal summit"/>
</v:shape><![endif]--><!--[if !vml]--><!--[endif]--></span><span style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<img alt="CIS informal summit." src="http://static.kremlin.ru/media/events/photos/big2x/gEPiRdSwu0PYhr1eE314wrHy33VU6QE4.jpg" height="394" width="640" /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;"><i>CIS informal summit.</i><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">The summit was attended
by Vladimir Putin, President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev, Prime
Minister of Armenia Nikol Pashinyan, President of Belarus Alexander
Lukashenko, first President of Kazakhstan Nursultan Nazarbayev, President
of Kyrgyzstan Sooronbay Jeenbekov, President of Moldova Igor Dodon,
President of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon and President
of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">Vladimir Putin told
the participants about the archive materials
on the pre-history of World War II and invited them
to tour a specially organised exhibit.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">* * *<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">Speech
at the informal CIS summit<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><b><span style="color: #990000;">President of Russia
Vladimir Putin:</span></b><span style="color: #351c75;"> Colleagues, I am very happy to see you.
I would like to welcome you once again, in this “very extended”
format of CIS heads of state.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">We have resolved
on events dedicated to the end of the Great Patriotic
War between the Soviet Union and Nazi Germany
and the Victory of the Soviet Union.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">Let me stress that
for all of us, and I know you agree, it is a special
date because our fathers and grandfathers sacrificed a lot
to our Fatherland, our common Fatherland back then. In fact, every
family in the former Soviet Union in one way or another suffered
from what happened with our country and the world.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">We have discussed this many
times both formally and informally and decided to work together
on the eve of the 75<sup>th</sup> anniversary.
I would like to share some of my thoughts on this.</span></span><br />
<a name='more'></a><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">I was surprised, even
somewhat hurt by one of the latest European Parliament
resolutions dated September 19, 2019 “on the importance
of preserving historical memory for the future of Europe.”
We, too, have always strived to ensure the quality of history, its
truthfulness, openness and objectivity. I want to emphasise once
again that this applies to all of us, because we are to some
extent descendants of the former Soviet Union. When they talk about
the Soviet Union, they talk about us.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">What does it say? According
to this paper, the so-called Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact
(the foreign ministers of the Soviet Union and Nazi
Germany), as they write further, divided Europe
and the territories of independent states between two
totalitarian regimes, which paved the way for World War II.
The Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact ‘paved the way to WWII…’ Well,
maybe.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">In addition,
the European parliamentarians are demanding that Russia stop its efforts
aimed at distorting historical facts and promoting the thesis
that Poland, the Baltic countries and the West really started
the war. I do not think we have ever said anything like this,
or that any of the above countries were the perpetrators.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">Where is the truth
after all? I decided to figure this out and asked
my colleagues to check the archives. When I started reading
them, I found something that I think would be interesting
for all of us, because, again, we all come from the Soviet
Union.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">Here is the first
question. We talk about the Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact all the time. We
repeat this after our European colleagues. This begs the question: was
this the only document signed by one of the European
countries, back then the Soviet Union, with Nazi Germany? It turns out
that this is not at all the case. I will simply give a list
of them, if I may.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">So, the Declaration
on the Non-use of Force between Germany and Poland. This
is, in fact, the so-called Pilsudski-Hitler Pact signed in 1934.
In essence, this is a non-aggression pact.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">Then, the Anglo-German
maritime agreement of 1935. Great Britain provided Hitler with
an opportunity to have his own Navy, which was illegal for him
or, in fact, reduced to a minimum following World War I.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">Then, the joint
Anglo-German declaration of Chamberlain and Hitler signed
on September 30, 1938, which they agreed upon at Chamberlain’s
initiative. It said that the signed ‘Munich Agreement, as well
as the Anglo-German maritime agreement symbolise…’ and so on.
The creation of a legal framework between the two states continued.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">That is not all. There is
the Franco-German Declaration signed on December 6, 1938
in Paris by the foreign ministers of France
and Germany, Bonnet and Ribbentrop.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">Finally, the treaty
between the Republic of Lithuania and the German Reich
signed on March 22, 1939 in Berlin by the foreign
minister of Lithuania and Ribbentop to the effect that
Klaipeda Territory will reunite with the German Reich.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">Then, there was
the Nonaggression Treaty between the German Reich and Latvia
of June 7, 1939.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">Thus, the Treaty
between the Soviet Union and Germany was the last
in a line of treaties signed by European countries that
seemed to be interested in maintaining peace in Europe. Also,
I want to note that the Soviet Union agreed to sign this
document only after all other avenues had been exhausted and all proposals
by the Soviet Union to create a unified security system,
in fact, an anti-Nazi coalition in Europe were rejected.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">In this connection,
I am asking you to take a few minutes to return
to the origins, to the very beginning, which I find
very important. I suggest beginning, as they say, from ‘centre
field’, as they say, I mean from the results from World War I,
from the Versailles Peace conditions written in the Treaty
of Versailles in 1919.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">For Germany,
the Treaty of Versailles became a symbol of blatant injustice
and national humiliation. In fact, it meant robbing Germany.
I will give you some numbers, because they are very interesting.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">Germany had to pay
the Triple Entente countries (Russia left the winners and did
not sign the Treaty of Versailles) an astronomical sum
of 269 billion golden marks, the equivalent of 100,000 tonnes
of gold. For comparison, I would say the gold reserves
as of October 2019 are 8,130 tonnes in the US, 3,370 tonnes
in Germany and 2,250 tonnes in Russia. And Germany had
to pay 100,000 tonnes. At the current price of gold
of $1,464 for a troy ounce, the reparations would be worth
about $4.7 trillion, while the German GDP in 2018 prices, if
my data are correct, is only $4 trillion.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">Suffice it to say that
the last payments of 70 million euros were made quite recently,
on October 3, 2010. Germany was still paying for World War
I on the 20<sup>th</sup> anniversary
of the Federal Republic of Germany.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">I believe,
and many, including researchers, agree that the so-called spirit
of Versailles created an environment for a radical
and revanchist mood. The Nazis were actively exploiting Versailles
in their propaganda promising to relieve Germany of this
national shame, so the West gave the Nazis a free hand for revenge.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">For reference,
I can say that the man behind the French victory in World
War I, Marshal Ferdinand Foch, the French commander, spoke about
the results of the Treaty of Versailles and once
uttered a famous prophecy, I quote: “This is not peace. It is
an armistice for twenty years.” He was right even about
the time.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">US President Woodrow Wilson
warned that giving Germany reason to avenge one day would be a big
mistake. The internationally renowned Winston Churchill wrote that
the economic articles of the treaty were vicious and stupid
to the point of being clearly meaningless.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">The Versailles world
order gave rise to many conflicts and disagreements. They are based
on the borders of new states arbitrarily drawn up in Europe
by the winners of World War I. That is, the borders were
reshaped. This created conditions for the so-called Sudeten crisis.
Sudetenland was part of Czechoslovakia where the German population
lived. Here is a reference document about the Sudeten crisis
and the ensuing so-called Munich Conference.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">In 1938, 14 million
people lived in Czechoslovakia, of which 3.5 million were ethnic
Germans. On September 13, 1938, a rebellion broke out there,
and Great Britain immediately proposed talking to Hitler
and appeasing him in order to keep the peace. I will
not bore you with the details of the correspondence
and talks, but they led to the signing
of the well-known Munich agreement.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">To reiterate, we used
some archive materials. I want to explain some of them. We have
an encrypted message from the Soviet Plenipotentiary Envoy
to France to the People's Commissar for Foreign Affairs
Litvinov dated May 25, 1938, about a confidential conversation with
French Prime Minister Daladier.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">I will read
an excerpt, as it is an interesting document. “Prime Minister
of France, Eduard Daladier, has devoted the past several days
to clarifying Poland’s position.” This refers to the Munich
Agreement, as a result of which Sudetenland, part
of Czechoslovak territory, was supposed to go to Germany.
‘The probe in Poland gave an utterly negative result,’
the Prime Minister of France said. “Not only can we not rely
on Polish support, but there is no certainty that Poland will not stab us
in the back.” Contrary to Polish assurances, Daladier does not
believe in the Poles’ loyalty, even if Germany were to directly
attack France. He demanded a clear and unambiguous answer from
the Poles as to whose side they are on in peace
and in war. In this regard, he asked the Polish ambassador
to France, Juliusz Łukasiewicz, a number of direct questions. He
asked him if the Poles would let Soviet troops pass through their
territory. Łukasiewicz said no. Daladier then asked if they would let Soviet
planes fly across their territory. Łukasiewicz said the Poles would open
fire on them. When Łukasiewicz said no to the question
of whether Poland would come to the rescue if after
a German attack on Czechoslovakia (there was an agreement
on mutual assistance between France and Czechoslovakia)… Germany
declares war on France. The Polish representative said no. Daladier
said he saw no reason in a Franco-Polish alliance
and the sacrifices that France is making as part of it.“<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">So what does this mean? It
means the Soviet Union was ready to help Czechoslovakia, which Nazi
Germany was going to rob. But the agreement between the Soviet
Union and Czechoslovakia stated that the Soviet Union would do this
only if France fulfilled its obligations to Czechoslovakia. France linked
its aid to Czechoslovakia to support from Poland. But Poland refused
to provide it.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">The following document
is this document No. 5 in front of me, which I have just spoken
about. Let us go ahead. The sixth document.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">What did the Polish
authorities do when Germany began to claim part of Czechoslovak
territory? They also laid claim to their part of the “prey”
during the partitioning of Czechoslovak territory and demanded
that a certain part of Czechoslovakia be transferred to them.
Moreover, they were ready to use force. They formed a special
military group called ‘Silesia,’ which included three infantry divisions,
a cavalry brigade and other units.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">There is also
a specific document from the archives. From a report from
a commander of the Silesia Independent Operation Group,
a Mr Bortnowski on preparations for the offensive
operation, the capture of Tesin Silesia and the training
of troops, the Polish authorities trained and sent militants
to Czechoslovakia to carry out sabotage and terrorist attacks
and actively prepare for the partitioning and occupation
of Czechoslovakia.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">The next document is
a record of a conversation between German Ambassador
to Poland Mr Moltke and Polish Foreign Minister, Mr Beck.
In this document, Polish Foreign Minister Beck spoke directly about this,
I quote: “In the areas claimed by Poland, there will be no
conflict with German interests.” Therefore, there will be a division
of Czechoslovak territory.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">Immediately after
the Munich Agreement was concluded on September 30, 1938,
Warsaw, having imitated in fact Nazi methods, sent an ultimatum
to Prague with an unconditional claim for part
of the territory of Czechoslovakia – Tesin Silesia. France
and Great Britain did not support Czechoslovakia, which forced it
to yield to this violence. Simultaneously with Germany, which annexed
Sudetenland, Poland began a direct seizing of Czechoslovak territory
on October 1, 1938, thereby violating the agreement it had previously
concluded with Czechoslovakia.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">The next document tells
about the final agreement to set the border between Poland
and Czechoslovakia. Here is what this is about: on July 28,
1920, with the arbitration of the Triple Entente, Poland and Czechoslovakia
signed the so-called final border agreement, which gave the western
part of Czechoslovakia’s Cieszyn Region to the Czechs
and the eastern part to Warsaw. Both parts officially recognised
and, more importantly, guaranteed their shared border.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">Of course, Poland
understood that without Hitler’s support all attempts to seize part
of Czechoslovakia were doomed to fail. In this context,
I would like to cite a very interesting document:
a recorded conversation between German Ambassador in Warsaw
Hans-Adolf von Moltke and Josef Beck about Polish-Czech relations
and the USSR’s position on this from October 1, 1938.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">The German ambassador
reports to his superiors in Berlin. Mr Beck – let me remind you
that he was the Foreign Minister of Poland – expressed his deep
gratitude for the loyal interpretation of Polish interests
at the Munich conference as well
as for the sincere relations during the Czech conflict.
The Polish government and people credited Hitler
and the Reichskanzler, which means he was grateful for Hitler’s
actions at the conference in Munich.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">It is noteworthy that
representatives of Poland were not invited to the Munich
conference, and that their interests were in fact represented
by Hitler.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">At this point Poland
assumed the role of instigator: it tried to draw Hungary into
the division of Czechoslovakia, which means deliberately pulling
other countries into violating international law. It was well known
to other European countries, including to both Great Britain
and France, that Germany and Poland acted together.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">The next, tenth
document. From a report by French Ambassador to Germany André
François-Poncet to the Foreign Minister of France
Georges-Étienne Bonnet of September 22, 1938. I will read it; it
is a very interesting document. Next comes a quote, it is
the French ambassador’s report to his superior in Paris; he
writes, “This is about the demarches taken by Poland and Hungary
on September 20 to the Fuehrer, and in London,
which were designed to point out that Warsaw and Budapest would not
agree to exercising a less favourable plan for their ethnic
minorities in the Czechoslovakian state than the plan offered
to Sudeten Germans. This was equivalent to a statement,
the French Ambassador goes on to say, that ceding territories
inhabited by the German majority should also entail Prague’s
surrender of the Těšín district and 700,000 Hungarians
in Slovakia. Therefore, the presumed divestiture
of the territory would amount to the partitioning
of the country (that is, Czechoslovakia).”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">This is exactly what
the Reich wanted. Poland and Warsaw were joining Germany
in hounding Czechoslovakia. France and England, who were trying
to offer concessions and doing their best to meet Germany’s
demands, wanted to save the existence of the Czech state,
which was facing a united front of three states that were set
to partition Czechoslovakia.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">The leaders
of the Reich, who made no secret of their goal to erase
Czechoslovakia from the map of Europe, immediately used
the Polish and Hungarian demarches to declare through their official
print media as early as September 21, that a new situation
had emerged which required a new solution.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">Next. The fact that
Poland expressed its appetite once it felt the hour
for the division of the spoils was coming, could not have
come as a surprise to those who were aware
of the intentions of Polish Foreign Minister Beck, who had
displayed an increasing caution about Germany and was fully informed
of the designs of Hitler’s leaders. In particular, due
to regular contact with Hermann Goering throughout several months,
the Polish foreign minister believed that the partitioning
of Czechoslovakia was unavoidable, that it would happen before
the end of 1938. Beck also made no secret of his intentions
to claim Těšín and to occupy it if needed.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">And the last
point. The differences between the party led by Konrad
Henlein – the party’s leader in Czechoslovakia –
and the Czechs only served as a pretext
and the starting point for the Reich as,
by persecuting the Prague authorities, the Reich could achieve
its main objective, which was to take down a barrier
to Germany’s expansion, as Czechoslovakia was an ally
of France and Russia in Central Europe.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">This is significant. How did
the leading politicians around the world respond
to the Munich Betrayal, an agreement signed between Hitler,
Great Britain and France in 1938? What did well-known people who
earned the respect of the public around the world
and Europe say back then? We can say that with a few exceptions their
reaction was positive and optimistic. Only Winston Churchill was honest
in describing the situation, calling a spade a spade.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">I want to add that
after the agreement was signed, the British Prime Minister, speaking
outside his residence on Downing Street upon his return from Munich
on September 30, 1938, said: “For the second time
in our history, a British Prime Minister has returned from Germany
bringing peace with honour. I believe it is peace for our time.” That
is, for our generation.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">After the Munich
Agreement was signed, Franklin Roosevelt in his message of greetings
to Chamberlain dated October 5, 1938, wrote that he completely shared
his belief that this was a great opportunity to establish a new
order based on justice and the rule of law.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">On October 19,
1938, US Ambassador to the UK Joseph Kennedy, the father
of future president John Kennedy, gave the following assessment
of the Munich Agreement signed between the Western countries,
or democracies, and Germany and Italy: It has been
my belief for a long time now that it is unproductive
and unreasonable on the part of both democracies
and dictatorships to emphasise the existing differences between
them. They can benefit from working towards resolving their common problems,
something that will change relations between them for the better.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">And now from
Churchill’s speech made in the House of Commons
in the British Parliament on October 5, 1938: “We have
sustained a total and unmitigated defeat… All is over. Silent,
mournful, abandoned, broken, Czechoslovakia recedes into the darkness… Do
not let us blind ourselves to that.” He said we should stop deceiving
ourselves; we must look realistically at the scale
of the disaster that the world is facing. “A disaster
of the first magnitude has befallen Great Britain and France… We
have sustained a defeat without a war, the consequences
of which will travel far with us along our road… And do not suppose
that this is the end. This is only the beginning
of the reckoning. This is only the first sip.” Quite
an assessment.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">What was Churchill talking
about? The fact that, in Munich, the so-called Western
democracies had betrayed their ally, signaling that war was imminent.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">Speaking
at a League of Nations plenary meeting in September 1938,
our Foreign Minister Maxim Litvinov said, “Avoiding a likely war today
and getting a sure and universal war tomorrow –
and that at the cost of feeding the aggressors’
insatiable appetite and destroying sovereign countries – does not
mean acting in the spirit of the League of Nations
pact.” That is, the Soviet Union condemned this event.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">In this connection,
I would like to present the following very important document;
it is a curious document. Actually, we have all of them displayed
at our exhibit. This is a response from the Political Bureau
of the Russian Communist Party (Bolsheviks) to the September 20,
1938 cable from the USSR’s Plenipotentiary Envoy to Czechoslovakia,
Alexandrovsky. On September 20, 1938, the Political Bureau
of the Russian Communist Party (Bolsheviks) unanimously gave
a positive answer to the direct question from President Edvard
Benes as to whether the USSR would deliver prompt assistance
to Czechoslovakia if France stood loyal to it.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">Further,
on September 23, 1938, the Soviet Union officially notified
Poland that if it invaded Czechoslovakia, the Soviet-Polish non-aggression
pact would be terminated. Poland’s Foreign Minister Jozef Beck called this
a propaganda ploy of no significance.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">In addition, while
considering the forthcoming invasion of Tesin, Poland did everything
it could to prevent the Soviet Union from fulfilling its obligations
to provide assistance to Czechoslovakia. As you recall, they
were going to shoot down Soviet planes, and not allow
the transit of Soviet troops to help rescue Czechoslovakia.
Meanwhile, France, the chief ally of the Czechs and Slovaks
at the time, in fact reneged on its guarantees
to defend Czechoslovakia’s integrity.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">Being left alone,
the USSR had to face the reality created
by the Western states. The partitioning of Czechoslovakia
was cruel and cynical, in essence, it was pillaging. We have every
reason to say that the Munich agreement was the turning point
in history following which World War II became inevitable.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">Hitler could have been
stopped in 1938 through the collective efforts
of the European states. This was acknowledged by the Western
leaders themselves.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">Another reference
to a document. This is a transcript of conversations
of May 17, 1939, between representatives of the French
and Polish Commands about the possibilities of war
in Europe between the Italian-German and Polish-French
coalitions. The French Chief of Staff said at a meeting
with the Polish Minister of Military Affairs that the overall
situation in 1938 offered many more opportunities for opposition
to Germany. So what was he talking about? That given a timely response,
the war could have been avoided. Meanwhile, during the Nuremberg
Trials, Field Marshall Keitel said, when responding to the question
of whether Germany would have attacked Czechoslovakia in 1938 if
the Western powers had supported Prague, “No. We were not strong enough
militarily.” The Munich [agreement] objective was to push Russia out
of Europe, gain time and complete the arming of Germany.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">The Soviet Union
consistently tried to prevent the tragedy of partitioning
Czechoslovakia based on its international obligations, including its
agreements with France and Czechoslovakia. However, Britain
and France preferred to throw a democratic East European country
to the Nazis to appease them. And not only that, but also
to steer Nazi aspirations eastward. Polandat the time,
unfortunately, was instrumental in this. The leaders
of the Second Rzeczpospolita did everything they could to resist
a collective security system that would include the USSR.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">I want to show you
another document – a transcript of Adolf Hitler’s conversation
with Foreign Minister of Poland Jozef Beck of January 5, 1939.
This document is indicative. It is a sort of distillation
of the joint policy of the German Reich and Poland
on the eve of, in the course of, and after
the end of the Czechoslovakia crisis. The content is
cynical in its attitude towards neighbouring nations and Europe
as a whole. And it clearly illustrates the contours
of the Polish-German alliance as a striking force against
Russia.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">Let me quote just a few
excerpts. Document 13. Everything is in fine print here. This is
a copy of the May 17, 1939 document, and I asked
my colleagues to make excerpts for me so they are readable.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">So, quote number one.
The Fuehrer says bluntly, “It was not easy to get the French
and the English to consent to the inclusion
of Polish and Hungarian claims to Czechoslovakia
in the Munich agreement.” This means Hitler was working
in the interests of those countries then. In fact, Hitler
was an attorney for the Polish authorities in Munich.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">And the second
quote. The Polish minister says, with certain pride, that Poland does not
show such nervousness about enhancing its security as, for example, France
does, and attaches no importance to the so-called security
systems that went completely bankrupt after the September crisis (Sudetenlandcrisis)
in Czechoslovakia. They do not want to establish anything.
The Polish foreign minister says this to Hitler directly.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">None
of the decision-makers in Berlin or Warsaw cared about
the fact that the security system in Europe was disintegrating.
They cared about something else.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">In this connection,
the third quote. Hitler says (Adolf Hitler’s words), “Under all
circumstances, Germany will be interested in the preservation
of a strong national Poland, absolutely independently from
the situation in Russia. Be it Bolshevik, Tsarist or any other
Russia, Germany will always be extremely cautious in regard to this
country. A strong Polish army takes a considerable burden off Germany.
The divisions that Poland is forced to keep on the Russian
border relieve Germany of additional military expense.” This looks like
a military alliance against the Soviet Union.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">This document, as you
can see, was completely undisguised, and it did not come out
of nowhere. This was not a result of tactical manoeuvring but
rather a reflection of the consistent trend towards
Polish-German rapprochement to the detriment of the Soviet
Union. And I have more evidence in this vein, though from
earlier dates, it is very revealing<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">This is an excerpt from
a conversation between Polish Deputy Foreign Minister Jan Szembek
and Hermann Goering about Polish-Soviet relations of November 5,
1937. Goering is confident that the Third Empire, that is, the Third
Reich, will not be able to cooperate with the Soviets and with
Russia in general regardless of its internal structure. Goering also
added that Germany needs a strong Poland whereby he added that
the Baltic Sea is not enough for Poland and it must have access
to the Black Sea.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">Both then and now,
Russia is used to scare people. Be it Tsarist, Soviet
or today’s – nothing has changed. It does not matter what kind
of country Russia is – this rationale remains. We should also not
confuse ideological terms – Bolshevik, Russian, whatever, our former
common homeland, the Soviet Union. To achieve this, they will make
a deal with anyone, including Nazi Germany, we can, in fact, see
this.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">And related
to that is another very revealing document – a transcript
of the conversation between the German Minister of Foreign
Affairs, Joachim Ribbentrop, and Polish Foreign Minister Jozef Beck
on January 6, 1939. We got hold of a fairly substantial
number of documents from Eastern Europe and Germany after World War
II. Joachim Ribbentrop expressed Germany’s position, which, I quote, “will
proceed from viewing the Ukrainian issue as Poland’s privilege,
and we support Poland in all respects during the discussion
of this issue, however, only on condition that Poland takes
a more salient anti-Russian stance (this is a quote) since otherwise
we (Nazi Germany) are unlikely to have common interests.” Responding
to Ribbentrop’s question as to whether Poland had given up
Marshal Pilsudski’s ambitions regarding Ukraine, Mr Beck said, “The Poles
have already been to Kiev, and these plans are undoubtedly still
alive today.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">Actually, this happened
in 1939. Let us hope that at least something has changed in this
respect. However, the foundation of what I am sharing now is
pathological Russophobia. The European capitals, incidentally, were perfectly
aware of that. Poland’s Western allies at that time were perfectly
aware of that.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">The following document
will prove what I have just said. This is a report by Ambassador
of France to Poland, Mr Leon Noel, to Foreign Minister
of France Georges Bonnet on his conversations with his Polish
colleagues of May 31, 1938. In this document, the French
ambassador wrote about the unequivocal statements made
by the Polish leaders, who did not mince words during their meeting.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">To quote, “When
a German is a rival, he nevertheless remains a European
and a man of order.” And Poland would soon find out what
a “European and man of order” means. Everyone experienced this
on September 1, 1939.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">According to Noel,
the Poles saw Russians as barbarians with whom “all contact would be
perilous and all compromise mortal.” To comment, this can be seen
as a typical example of racism and contempt
for the “untermensch,” a Nazi concept that included Russians,
Belarusians, Ukrainians, and later the Poles themselves.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">You know, in this
context, I look at the cases of Russophobia, anti-Semitism
and so on in certain European countries, and they bear
a striking resemblance to this.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">Aggressive nationalism
always makes one blind and eliminates any and all moral boundaries.
Those who take this path will stop at nothing to achieve their
goals – but ultimately, it will hit them back, which we have seen
repeatedly.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">In this context, here
is another document to support this, a report by Ambassador
of Poland to Nazi Germany Jozef Lipski to Polish Minister of Foreign
Affairs Jozef Beck of September 20, 1938, which I think is
necessary to read to you aloud. Mr Lipski had spoken to Hitler,
and this is what he, the Polish ambassador, wrote to his
Minister of Foreign Affairs: “Further to our discussion,
the Chancellor of Germany, Hitler persistently emphasised that Poland
is a paramount factor that protects Europe from Russia.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">It follows from Hitler's
other statements that he suddenly had an idea that the Jewish issue
can be resolved through migration to colonies in accord with Poland,
Hungary, and maybe also Romania. Hitler suggested forcibly expelling
the Jewish population from Europe to Africa first – and not
just expelling them but actually sending them to their extermination. We
all know what was meant by colonies in 1938 – it meant
extermination. This was the first step towards genocide,
the extermination of Jews and what we today know
as the Holocaust.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">And this is what
the Polish ambassador wrote to the Polish Foreign Minister
in this connection – apparently hoping for understanding
and approval: I, meaning the Polish Ambassador to Germany,
responded, he writes to his Foreign Minister, that if this happens
and this issue is resolved, we will build a beautiful monument to him,
to Hitler, in Warsaw. There.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">An excerpt from
the above-mentioned conversation between Adolf Hitler and Polish
Foreign Minister Jozef Beck of January 5, 1939. Hitler said, “Another
issue of common interest for Germany and Poland is
the Jewish issue.” He, the Fuhrer, is firmly resolved to oust
Jews from Germany. At that moment, they would be allowed to take
along some of their belongings, and Hitler noted, they would
definitely take with them much more from Germany than they had when they had
settled in that country. But the longer they procrastinate with
emigration, the less property they will able to take with them.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">What is this? What kind
of people are they? Who are they? I have the impression that
today’s Europe wants to know nothing about it, it is being deliberately
hushed up while they try to shift the blame, including
for starting World War II, from the Nazis
to the Communists.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">Yes, we know who Stalin was,
we have given our assessments of him. But I think the fact
remains that it was Nazi Germany that invaded first Poland
on September 1, 1939, and then the Soviet Union
on June 22, 1941.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">And what kind
of people are those who hold such conversations with Hitler? It was them
who, while pursuing their mercenary and exorbitantly overgrown ambitions,
laid their people, the Polish people, open to attack from Germany’s
military machine, and, moreover, generally contributed
to the beginning of the Second World War. What else can one
think after reading these documents?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">And something we also
witness today: they desecrate the graves of those who won that war,
who gave their lives, including in Europe, while liberating those
countries from Nazism.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">By the way, it
occurred to me that it had nothing to do with Stalin whatsoever.
The monuments in Europe were erected to our regular Red Army
soldiers, including those who came from currently absolutely independent states
established after the dissolution of the Soviet Union. They were
ordinary people. Who were these Red Army soldiers? They were mainly farmers
and workers, many of whom also suffered from the Stalin
regime – some of them were repressed kulaks, some had family members
sent to labour camps. These people died as they were liberating
the European countries from Nazism. Now memorials to them are being
demolished, among other things, so that the facts of a real
collusion of some European leaders with Hitler should not surface. This is
not revenge on Bolsheviks: they are doing all they can to conceal
their own position.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">Why did I say that
the leaders of those countries, including Poland, at that time, actually
threw their people under the chariot of Nazi Germany’s military
machine? Because they underestimated the real reasons underlying Hitler’s
actions.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">This is what he said
at a meeting with German Army commanders at the Reich
Chancellery, I quote: “The point is not Danzig,” this is a city
that was declared to be an international entity and which
Germany wanted back after World War I, “the point for us is
to expand the Lebensraum eastward and to ensure food
supplies.” It was not about Poland at all. The point is that they
needed to pave the road for an aggression against
the Soviet Union<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">The Soviet Union was
trying to the utmost to use every opportunity
for establishing an anti-Hitler coalition, held talks with military
representatives of France and Great Britain, thus attempting
to prevent the outbreak of World War II, but it practically
remained alone and isolated. As I have already said, it was
the last of the European states concerned that was compelled to sign
a non-aggression pact with Hitler.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">Yes, there is
a classified part on the partitioning of some territory.
But we do not know the content of other European countries’
agreements with Hitler. Because while we have de-classified these documents,
the Western capitals are still keeping all this classified. We know
nothing of their contents. But now we do not need to, because
the facts show that there was collusion. In essence, we see
the partitioning of a democratic independent state,
Czechoslovakia. And the participants in it were not just Hitler
but also the then leaders of those countries. It was this that opened
the road to the east for Hitler, it was this that became
the cause of the outbreak of World War II.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">One more point concerning
the Soviet Union’s actions after Germany launched a war against
Poland. Let me remind you that in the west, in the area
of Lvov, the Polish garrison was still resisting, this is true. When
the Red Army advanced, they surrendered their weapons to the Red
Army. Actually, the fact that the Red Army’s units entered there saved
many lives of the local population, mainly the Jewish
population. Because all those present here know that the percentage
of the Jewish population in that area was very high. If
the Nazis had entered, they would have cut out everyone and sent them
to the furnaces.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">Concerning Brest,
for instance, the Red Army advanced there only after those
territories were occupied by German troops. The Red Army did not wage
any hostilities with anyone there; they were not fighting with the Poles.
Moreover, by that time the Polish government had lost control over
the country, over the armed forces, and stayed somewhere close
to the Romanian border. There was nobody to have any
negotiations with. Let me reiterate, the Brest Fortress, which we all know
as a citadel for defending the interests
of the Soviet Union and our common Fatherland and one
of the most extraordinary pages in the history
of the Great Patriotic War, was only occupied by the Red
Army after the Germans left. They had already captured it, thus
in reality the Soviet Union did not seize it from Poland.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">In conclusion,
I would like to remind you of the way contemporaries
assessed the results of the victory over Nazism
and the contribution of each of us to that victory,
starting with 1941.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">Churchill’s statement:
“I am very glad to … learn from many sources of the valiant
fight and many vigorous counter-attacks with which the Russian armies
are defending their native soil. I fully realise the military
advantage you have gained by forcing the enemy to deploy
and engage on forward Western fronts,” “on forward Western
fronts” – I draw your attention to this, the British
leaders of the time admitted that this had a combat importance
in fighting Nazi Germany, “thus exhausting some of the force
of his initial effort.” That means the power of the initial
assault of the Nazi army was weakened by the fact that
the Red Army advanced to new frontiers. So advancing to these
new positions also had a military importance for the Soviet
Union.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">And now a quote from
Winston Churchill’s personal message to Joseph Stalin
of February 22, 1945. It was on February 22, the eve
of the 27<sup>th</sup> anniversary of the Red Army.
Churchill writes that the Red Army celebrates its twenty-seventh
anniversary amid triumphs, which have won the unstinted applause
of their allies. And I would like to stress
the following in connection with the resolution adopted recently
by our colleagues in the European Parliament: “Future generations
will acknowledge their debt to the Red Army as unreservedly
as do we who have lived to witness these proud achievements.” But we
see how the present-day generation of European politicians reacts
to this.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">Here is what Roosevelt wrote
to Stalin in 1945, “The continued outstanding achievements
of the Red Army together with the all-out effort
of the United Nations forces in the South
and the West assure the speedy attainment of our common
goal—a peaceful world based upon mutual understanding
and cooperation.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">And some time later
Harry Truman, the new US President, wrote, “We fully appreciate
the magnificent contribution made by the mighty Soviet Union
to the cause of civilization and liberty. You have
demonstrated the ability of a freedom-loving and supremely
courageous people to crush the evil forces of barbarism, however
powerful.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">I believe each
of us here cannot forget and will never forget the feat
of our fathers. I would very much like our colleagues
in the West in general and in Europe
in particular, to keep this in mind. And if they do not
want to listen to us, let them heed the respected leaders
of their own countries, who knew what they were saying and had
first-hand knowledge of the events.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;"><b>First President
of Kazakhstan Nursultan Nazarbayev:</b> This must be made public.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><b><span style="color: #990000;">Vladimir Putin:</span></b><span style="color: #351c75;"> We have
already made it public. But I just want to put it all together
properly and write an article. I want to write
an article on this matter.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;"><b>Nursultan
Nazarbayev:</b> Tosystemise, organise and present all these historical
documents.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><b><span style="color: #990000;">Vladimir Putin:</span></b><span style="color: #351c75;"> Quite
right. But that is not all.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">I suggest
the following: we will now proceed to dinner, and I suggest
we go through that hall, where we have set up a little exhibition
of these documents. Literally two minutes, and specialists will tell
us all about them.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">Thank
you very much.</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;"><br /></span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12.0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7433369209594824580.post-75190804217081491352020-01-05T02:04:00.000-08:002020-01-05T02:04:21.437-08:00A MUST READ -- Putin’s Hour Is At Hand<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: #fff2cc; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px; margin: 12pt 26.1pt 8pt 1cm;">
<div class="Standard" style="margin-top: 12pt;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12.0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><a href="https://www.paulcraigroberts.org/2020/01/04/"><span lang="EN-US">January 4, 2020</span></a></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12.0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #351c75; font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Putin’s Hour Is At Hand</span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12.0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #351c75; font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><b>Paul Craig Roberts</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12.0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #351c75; font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Vladimir Putin is the most
impressive leader on the world stage. He survived and arose from a
Russia corrupted by Washington and Israel during the Yeltsin years and
reestablished Russia as a world power. He dealt successfully with
American/Israeli aggression against South Ossetia and against Ukraine,
incorporating at Crimea’s request the Russian province back into Mother Russia. He
has tolerated endless insults and provocations from Washington and its empire
without responding in kind. He is conciliatory and a peacemaker from
a position of strength.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12.0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #351c75; font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">He knows that the American
empire based as it is on arrogance and lies is failing economically, socially,
politically, and militarily. He understands that war serves no
Russian interest. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12.0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #351c75; font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Washington’s murder of Qasem
Soleimani, a great Iranian leader, indeed, one of the rare leaders in world
history, has dimmed Trump’s leadership and placed the limelight on Putin. The
stage is set for Putin and Russia to assume the leadership of the world. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12.0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #351c75; font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Washington’s murder of
Soleimani is a criminal act that could start World War 3 just as the Serbian
murder of the Austrian Archduke set World War 1 in motion. Only
Putin and Russia with China’s help can stop this war that Washington has set in
motion.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12.0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #351c75; font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Putin understood that the
Washington/Israeli intended destabilization of Syria was aimed at Russia. Without
warning Russia intervened, defeated the Washington financed and armed proxy
forces, and restored stability to Syria. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12.0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #351c75; font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Defeated, Washington and
Israel have decided to bypass Syria and take the attack on Russia directly to
Iran. The destabilization of Iran serves both Washington and Israel. For
Israel Iran’s demise stops support for Hezbollah, the Lebanese militia that has
twice defeated Israel’s army and prevented Israel’s occupation of southern
Lebanon. For Washington Iran’s demise allows CIA-supported jihadists
to bring instability into the Russian Federation.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12.0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #351c75; font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Unless Putin submits to
American and Israeli will, he has no choice but to block any Washington/Israeli
attack on Iran. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12.0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #351c75; font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The easiest and cleanest way
for Putin to do this is to announce that Iran is under Russia’s protection. This
protection should be formalized in a mutual defense treaty between Russia,
China, and Iran, with perhaps India and Turkey as members. This is hard for
Putin to do, because incompetent historians have convinced Putin that alliances
are the cause of war. But an alliance such as this would prevent
war. Not even the insane criminal Netanyahu and the crazed American
neoconservatives would, even when completely drunk or deluded, declare war on
Iran, Russia, China, and if included in the alliance India and
Turkey. It would mean the death of America, Israel and any European
country sufficiently stupid to participate.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12.0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #351c75; font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">If Putin is unable to free
himself from the influence of incompetent historians, who in effect are serving
Washington, not Russian, interests, he has other options. He can
calm down Iran by giving Iran the best Russian air defense systems with Russian
crews to train the Iranians and whose presence serve as a warning to Washington
and Israel that an attack on Russian forces is an attack on Russia.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12.0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #351c75; font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">This done, Putin can
then, not offer, but insist on mediating. This is Putin’s role as
there is no other with the power, influence and objectivity to mediate. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12.0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #351c75; font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Putin’s job is not so much
to rescue Iran as to get Trump out of a losing war that would destroy Trump.
Putin could set his own price. For example, Putin’s price can be the
revival of the INF/START treaty, the anti-ballistic missile treaty, the removal
of NATO from Russian borders. In effect, Putin is positioned to
demand whatever he wants.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12.0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #351c75; font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Iranian missiles can sink
any American vessels anywhere near Iran. Chinese missiles can sink
any American fleets anywhere near China. Russian missiles can sink
American fleets anywhere in the world. The ability of Washington to
project power in the Middle East now that everyone, Shia and Sunni and
Washington’s former proxies such as ISIS, hates Americans with a passion is
zero. The State Department has had to order Americans out of the
Middle East. How does Washingon count as a force in the Middle East when
no American is safe there? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12.0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #351c75; font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Of course Washington is
stupid in its arrogance, and Putin, China, and Iran must take this into
consideration. A stupid government is capable of bringing ruin not
only on itself but on others.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="color: #660000;"><span style="color: #351c75;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12.0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #351c75; font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">So there are risks for
Putin. But there are also risks for Putin failing to take charge. If
Washington and Israel attack Iran, which Israel will try to provoke by some
false flag event as sinking an American warship and blaming Iran, Russia will
be at war anyway. Better for the initiative to be in Putin’s hands. And
better for the world and life on Earth for Russia to be in charge.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12.0pt; text-align: justify;">
<div style="text-align: right;">
<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: "bookman old style" , serif;">Paul Craig Roberts</span><br />
<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: "bookman old style" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: "bookman old style" , serif;"></span><br />
<a name='more'></a><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: "bookman old style" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12.0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7433369209594824580.post-27410166908771417592020-01-05T01:42:00.001-08:002020-01-05T01:42:30.577-08:00New Year Address to the Nation<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: #fff2cc; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px; margin: 12pt 26.1pt 8pt 1cm;">
<div class="Standard" style="margin-top: 12pt;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #660000;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzYYTEHH-6NdPikBeUBsZghay1FMwyWB58rb0jsTM004KWu78fAi0SyTsLaFiRjuXFjQH-SLUmssGSDpZH6e5xF0bH9WgBC5s7y7lGXIHvRGGDWyoA_BnHAo69w4GmOf0mzeQPUD8bux7h/s1600/1+RUSSIAN+LOGO.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: #660000;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzYYTEHH-6NdPikBeUBsZghay1FMwyWB58rb0jsTM004KWu78fAi0SyTsLaFiRjuXFjQH-SLUmssGSDpZH6e5xF0bH9WgBC5s7y7lGXIHvRGGDWyoA_BnHAo69w4GmOf0mzeQPUD8bux7h/s1600/1+RUSSIAN+LOGO.png" /></span></a></div>
<span style="color: #660000;"><span style="color: #351c75;"><br /></span>
</span><br />
<span style="color: #660000;"><span style="color: #351c75;"><br /></span></span>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12.0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; line-height: 115%;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/transcripts/62523">New Year Address to the Nation</a></span></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12.0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">December
31, 2019<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12.0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">23:55<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #660000;"><span style="color: #351c75;">
</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12.0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">The Kremlin,
Moscow</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12.0pt; text-align: justify;">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 12pt;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #660000; font-size: large;"><b><a href="http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/61451"></a><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="460" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/e1y9dcXDnj4" width="853"></iframe></b></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 12pt;">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 12pt;">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span style="color: #660000; font-size: large;"><a href="https://tributetoapresident.blogspot.com/2019/09/plenary-session-of-eastern-economic.html"><b><br /></b></a></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #990000;"><b>President of Russia
Vladimir Putin:</b></span><span style="color: #351c75;"> Citizens of Russia, Friends,<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">The year 2020 is just
around the corner. We are on the threshold
of the third decade of the 21<sup>st</sup> century. We
are living in turbulent, dynamic and contradictory times, but we can
and must do everything for Russia to develop successfully, so
that everything in our lives changes only for the better.
In excited anticipation, we are awaiting the chiming
of the clock, and we believe and hope that all our wishes
will come true.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">Our personal plans
and dreams are inseparable from Russia. Our present and future,
and the future of our children depend on the efforts
and the contribution of each one of us. Only together will
we be able to resolve the tasks facing our society and country
today. Our unity is the foundation for achieving the loftiest
goals.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">These values were passed
on to us by our ancestors, the heroic and unbending
generation of victors. Next year, we will celebrate the 75<sup>th</sup> anniversary
of Victory in the Great Patriotic War. With all my heart,
I would like to extend my New Year greetings to battle
front veterans and home front workers, people of the older
generation who have gone through many trials for the sake of us
all and the future of our Motherland. I bow down
to you.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">Friends, we always prepare
for the New Year in advance and, despite being busy, we believe
that the warmth of human relations and companionship are
the most important thing. We strive to do something important
and useful for other people and to help those who require
our support, to make them happy by giving them presents and our
attention.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">Such sincere impulses, pure
thoughts and selfless generosity are the true magic
of the New Year holiday. It brings out the best in people
and transforms the world filling it with joy and smiles.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">Uplifting New Year’s
feelings and wonderful impressions have been living in us since
childhood and come back every New Year, when we hug our loved ones, our
parents, prepare surprises for our children and grandchildren,
decorate the New Year tree with them and unpack once again paper
cut-outs, baubles and glass garlands. These, sometimes ancient, but
beloved family trinkets give their warmth to the younger generations.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">Of course, each family
has its own New Year traditions, but everyone is united by an atmosphere
of kindness and care. May the happiness of mutual
understanding be in your home forever, helping to overcome all
difficulties and bringing different generations ever closer. May your
parents be blessed with good health and always be the focus
of your attention, and may each child know that he or she is
the best loved ever.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">Friends, New Year is
knocking at our door. Let us wish each other and our Motherland peace
and prosperity.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">Happy holidays
and a Happy New Year 2020!</span></span></div>
<a name='more'></a><o:p></o:p><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<br /></div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7433369209594824580.post-10879167076741693602020-01-05T01:30:00.000-08:002020-01-05T01:30:29.927-08:00Vladimir Putin’s annual news conference<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: #fff2cc; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px; margin: 12pt 26.1pt 8pt 1cm;">
<div class="Standard" style="margin-top: 12pt;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #660000;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzYYTEHH-6NdPikBeUBsZghay1FMwyWB58rb0jsTM004KWu78fAi0SyTsLaFiRjuXFjQH-SLUmssGSDpZH6e5xF0bH9WgBC5s7y7lGXIHvRGGDWyoA_BnHAo69w4GmOf0mzeQPUD8bux7h/s1600/1+RUSSIAN+LOGO.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: #660000;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzYYTEHH-6NdPikBeUBsZghay1FMwyWB58rb0jsTM004KWu78fAi0SyTsLaFiRjuXFjQH-SLUmssGSDpZH6e5xF0bH9WgBC5s7y7lGXIHvRGGDWyoA_BnHAo69w4GmOf0mzeQPUD8bux7h/s1600/1+RUSSIAN+LOGO.png" /></span></a></div>
<span style="color: #660000;"><span style="color: #351c75;"><br /></span>
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12.0pt; text-align: justify;">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 12pt;">
<span style="color: #660000; font-size: large;"><b><a href="http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/61451"><br /></a></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 12pt;">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 12pt;">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span style="color: #660000; font-size: large;"><a href="https://tributetoapresident.blogspot.com/2019/09/plenary-session-of-eastern-economic.html"><b><br /></b></a></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><a href="http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/62366">Vladimir Putin’s annual news conference</a></b></span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">The news conference was
broadcast live by Rossiya-1, Rossiya-24, Channel One, NTV television
channels, as well as radio stations Mayak, Vesti FM and Radio
Rossii.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">December
19, 2019<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">16:20<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Moscow<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;"> </span></span><img alt="Vladimir Putin’s annual news conference." src="http://static.kremlin.ru/media/events/photos/big2x/vyGrnONSXZeU664ybyKejrPxr59Ed2ZW.jpg" height="394" width="640" /><img alt="Vladimir Putin’s annual news conference." src="http://static.kremlin.ru/media/events/photos/big2x/sXzkVxzxTfO3xoAGjrAT9QAjn8XiUeTr.jpg" height="394" width="640" /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">2 of 50<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;"><b>Vladimir Putin’s annual news
conference.</b><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><b><span style="color: #990000;">President of Russia
Vladimir Putin: </span></b><span style="color: #660000;">Good afternoon,<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">We are holding our
traditional end-of-year meeting to summarise the year’s results,
to see what we have achieved and what we could not achieve
and why.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">I will refrain from
lengthy opening remarks. As I see, there are many people who would
like to ask their questions, and during today’s discussion, today’s
meeting, I will try to use these questions to talk more about
what is happening in our country and how.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Thank you for your keen
interest in such meetings. Let us begin.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Please.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;"><b>Presidential Press Secretary
Dmitry Peskov:</b> Thank you, Mr President.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Traditionally we give
priority to the ‘veterans’ of the Kremlin pool
of journalists, who have covered the President’s work for many
years. I will continue this tradition.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Valery Sanfirov, Mayak.
Please, pass the microphone.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;"><b>Valery Sanfirov:</b> Hello,
Mr President. Valery Sanfirov, Mayak radio station.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Initially, I had
a different question, but I changed my mind when I heard
today’s weather forecast: there will be no snow until the end
of December. And I wondered where you would tape your New Year
address to the nation.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">My question is not
about the New Year tree but about climate change. Everyone is talking
about it, but it looks as if nobody knows what to do about it. What
are the risks? How can climate change damage Russia?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">One more thing: Russia has
joined the Paris Agreement this year, if I am not mistaken
(the Government has adopted a resolution to this effect). Under
the agreement, Russia must reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 25–30
percent by 2030.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">However, you said
at the recent VTB Russia Calling! forum that we would reduce
the emissions by as much as 60 percent by that
deadline. I wonder if you have made your first mistake or if you have
something special in mind.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Thank you.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><b><span style="color: #990000;">Vladimir Putin:</span></b><span style="color: #660000;"> You
have trapped me, you really have.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Indeed, Russia has joined
the Paris Agreement. In fact, we announced our intention to do
this much earlier, but this year we have formalised our decision
by adopting a Government resolution. It does mention the reduction
of 25–30 percent compared to the base year 1990. This is what
all countries, including EU member states, do, they compare their reductions
to 1990 or use it as the base year.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">But if… How can I get
out of your trap? If we take [the base figure] as 100 percent
and subtract 30 percent from it, the remaining figure will be 70
percent, and bearing in mind the absorption capacity of our
forests, the ultimate figure will be 60 percent of the base
figure. Let us assume that this is what I had in mind. This is my first
argument.</span></span><br />
<a name='more'></a><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Second, Russia is not
the world’s largest polluter. The biggest polluter according
to the UN – many other organisations made such calculations, but
according to the UN, the biggest polluters are the United
States and China (16 percent of emissions each), the EU (11
percent), Russia (6 percent) and India (5 percent).<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">As you know,
the Paris Agreement pursues efforts to limit the increase
in global temperature to 1.5 percent. I do not know whether
we will be able to achieve this together or not, because nobody
really knows the causes of climate change, at least global
climate change.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">We know that
in the history of the Earth there have been periods
of warming and cooling, and this might depend
on the global processes in the Universe. A small tilt
of the Earth’s axis and its orbit around the Sun can lead
to and have already led to very serious climate changes
on the Earth, which had dramatic consequences – good
or bad, they were still dramatic.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">And it is happening
again now. It is very difficult, if not impossible, to work out exactly
how humankind affects climate change. But we cannot stay idle either,
I agree with my colleagues. We should make our best efforts
to prevent dramatic changes in the climate.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">As for our
country, this process is very crucial for us. The temperature
in Russia is rising 2.5 times faster than the planet’s average.
As you know, Russia is a northern country, and 70 percent
of our territory is located in the north latitudes. Some
of our cities were built north of the Arctic Circle,
on the permafrost. If it begins to thaw, you can imagine what
consequences it would have. It would be a disaster.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">In addition, it is
getting warmer in some places, for instance, here in Moscow we
are now setting temperature records, but this might lead
to desertification in certain areas, and we will be directly
affected by it.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Climate change also means
an increase in the number of various natural disasters such
as wildfires, floods and so on. This also concerns us. Therefore, we
are continuing to be proactive in our efforts to minimise
the impact of these changes.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;"><b>Dmitry Peskov:</b> Let us
continue. The regions. “Kamchatka has not asked a question
for 15 years.” Okay, I see you.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Kamchatka.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;"><b>Anastasia Ostrovskaya:</b> Good
afternoon, Mr President, Mr Peskov, colleagues,<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">It is true, Kamchatka has
not been given the floor for over ten years. As you know,
the residents of Kamchatka have to buy a plane ticket
to get to the mainland. Unfortunately, not everyone can afford
it. Yes, there is a wonderful flat fare programme by Aeroflot,
a presidential programme to subsidise tickets for young people,
pensioners and large families. But these tickets are snapped up
in an instant. Not everyone can buy them. And Aeroflot said
recently that it will probably abandon the flat fare tickets. It will mean
that many Kamchatka residents will be trapped in their peninsula.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">How do you think this
problem could be solved?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;"><b><i>And another short
sub-question. Mr President, it has been a long time since you paid
an official visit to Kamchatka. Is that because the tickets are
too expensive?</i></b><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><b><span style="color: #990000;">Vladimir Putin:</span></b><span style="color: #660000;"> No, it is
not because tickets to Kamchatka are too expensive, I belong
to one of the groups you mentioned, you see. (Laughter
in the audience.) But no, the reason is that it just hasn’t
worked out so far.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">There are many pressing
issues in the region. But my trips are not called official
visits. I make official visits to foreign countries.
To Kamchatka, it is a working trip. It does not mean that Government
or I simply forget about the region. We are constantly working
with it. It is a very important region in terms
of the economy, social sphere and defence, <b>because as you
know, it hosts one of the bases of our strategic subsurface
launch platforms. Therefore, we are always paying attention to Kamchatka.</b><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">As for the tickets,
no one is going to take away the flat air fares. Aeroflot is simply
exaggerating, trying to squeeze money from the Government
for these flights. We will keep these programmes in place. Moreover,
this programme is being expanded to other regions, beyond the Far
East. We will keep doing this too.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">But in general, what
should we aim for? We need to see the growth of people’s
incomes, which – we will talk about this later – are growing very
slowly, and also to reduce carriage costs. This is how we should also
reduce railway ticket prices. But these programmes will stay in place
as long as there are no radical changes in the situation.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">I assure you, Aeroflot
itself has some reserves. We discuss this matter with the Transport
Minister, the Deputy Prime Minister who supervises this area,
and the Aeroflot management.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;"><b>Viktor Smirnov:</b> Rubbish
from St Petersburg is swamping the Leningrad Region.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;"><b>Dmitry Peskov:</b> Let’s …
act as we have agreed.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><b><span style="color: #990000;">Vladimir Putin:</span></b><span style="color: #660000;"> We will
talk about St Petersburg, rubbish and other burning problems …<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;"><b>Dmitry Peskov:</b> If we
start shouting now… You do not respect all the others.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><b><span style="color: #990000;">Vladimir Putin:</span></b><span style="color: #660000;"> Here is
what we will do. I will answer your question by way
of exception. Agreed? But please, do not do this again or else we
<b>will have an Oriental bazaar and no dialogue</b>.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Let us talk about rubbish.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;"><b>Viktor Smirnov:</b> Viktor
Smirnov, 47news. We write about the Leningrad Region.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">As you know,
the so-called rubbish reform has been launched in Russia, in all
regions except Moscow, Sevastopol and St Petersburg, which have been given
a respite until 2022. That is, they will be able to start when they
are ready.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Speaking about St Petersburg
and the surrounding Leningrad Region, the reform has begun
in the region, and now rubbish from St Petersburg is being moved
to the region. The regional authorities are working on it,
but their work has not been coordinated. St Petersburg and the Leningrad
Region depend on each other in this regard; logistics has been
disrupted, and it is unclear which vehicles go there.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">People
in the region wonder why rubbish heaps, clearly brought from
the city, are growing near their houses, and why so many vehicles are
doing this stealthily. It all seems legal – on the outside. Can
the city authorities be encouraged legislatively to hurry up?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><b><span style="color: #990000;">Vladimir Putin:</span></b><span style="color: #660000;">This
can be done, but this is not the problem. What we need to do is talk
directly with the people. People must know what rubbish is brought
in and from where, on what grounds and what will happen
to it next. Just look at it, we…<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Sit down, please.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;"><b>Viktor Smirnov: </b>I have
a request.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><b><span style="color: #990000;">Vladimir Putin:</span></b><span style="color: #660000;"> A request?
I have not answered your question yet, but yes, go ahead with your
request.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;"><b>Viktor Smirnov:</b> Thank
you. Can I ask for a 10-minute interview afterwards, while you
walk to your car?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><b><span style="color: #990000;">Vladimir Putin:</span></b><span style="color: #660000;"> This is
possible. But you have not listened to my answer. It is too soon
to thank me. As for an interview after the news
conference, will it be this year or next year? We have not decided this
yet, but yes, this is possible, in principle.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Getting back
to rubbish, it is public knowledge that we produce 70 million tonnes
of household waste a year. Seventy million! Can you imagine that?
Incredible.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">The Soviet Union
and Russia did not have a rubbish recycling industry. We are creating
it from scratch. The basic decisions have been made, overall: we have
created a federal operator and over 200 regional operators, as well
as a territorial planning scheme with regard to rubbish.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">What is really lacking,
as I see it, is direct communication with the people. We must
tell them what we plan to do and how we will do it, where
the recycling plants will be built and where rubbish will be stored
until they are built.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Of course, we should
completely get rid of all grey schemes and crime. Simple order should
be restored. I will take advantage of your question – people are
certainly outraged at a tariff increase. There was never a separate
tariff for household waste, but now it appeared and immediately grew
many times. This should be explained.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">In order
to explain these figures, it should be transparent and clear who pays
and what for. In rural areas, the waste removal tariff grew many
times, but in fact, waste was never removed there, it was just thrown away
in a neighbouring forest. <b>But this is also a violation.</b><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Then, rubbish needs
to be taken somewhere – and this also requires payment. It
should be transparent, so that people understand what they are paying
for – this is the main problem, I think.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">By the way, there
may be a similar situation in Leningrad
and in the Leningrad Region. Why is waste transported from St
Petersburg to the Leningrad Region? Well, okay, let us remove it
somewhere closer to the Arctic Ocean, and then the tariff
will increase once again by 10 times.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">After all,
the Leningrad Region and the city of St Petersburg, former
Leningrad, are a single economic region. During the Soviet era, it
was managed, in fact, by one body – by the Communist
Party’s regional committee.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Now that we have such
a separation, this single area but at the same time two Russian
regions certainly have slightly different interests. But so that people…<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">By the way, many
people from the Leningrad Region, as well as from
the Moscow Region, work in St Petersburg, and they generate this
waste there, in St Petersburg. This is the point, and then it is
removed to where they live, basically. The whole process should be
transparent, and it seems to me that the situation can
and must change.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">But, among other things, we
need to develop the industry in terms of building
the facilities. They are already under construction. The number
of waste processing plants should be increased. And we must explain
to the people what kind of facilities they are, how they will
work, what the damage will be and whether there will be damage
to the environment and whether they will create any problems
for the people who will live next to these facilities.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Indeed, in cities
around the world, for example, in Tokyo, waste processing plants
are located directly in the city. But they do not emit smoke, they do
not stink, excuse my language, they do not affect people’s lives
or destroy the environment. If we use the latest technology,
and this is exactly what we are going to do, then no problems will
arise.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">But we should do everything
as agreed, and this requires public control and public
organisations. I have already spoken with the leadership
of the Russian Popular Front and I ask them once again
to pay special attention to this issue. If we address this problem
all together, we will resolve it.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Dmitry Peskov: Let us
continue. I see a journalist from TV Centre. I recall we sort
of neglected this channel in the past years. Please, take
the floor.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Matvei Shestakov: Hello.
I am Matvei Shestakov from TV Centre TV company.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">The media often make
the accusation that the real sector of the economy is
currently based exclusively on the achievements
of the Soviet era: plants and major roads were built in Soviet
times, and the deposits were developed in the Soviet
period. What is your response to these critics and what has been done
in the past ten years? What roads, plants, maybe airports have been
built? I know there is a relevant programme. Thank you.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Vladimir Putin: Criticism is
not always a bad thing; it makes us contemplate the issue
in question.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">As for the opinion
that we are using Soviet achievements, we cannot neglect the legacy
of the thousand-year-old Russian state, including its Soviet period.
This is obvious. In the Soviet times, many things were done which we
can be proud of and are proud of: Victory in the Great
Patriotic War, the breakthrough in space exploration, and much
more. We should be thankful to our ancestors, our fathers
and grandfathers, who created such a huge and powerful state
during the Soviet period.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">As for today,
I want to say just a few words to those who believe that
nothing has changed.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">First, 75 percent
of the production capacity in the processing industry has
been created since 2000. The average age of machinery
and equipment in the processing industry is 12 years. Do you see
what this means? It shows what has been done in recent decades.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">But it is much more than
that. You mentioned airports. Three new airports and 45 runways have been
built. Speaking of transport in general, there are 12 new railway
stations; dozens of railway stations have undergone modernisation, in-depth
modernisation. The number of federal motorways has been doubled.
Doubled! I believe there were some 39,000 kilometres of roads
[percent – ed. note], and now there are more than 80,000
kilometres.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Agriculture is,
of course, an excellent example. As you know, and there are
many people from the older generation here who remember this well,
the Soviet Union always was a purchaser of grain. We were among
the largest importers of grain, wheat. Let me remind you that today
Russia is the largest exporter of wheat to the global
market. We are number one. We are ahead of both the United States
and Canada.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">They have bigger production,
but they consume more, and we produce so much that we hold the first
place in the wheat export to the international market.
The agricultural growth is 46 percent.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Our exports have multiplied
(I think they grew 2.6-fold). We sold $24 billion worth
of agricultural products, including not just grain, which is the main
source of foreign income in agriculture, but also livestock
production, including poultry, pork and so on.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">In total, all
the ports of the Soviet Union transhipped (there were
transhipping capacities) 600 million tonnes per year. Do you know how much
Russia does now? 1.1 billion. All of this has been created over
the recent decades.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Now to the mineral
assets you have mentioned. There are about 600 new deposits, including 57 we
plan to open this year. About 600 new deposits. And we can say
the same for almost every industry. I am not even talking about
such modern industries as nuclear energy, with eight blocks launched
recently. I think there were 16 over the entire Soviet era.
By the way, this gives us a big advantage in fighting
climate change, because thanks to this, as well as hydropower
and gas, we have the greenest energy structure in the world.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">There are brand new spheres
of energy as well, such as liquefied natural gas. Entire
international-class complexes have been established, both in the Far
East and the Arctic. A generation breakthrough has taken place
in hydropower, a real breakthrough.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">This is why those who
believe we only use the old resources and capacities we inherited
from the previous generations are mistaken.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Dmitry Peskov: Let's move
to that side of the aisle. Interregional media, URA.RU. Give
them a microphone, please.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Anton Olshannikov: URA.RU
news agency. Mr President, my name is Anton Olshannikov.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">I have a question
about negative developments in medicine, as they are still relevant.
The fact is that it may take up to a month to get
a doctor’s appointment in the regions, and doctors’
salaries can be so low that doctors are quitting en masse. However, a head
doctor may be paid hundreds of thousands of rubles a month,
whereas, for example, a surgeon, gets about 50,000, if that.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">You have held several
meetings on primary care and healthcare in general this year.
You said that the reforms should be carried out quickly and be
meaningful. In this regard, I want to understand why
the system remains at a standstill. The fact is that
the reform is cosmetic, and there are no ground-breaking solutions
that could make a difference. You got personally involved in dealing
with this issue. I want to understand why. Perhaps, you think
the country needs a different healthcare management model?
Or does the state need to find resources to support what is
available?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Vladimir Putin: First, it is
best to let the model just be. It is evolving
at a satisfactory pace, but there certainly are problems.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">You mentioned one
of them, salaries, but healthcare employees’ salaries are even higher than
the salaries in other social spheres. Overall, the numbers
outlined in the 2012 executive orders correspond
to the planned salary benchmarks. Frankly, I cannot disagree
with you, as these are average numbers as well.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">You have just said that
while head doctors may be earning high wages, rank-and-file doctors, even
surgeons, are paid much less. This is one of those problems that we need
to tackle. As far as pay levels are concerned, we need
to look at the specific sector. After all, what are
the approaches to getting things moving? There is no secret about it,
and these solutions are quite simple. The first one is to simply
increase Compulsory Health Insurance tariffs or change the way
the tariffs are distributed within this system. Let me emphasise however
that there is little that can be changed in terms of redistributing
tariffs within the Compulsory Health Insurance system, since 70 percent
of them already go towards salaries. If we change anything, there will be
no money left for buying medicine or equipment.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">What is the other
option then? It consists of simply increasing the Compulsory Health
Insurance tariffs. Can this be done? Yes, it can. However, at the end
of the day it will be a burden for the entire economy,
since all operators within it must pay for it, which will drive up prices
and cause an overall increase in the rate
of inflation. In such circumstances, any increase in salaries
would be eaten up by inflation. So probably this is not the best
option either.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">But what can be done? Is
there anything that can be done within the existing system?
Of course, there is. Just look. First, as you have just said,
a head doctor may have a big salary, much higher than ordinary
doctors. The first thing that should be done is to eliminate this
unfair differentiation. This is my first point.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">There is no doubt that
the base salary rate must be changed. In the regions, it is
currently in the range of 35 to 50 percent. We need
to have a single national approach to paying out incentives, so
that people earn a specific amount for the number
of patients they receive, for the number of patients they
visit at home, etc. At the same time, there should be no
question of cutting bonuses that are given for special working
conditions, such as working holidays, working at night, and so
on. I believe that even just putting this right would produce
a positive effect.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Of course, this will
not be enough. Salaries in the social services sector must grow
alongside the economy, especially and even primarily
in the healthcare industry. I do agree with that.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Dmitry Peskov: Thank
you. Let us proceed.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Let us talk about sports,
Match TV, if this is what you want to ask.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Olga Bogoslovskaya: Good
afternoon, Mr President. Olga Bogoslovskaya, Match TV. I am from
a sports channel, and so my question will be about sports,
or more precisely, the difficult situation with Russian sports.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">On December 9,
the WADA Executive Committee adopted an unprecedentedly harsh
decision to ban Russian athletes from participating in all major
sports events, which include the summer and winter Olympic
and Paralympic games.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">The reason
for that decision was the discrepancy between the data provided
by the Moscow laboratory and the data provided by WADA
informers. The Russian Anti-Doping Agency’s rights have been curtailed.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">However, the sanctions
have hit the innocent athletes especially hard. This brings me
to my question: What should Russian athletes do in this
situation, and how can Russian sports develop in this difficult
situation?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Vladimir Putin: I will
answer your question, but first I would like to say that
I noticed that I did not answer the previous question
in full.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">I would like
to say a few more words about the measures we plan to take
in the field of primary medical care. We have agreed, after all,
to increase healthcare allocations, in addition to what has been
stipulated under the Healthcare project, by 550 billion rubles.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">These funds will be used
first of all to improve physical assets and to buy
equipment and vehicles. We plan to improve or built 10,000
medical facilities and buy 37,000 vehicles and approximately 10,000
pieces of medical equipment. In this context, I hope that we
will be able to implement all our plans very soon and that people
will feel the change.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">The second component,
which is mostly stipulated under national projects, includes allocations
to primary care, but the bulk of funds will be invested
in fighting cancer. I hope we will see a positive result
in this sphere as well.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">We can report achievements
in the field of cardiovascular diseases, where the figure
is some 0.6 percent. The situation with tuberculosis has improved
by 12 percent, and child mortality has decreased considerably. We
must continue working in the same manner in all of these
spheres.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">As for WADA
and its decisions, I believe that they are not only unjust, but also
defy common sense and are illegal. Why? Because as far as doping
is concerned, decisions have already been taken against Russian athletes who
had to compete in a neutral status at the previous
Olympics. Now it is happening all over again. There has never been anything
of this kind in any of the world’s legal systems or in human
history, and I hope nothing of this kind ever happens again.
This is my first point.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Second, any sanctions must
target specific, individual breaches. If someone was caught doing something
illegal, sanctions are natural and fair. But if an overwhelming
majority of Russian athletes are clean, how can they be sanctioned
for someone else’s actions?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">We have very young female
athletes competing in figure skating, they are practically little girls.
What do they have to do with doping? Nothing whatsoever. But they can do
quadruple jumps, which so far no one can, or almost no one can do
in women’s figure skating. This is how they make sure that these girls are
kept off the ice. Can this be done? Yes, it can. But what for? Will this
help international sports in any way? I do not think so.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Among other things,
as I already said at the news conference in Paris,
this decision by WADA runs counter to the Olympic Charter.
A national team cannot and should not compete under a neutral
flag when there are no claims against its Olympic Committee. This is what
the Charter says. If WADA does not have any claims against
the Russian Olympic Committee at this time, this means that
the national team can compete under the Russian flag. Go after
specific people, and of course we will be there to assist you
in these efforts. We are doing everything to make our sport clean.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">By the way, RUSADA
was created in close contact with our WADA colleagues. We even selected
its executive team based on their recommendations. I think that
everything I said suggests that this decision was politically tainted,
as sad as it sounds.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Dmitry Peskov: Let’s go
to the middle [sector], to the federal media. I can
see Channel One, pass on the microphone, please.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Konstantin Panyushkin: Thank
you.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Good afternoon, Mr
President. Konstantin Panyushkin, Channel One.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">First of all,
I would like to thank you on behalf of the Channel One
journalists and perhaps many others for what you said
at the news conference in Paris. After the news
conference – we did a little eavesdropping when you were talking with
Chancellor Merkel and President Macron, explaining, as far as we
understood, problems concerning journalists’ work in Ukraine. Perhaps one
day, thanks to the work in the Normandy Format, we will be
able to work there confidently and calmly like Ukrainian journalists
work in Russia, who, by the way, should also be here today.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">So I have
a question about Ukraine. After Paris, after everything your summit
partners have said in the two weeks since then, and I mean
Ukraine above all, do you think there is any point holding another meeting
in four months, as you agreed? And what do you think are
the Normandy Format’s prospects in general?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Also, do you think
the Minsk Agreements and the Steinmeier Formula will survive
the next four months or survive at all in the future?
What do you think is the best-case scenario for the future
of Donbass?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">In addition,
journalists were looking forward to your meeting with Zelensky
and Russian-Ukrainian talks. What are the current prospects of a settlement
in Russian-Ukrainian relations? Are there any problems
or breakthroughs due to the change of administration?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">And the last
question, if I may. President Zelensky talked about you right there,
in Paris. What do you think about President Vladimir Zelensky? Thank you.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Vladimir Putin: Let’s
begin with the last one. I always try to avoid such questions.
I do not believe it is correct for me to answer them
and to state my opinion of my colleagues. Perhaps you
have noted that I don’t even describe former leaders who left their
offices.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Let’s discuss historical
figures. We can do this. I do not have the heart to talk about
people who are in office today. Everybody has both positive
and negative sides. But when people take such offices, this means they have
passed through a serious selection process, so they are at least not
ordinary people.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">As for the Normandy
format, the Minsk Agreements and so on, there is nothing more
important than the Minsk Agreements. Of course, I was worried
by the statement made by President Zelensky after he left Paris
to the effect that they could be revised. If we revise the Minsk
Agreements, the settlement process will hit a dead end, because
the main element of the Minsk Agreements is a law
on the special status of Donbass, which must be formalised
in the Ukrainian Constitution. It has been extended
for a year, but not permanently, although we keep saying – not
only do I, but the other Normandy format leaders say so
as well – that the law must be of unlimited duration
and that its formula must be incorporated in the Constitution.
However, it appears that neither the previous nor the current
Ukrainian leadership wants this. But there is no way around it. This is
the first point.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Second, there must be
a direct dialogue with Donbass. There is none so far. It has been
announced that amendments concerning decentralisation will be made. This is
good. But is this meant to replace the Minsk Agreements?
Or the law on the special status of Donbass? Can you
imagine that? Yes. But the Minsk Agreements say that any actions that
concern Donbass must be coordinated with Donbass. This initiative has not been
coordinated with it. This, of course, is alarming.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">As for the next
meeting, for example, in April, it will only be relevant if we see
positive change. Has there been any positive change? Yes, it is
an objective fact. First, the law on the special status has
been extended, and hence the basis for a settlement has not
been destroyed. Second, troops have pulled back in several vital areas,
although our Ukrainian partners are against disengagement along the entire
contact line. I believe that they are making a mistake, but this is
their position. That was my second point.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">The number
of artillery attacks has decreased, which is another achievement, although
regrettably, they have not stopped altogether. There are positive things
and there are alarming things. All this should be discussed. Overall, it
is desirable to continue meetings in the Normandy format.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">By the way, you
mentioned our Ukrainian colleagues. Shall we give them the floor? Are any
of them with us today?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Dmitry Peskov: Please let
our traditional guest have the microphone.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Roman Tsymbalyuk: Good
afternoon, my name is Roman Tsymbalyuk, and I represent
the Ukrainian UNIAN news agency.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Vladimir Putin: Good
afternoon.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Roman Tsymbalyuk: Indeed,
we, and I personally, have no problem doing our work in Russia.
Perhaps, if the Ukrainian tanks were in Kuban, you would have
slightly different thoughts about us.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Vladimir Putin: Are you
talking about the 72 or the 34 model? (Laughter.)<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Roman Tsymbalyuk: T-64 is
our staple combat tank made in Kharkov.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Vladimir Putin: T-64 is
a Soviet tank as well.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Roman Tsymbalyuk: You also
mentioned you are originally from the Soviet Union.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Vladimir Putin: Okay.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Roman Tsymbalyuk:
As a follow-up to the Minsk talks, could you give
the date of your decision to disband the occupation
administrations in Lugansk and Donetsk? You refer to them
as republics, but they are not mentioned in the Minsk Agreements.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Also, if I may, will
there be a gas war? It appears that you are not about to give us back
the $3 billion awarded to us by the arbitration court. You
are talking about cheap gas, but we know that Russia’s cheap gas is the most
expensive thing for Ukraine.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Thank you.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Vladimir Putin: So,
disbanding administrative bodies and gas. What else?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Roman Tsymbalyuk: Three
billion.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Vladimir Putin: Three
billion.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Here is my first point
regarding the Minsk Agreements and disbanding, as you said,
administrative bodies in the unrecognised republics.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Former president Petro
Poroshenko who represented Ukraine at the Minsk talks, which were
followed by the Minsk Agreements, insisted on having this
document signed by the leaders of these two unrecognised
republics. They just grabbed me by the throat, all three
of them, and representatives of these unrecognised republics
refused to sign. I am giving you, so to speak, the inside
facts about our talks in Minsk. However, we managed to persuade them,
and they signed the document. Thus, Ukraine itself recognised
the existence of these authorities. This is the first part
of the Ballet de la Merlaison, so to say.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">The second part is that
the elections were held there, and the people cast their votes.
This, I believe, is a very democratic way of organising
government bodies.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Third, the Minsk
Agreements themselves outline explicitly the rights of these
republics, and what they are entitled to claim. Everything is spelled
out there about the language, the local police, and so on.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">The next aspect has
to do with what it is all about, and I am getting
to the controversial part. I will not hide anything,
and there is no need to do it. People in both Russia
and Ukraine must know what these agreements are about.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">There is a clause about
withdrawing mercenaries and foreign troops and closing
the border. Under the Minsk Agreements, the process
of closing the border is to begin on the second day
after an election takes place, and to be completed only after
an inclusive political settlement is achieved, including amendments
to the Ukrainian Constitution and these republics acquiring
the rights as set forth in the Minsk Agreements.
As soon as this is done, the border can be completely sealed.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Finally, let me respond
to the question about the withdrawal of foreign troops.
There are no foreign troops there. Yes, there are local militias, local
self-defence forces staffed with local residents. I get questions all
the time: Where did they get tanks or heavy artillery? Look,
conflicts and hostilities of all kinds are unfolding in many
hotspots around the world, involving tanks, artillery, etc. Where do they
get them? Probably from those government agencies that sympathise with them.
But let me emphasise that these weapons are theirs, not foreign.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">As for the mercenaries,
I have just said in Paris that there are French and Germans
fighting there on both sides. We must address this issue
of mercenaries, but they are not the bedrock of these armed
groups.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">You know what the main
problem is? I will be completely honest with you. The most important
problem is that there is a lack of willingness to resolve this
question through dialogue with the people. We have yet to see any
willingness to move in this direction, instead of trying
to create favourable conditions for resolving the problem
by force using tanks, artillery and air power. I said: air power
was used. And the current President of Ukraine replied: What air
power? He did not even remember or did not know this. But they did use air
power, you see?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">As soon as we,
or rather the Ukrainian leadership, abandon what I believe
to be a completely misguided approach to resolving this problem
and move into dialogue mode, this is when there will be a path
towards a solution. It is stated in the agreements that they
need to restore economic and other infrastructure, but instead they
just cut off this part of the country from the Ukrainian
territory by imposing a blockade. Was Moscow the one who imposed
this blockade? The Kiev authorities were the ones who did it.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">However, we are seeing some
positive shifts in this sphere, at least I hope we do.
As you already know, there are some changes for the better
there. At least there are crossing points, and the demining
effort is underway. This is not enough. A lot has to be done
to improve the lives of the people who live there. But it
can be done.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">If we proceed from this
premise and focus on finding common ground and promoting
dialogue, the problem will be resolved. If attempts to strangle them
by force continue, I do not think that it can be done. There is
a saying that people in Donbass never yield under pressure. It
definitely has a ruffian and aggressive side to it, but this is
how people feel deep inside. People who live there have a sense of pride,
so this problem is unlikely to be resolved by force.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">The gas war. You
mentioned three billion. Let me point out that part of our reserve money
from the Russian National Welfare Fund is invested in Ukrainian
bonds: $3 billion, exactly. There is a court ruling from London
on this, but it is not fulfilled.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Speaking about gas
relations, it is a complicated and sensitive issue. We want
to solve this problem. As someone who has a degree in law,
I believe that this ruling of the Arbitration Institute
of the Stockholm Chamber of Commerce is not legal but more
likely political. Here’s one of the grounds for this ruling
(everyone here will find it strange, too, but it is interesting): “…due
to the difficult economic situation in Ukraine.” That is
nonsense. But it is written there. They should have refrained from writing such
a phrase.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Well, we have the court
decision, it is true, and we must proceed from this. We will proceed from
this and look for a solution that would suit everyone, including
Ukraine, while preserving transit through Ukraine, despite
the construction of new facilities, such as Nord Stream 1, Nord
Stream 2, and TurkStream. The question is what the volume
of transit and contract duration will be.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Let me also note that we are
not going to sign any contract to stop transit later. No, we are
interested in this, we want to do this; it is a good route.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">By the way,
the Ukrainian route to Europe is longer than via the Baltic Sea.
It is longer and more expensive for us. But it is a good
and well-known route to Central and Southern Europe, and we
are ready to preserve it. We would also be ready to provide Ukraine
with a gas discount of 20–25 percent, as I have already
mentioned, by the way. It can be done.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">This would also mean
decreasing costs for the end consumer instead of increasing them
as you are planning now. Starting from January 1, 2020, all
the discounts will be cancelled, as far as I know,
and the average gas price will be $300 for all categories of consumers,
including individuals.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">I think we will come
to an agreement. By the way, we are already making headway.
We will try to make Ukraine happy with the agreement, too. We do not
want escalations in the energy sector that can be used to affect
the situation in Ukraine.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">We are interested
in Ukraine getting the resource properly, so that our consumers
in Europe are calm about us having normal relations with our neighbours
and that everything goes as planned.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Dmitry Peskov: Let us
go to that sector. Omsk has the floor. I believe we have not
given the floor to Omsk yet. I see a lady standing.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Remark from
the audience.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Dmitry Peskov: I thought
we agreed to respect each other. Thank you.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Omsk, go ahead.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Olga Korobova: Good
afternoon. Olga Korobova, editor-in-chief, Argumenty i Fakty v Omske.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Mr President,
my question concerns not only Omsk but probably the whole
of the Trans-Ural area.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Vladimir Putin: Can you
raise your hand, please? I do not see you. Thank you.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Olga Korobova: I have
a question about demography and migration. It is a question
about everything, that is, the social situation
in the Trans-Urals.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Vladimir Putin: If it
is a question about everything, it will be the last question today.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Olga Korobova: First
of all, I would like to thank you for launching
the Far Eastern Hectare and Far Eastern Mortgage projects. But people
are also leaving Siberia for oversized Moscow and St Petersburg. It
would be wonderful if such measures, in particular a mortgage
project, were adopted for our region as well so that young, smart
and talented people aged 30–45 would not leave but take out mortgages.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Has this possibility been
discussed for Siberia, the Trans-Urals and, more precisely, Omsk?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Vladimir Putin: We have
indeed adopted several such measures for the Far East, where
the population is declining much more rapidly than in any other part
or region of Russia.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Many people have taken
advantage of the Far Eastern Hectare project. We have adjusted it so
that it is available not only to locals but also to people from any
other part of Russia who want to settle in the Far East.
This land is being used for several purposes: housing, agriculture
and other forms of business, including tourism. But we also see some
drawbacks to this project, first of all the fact that these land
plots are not always attractive because of their infrastructure,
or rather, they lack roads, electricity and other infrastructure.
Therefore, we must first of all implement these projects and plans
in full in the Far East before turning to other regions.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">As for the Trans-Urals,
I assure you that we see what is happening there. We will revise our
demographic projects to include the Trans-Urals. I am referring
to assistance for households with children, primarily those that have
a third baby.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">As for other
support measures, including a 2 percent mortgage rate, all this is
possible, of course. But first we need to analyse progress
in the Far East, calculate how much this will cost us, see how many
people request such assistance, and review our budget expenditures before
calmly taking any decisions on what to do next.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Dmitry Peskov: Let’s have
a question from the centre.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Andrei Kolesnikov, one
of the patriarchs of Russian journalism. As usual, he holds
his hand up with great modesty, but he has been working with the President
for many years.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Andrei Kolesnikov: Good
afternoon. Andrei Kolesnikov, Kommersant newspaper.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Mr President, I have
two questions on the recent meeting of the Council
for Civil Society and Human Rights. You spoke out about Vladimir
Ulyanov as never before. You even brought up his nicknames, such
as “Old Man” and “Lenin.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Vladimir Putin:
A pseudonym.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Andrei Kolesnikov: You said
nicknames.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Vladimir Putin:
As a matter of fact, it is all one and the same.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Andrei Kolesnikov: Party
nicknames.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">You accused him
of breaking down a 1,000-year-old state. When you were saying this,
you facial expression was close to rage, it seemed to me. Will
anything come out of your comment? What would be a logical follow-up
to these words? Removing Lenin’s body from the Mausoleum,
at long last?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">And the second
question. At the same meeting, you had a debate with Alexander
Sokurov on the title of the Hero of Russia, regarding
Ramzan Kadyrov’s case. At that point your facial expression simply showed
tolerance. Would you like to say something in this regard?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Thank you.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Vladimir Putin:
I prefer not to raise subjects of this kind, but since Mr
Sokurov did, I had to respond, so now it seems that I have
to set it out in more detail.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Regarding Lenin and his
role in our history, and what I think about it, I believe
that he was a revolutionary rather than a statesman.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">When I talked about
the 1,000-year history of our state, it was strictly centralised
and unitary, as we all know. But what did Vladimir Lenin propose? He
went even further than a federation and proposed a system that
can be described as a confederation. It was his decision to tie
ethnic groups to specific territories, so that they obtained
the right to secede from the Soviet Union.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">What happened was that
a strictly centralised state was turned into a de facto confederation
with the right of secession and with ethnic groups attached
to specific territories. But these territories were divided in such
a way that they did not always correspond and still do not correspond
to where various ethnic groups traditionally lived. This is how cracks
emerged that still linger in the relations between the former
Soviet republics, and even within the Russian Federation. There are
two thousand cracks of this kind, and letting them out of sight
for even a second can have grave consequences. This is the first
point I wanted to make.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">By the way, Stalin
was against such organisation. He even wrote an article on autonomy,
but, eventually, adopted Lenin’s formula. The upshot? Just now, our
colleague from Ukraine and I spoke about our relations. Back when
the Soviet Union was created, original Russian territories that never had
anything to do with Ukraine (the entire Black Sea region
and Russia’s western lands) were transferred to Ukraine under
a strange pretext of “increasing the percentage
of the proletariat in Ukraine,” because Ukraine was a rural
territory populated by petty-bourgeois-minded peasants, who were subjected
to dispossession across the country. This was a somewhat odd
decision. Nevertheless, it took place. We are now dealing with Vladimir Lenin’s
legacy of state building.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">What did they do? They tied
the country’s future to their own party, and this tenet went
from one Constitution to another. It was the main political force.
As soon as the party started to crumble, the country
followed. That is what I meant. I stick to this point
of view to this day.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">As you are aware,
I worked in intelligence for a long time. It was
an integral part of a much politicised organisation,
the KGB, and I had my own ideas about our leaders
and so on. But I know better today, and I understand that
there are geopolitical considerations in addition to ideology. They
were completely ignored during the creation of the Soviet Union.
All this was much politicised at the time. To reiterate,
the party began to fall apart, and that was the end
of it – the country followed. This had to be prevented.
This was a mistake. An absolute, cardinal and fundamental
mistake in state building.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Now, with regard
to the body. This is beside the point. I believe this
subject should not be touched at all, at least as long
as there are people, lots of them, who associate their lives
and destinies, and certain achievements of the past,
the Soviet years, with it. One way or another, the Soviet Union
is certainly connected with Vladimir Lenin, the leader
of the world proletariat. So, why delve deep into that? We just need
to move forward and grow. That is all.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">As for Kadyrov’s
Hero of Russia title, you know I already spoke about it
and I want to say it again. When I first met his father,
the first President of the Chechen Republic, he came to me
himself. He did not come to surrender, he came to build relations
with Russia. It was before the active combat operation started
in Chechnya and in the Caucasus. And he told me then,
“We thought that we would be better off with other Islamic countries, but we
realised that we were wrong because they tried to bend us to their
will.” All those extremist, half-terrorist groups. He said, “We do not want it.
I understand now that we will be better off with Russia. Russia has never
had any issues with our religion or our everyday customs.” And so on.
It was his choice. You know his fate. He died at the hands of terrorists.
What did he die for? For Chechnya, the Chechen people,
and for Russia. It was his decision. I still cannot forgive
myself for letting him go home for the holidays, because he was
in my office and I asked him to stay, but he said that
he needed to be at home. And then he was killed
in an explosion.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">The current president,
his son, is still exposed to danger every day. In addition, he
personally takes part in various combat operations. The Federal
Security Service Director was reporting to me once on the elimination
of a terrorist group, and I suggested that his guys should
be awarded state decorations. And he said, “It was not us.” I asked
him who it was, and he said that it was Kadyrov and his men.
I said, “I forbade him to do it!” But he is unstoppable, he is
always out there in the field. So I always present such titles
as Hero of Russia for a reason.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Look at what Grozny
looks like now. Look at the photos taken several years ago featuring
Minutka Square: Grozny looked like Stalingrad after the Battle
of Stalingrad. Exactly like that. And look how it has changed.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Actually, we could present
Kadyrov with the Hero of Labour title as well, but he is still
young, he can wait. But the situation has really turned around there. So
this is the answer to that part of your question.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Dmitry Peskov: By the way,
I saw a journalist from Chechnya. Would you like to add
anything? Central sector. Raise your hand, please, so that we can see you.
Please, identify yourself and speak as concisely as possible.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Alkhazur Kerimov: Good
afternoon, Mr President.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Vladimir Putin: Good
afternoon.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Alkhazur Kerimov: Alkhazur
Kerimov, Grozny TV.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">It was very gratifying
to me to hear you speak so warmly about the first president
of the Chechen Republic and about our current leader. First
of all, I would like to say that the Chechen Republic is
developing rapidly in all spheres.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">This became possible thanks
to your decisions and all-round assistance and help.
The people can see this, which is why your confidence rating
in the republic is the highest throughout Russia. People
in Chechnya love and respect you, and they look forward
to your visit. Now, my question.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">There has been much talk
about building a road to Georgia via Chechnya. This would settle many
strategic problems and unclog the alternative route, which is
especially busy in winter, when cars stand for days in traffic
jams.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">The head
of Chechnya raised this issue and commented on it many times,
because building one more road would help increase trade and boost our
economic progress through a rapid development of tourism
in the region. What do you think about this initiative? How can it
benefit the economies of Russia and Georgia? Do you support it?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">One more thing. Some time
ago the head of Chechnya proposed building a high-speed railway
line from Krasnodar to Grozny and connecting it
to the existing Moscow-Adler high-speed road. This would greatly
increase the accessibility of the republics involved. What do
you think about this project? Can we count on its implementation?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Vladimir Putin: I would
like to say that there are several infrastructure projects
for southern Russia, including Chechnya. We are working on them
or considering them. Some of them are at a more advanced
stage than others. I would not like to go into detail now, but I know
about these plans.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">We have recently discussed
this in the Government; there are several options for connecting
Chechnya with Krasnodar and the Black Sea coast. We will do this when
the time comes. For now, we do not have any concrete or calibrated
plans, but I agree that this is a rational idea.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">What was the first part
of your question about?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Alkhazur Kerimov: The road
to Georgia.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Vladimir Putin: Yes,
Georgia. Indeed, there are problems with communication with Georgia, especially
in winter when there is a lot of snow. We are aware
of this. What you mentioned is a good idea, but it is not
on the Transport Ministry’s plans at the moment. Although,
I repeat, we know about it and it is a viable project. Yes, it
would be reasonable to implement it.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Dmitry Peskov: Let’s move
over here. Dimitri Simes. Channel One, I guess?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Dimitri
Simes: Bolshaya Igra, Channel One.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Dmitry Peskov: Please give
him a microphone.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Dimitri Simes: Mr President,
two days ago the US Congress passed bills on sanctions against Russia
by such an overwhelming majority that it makes it difficult
for President Trump to veto the bill.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">And, as you probably
know, the House of Representatives passed articles of impeachment
yesterday. This is the context in which he has to make foreign
policy decisions, and more specifically, those in relation
to Russia.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">In this situation, do
you think you – and Russia – have any opportunity to try
to maintain or strengthen dialogue with the United States before
the end of Trump’s presidency? What can you do to enhance
strategic stability, and more specifically, to extend the New
START?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Vladimir Putin:
As for the chances to continue our dialogue until
the end of Trump’s presidency, you do sound like it is actually
ending. I am not so sure about that. The decision still needs
to pass through the Senate, where the Republicans, as far
as I know, have the majority, and they are unlikely
to want to remove the representative of their party from
power for something I, personally, see as far-fetched.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">This is just another move
in that country’s domestic political campaigning, where one party that
lost the election, the Democratic Party, is trying to achieve
results they want through other means, such as charging Trump with
conspiracy related to Russia. When it turned out there was no conspiracy,
there was no longer a sufficient reason to impeach. Now they have
invented pressure on Ukraine. I do not know what this is all about.
But your Congresspeople certainly know better.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">As for the decisions
that were made with respect to Russia, they are being made by people
who hardly have any responsibility for these decisions. These are not
executive authorities, but representative authorities, and their job is
to pass laws. They are making such decisions regarding Russia.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">This will certainly affect
the level of interstate relations. We are aware of their general
approach – the United States will work with us in areas where
they have an interest and profit, while at the same time
restraining Russia with decisions like this. Knowing this, we too will mirror
their steps, we will do just that. I am not saying this is a good
thing. These are very unfriendly acts in relation to Russia.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">They want to help Ukraine
keep its transits. As I have just told a colleague from Ukraine,
we also want to keep transits. In any case, this is what we are
interested in, and this is what we will do. If they wanted to help,
they should have given them money. How come they do not give any money
to Ukraine? This would have enabled them to provide subsidies.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">You see, they give almost
nothing, only guarantees for future loans. But this is not actual money,
so the support they are getting is not real. At the same time,
the IMF, where the United States rules, demands that all energy
subsidies be cancelled, including for natural gas. This will once again
drive consumer prices up.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Others
in the West, I mean, the EU, want round timber to be
exported to Europe. If they do so, very soon, there will be nothing left
of the Carpathian mountains, with only bare rock remaining. It could
seem that they are supporting the current Ukrainian regime and its
leaders, but at the same time I believe that they are seriously
hurting it.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Now they are asking Ukraine
to start selling land. Land is sacred for Ukrainians,
and I can understand this, since these are “golden” soils.
Of course, the opposition was instantly all over this issue
and is now attacking Zelensky on the domestic policy front.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">They blame us for some
actions towards Ukraine and pretend to be willing to help, but
in reality what they want is to have Russia support
the Ukrainian budget. Go ahead and give them the money, help
Ukraine, grant it subsidised loans with lengthy repayment periods. But there is
nothing of the kind.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Still, we are interested
in expanding and maintaining relations with the United States
and will move in this direction regardless of who is
in the White House or who controls the two chambers
of Congress.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Do we see any potential
in this? I think so. You have mentioned global security, including
the New START, as one of the foundations of our
relations. We put forward our proposals, as I have already said,
and will repeat: we stand ready until the end of the year
to extend the existing New START as is.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">They can send it to us
by post, or we can sign it and send it to Washington so
that their senior officials, including the President, sign it, if they are
ready to do so. So far we have not received a reply to any
of our proposals. Without the New START there will be nothing left
in the world to contain the arms race. I believe that
there is nothing good about it.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Dmitry Peskov: MIR TV
channel, you have the floor.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Elina Dashkuyeva: Thank you,
Mr Peskov.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Good afternoon, Mr
President, I am Elina Dashkuyeva from the MIR Interstate Television
and Radio Broadcasting Company.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">At the Ashgabat
meeting of the CIS Heads of State Council you spoke about
the celebration of the 75<sup>th</sup> anniversary
of Victory in the Great Patriotic War, and you said that
this victory concerns every citizen of the Soviet Union. You invited
CIS leaders to come here to take part in the commemorative
events, and also agreed to hold joint events to mark this date.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Mr President, do you regret
that the joint column of the victors will not include servicemen
from some former Soviet republics, including Ukraine and Georgia?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Thank you.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Vladimir Putin:
I regret that there is no Soviet Union anymore. As for their
participation in the parade, it is their choice. But if someone
misses the event due to some interstate relations, I think they
will make a big mistake. Because it will mean that they do not show
respect for the people who fought and gave their lives
for the independence of their Motherland.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">There is one thing
I would like to draw attention to. Nazi Germany had these documents
that said that part of the Slavic people should be used
as workers, but the majority should be sent beyond the Urals,
to the northern territories. What did they count on? On our
extinction. So that fight, it was not just about preserving our statehood, but
about preserving the East Slavic ethnic group, both Russians
and Ukrainians. This is was it was about.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">When I hear someone say
that maybe it would have been better to abandon Leningrad
to the enemy and so on, I want to say, are you out
of your mind? You would not be alive today if they had done that. This is
what it is all about. And, of course, the presence
at the Moscow parade of the descendants of those who
saved our statehood and independence, and who preserved our peoples,
is a symbolic and important gesture, I think. We will be happy
to see everyone who accepts our invitation.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">By the way, Minsk
wants to ask a question. Excuse me, Dmitry, I see a ‘Minsk,
Belarus’ poster there.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Go ahead, please.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Remark: Can we ask
a question about Iran?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Vladimir Putin: Yes,
in a moment, please.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Maria Nagibina: Hello, Mr
President.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Maria Nagibina, Ministry
of Ideas TV channel.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">I have a question
for you that follows up on the topic of the Soviet
Union.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Millions of people
suffered from Gorbachev’s illegal actions in 1991. So here is
the question: how about looking at what happened in 1991 from
a legal perspective? This could make resolving questions regarding
territorial integrity, including with Belarus, easier.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">I also have
a second question. Last year you talked about the Constitution
of the Russian Federation and its Article 13, paragraph 2, which
bans ideology. You said that this should be a matter of public
debate. As we all know, there is a massive drive by community
activists across the country to collect signatures, and 200,000
have already been collected and handed over to the Federation
Council, State Duma and other government institutions. Do you think that
this question was sufficiently debated by Russian society?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Vladimir Putin: Regarding
a legal assessment of what Gorbachev or anyone else did,
I do not know. I do not understand how this relates
to territorial integrity. We have resolved all the questions we had,
and all the documents are signed. I do not quite understand what
a legal evaluation of these actions has to do with it. This is
my first point.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Second, regarding
the Constitution and what it says on ideology, I have
already said that the Soviet Constitution had a very pronounced
ideological component, and the only ideology that guided it was
the ideology of the Communist Party. It is clear however what
came out of it, as I have already said. Among other things, it
served as one of the triggers that led a unified state
to break down. Without a party, it started to crumble,
and the country followed.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">However, I believe that
in today’s democratic society there can be only one ideology: patriotism
in a broad, positive sense of the word. It should not be
driven by politics, but rather designed to strengthen the inner
foundations of the Russian state.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Dmitry Peskov: Let’s
continue. It looks like we left out federal news agencies. I see ITAR-TASS
on the right. Please remain seated. Let's show some respect
for each other. This is a news conference after all.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Remark: I have
a question about the 75<sup>th</sup> anniversary
of Victory.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Dmitry Peskov: Sit down,
please.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Remark: All right.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Dmitry Peskov: Thank you
very much.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Veronika Ichetkina: May I?
Thank you.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Mr President, last year
the news conference opened with a question from TASS about national
projects. My question today is also about national projects, especially
since this year our agency became an operator of a special
website dedicated to this subject.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Here is my question.
National projects have been implemented for almost a year now,
and more and more experts from the regions are saying that
the national projects’ goals are overly high and need to be
revised.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Do you think we can say that
national projects are stalling? Do you think the national projects’ goals
should be revised? Or maybe it would make sense to develop additional
measures to stimulate this work? Such as to establish additional
personal responsibility of regional leaders for implementing national
projects in terms of goals or deadlines? Or maybe decentralisation
can help, such as expanding the powers of regional authorities,
or municipal authorities, including redistribution of taxes, so that
they have more money in their budgets and use it to more
vigorously participate in national projects on the ground?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Thank you.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Vladimir Putin: First,
I believe there is no need to revise anything fundamentally.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Second, personal
responsibility has been introduced, but it can certainly be strengthened
and detailed.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Third, national projects
are, of course, a major undertaking, and we have not had
anything like that before, we have not worked with such tools before, they
simply did not exist. There were state programmes, but they are different.
National projects pursue goals, and specific resources have been allocated
to achieve these goals, and personal responsibility has been
introduced and is being used. We should continue to move along these
lines.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Are they stalling
or not? Of course, mechanisms and the legislative framework
should have been created from the get-go. I even got anxious
at some point thinking about how this would continue to move forward.
Look, we consider 26 goals achieved and 12 not achieved out of 38
goals planned for this year. With regard to an important area
such as relocating residents from dilapidated housing, we went beyond
meeting the target figure for the current year and exceeded
it threefold. So, overall, the situation is under control. Of course,
we need to look at what is happening in real life, analyse it,
and, of course, some things will need to be adjusted. But
on the whole, there is no need to revise anything.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Dmitry Peskov: Let’s
continue. Federal agencies now.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">I see Interfax. Pass
the microphone to Interfax, please.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Ksenia Golovanova: Good
afternoon, Mr President. Ksenia Golovanova, Interfax.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">This year abounded
in high-profile cases that caused public outcry. Members
of the HRC talked to you about some of them
at a meeting last week, and you did not comment on one
of them, the case of Ivan Golunov.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">During the Direct Line,
you described this case, this situation with Golunov, as lawlessness
and said that those responsible should be found. However, no one
responsible has been found, the case file has been classified, and an investigation
is underway with regard to unidentified persons.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">It seems to me that
the Golunov case is a reflection of something that is typical
for our law enforcement system; something, everyone has probably dealt
with, unfortunately – complete impunity and the we-don’t-betray-our-own
principle.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">I have two questions
in this regard. Don’t you not think that maybe it is time to somehow
reshuffle and purge our law enforcement bodies again. And can you
guarantee that the Golunov case will eventually lead to a conviction,
and will not be soft-pedalled? Thank you.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Vladimir Putin: Earlier
today I was thinking how I began my career
as a security agent. When I joined, service veterans were still
there, and some would hide in their offices when one old man would
enter the building.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Who was that person? He
served in 1936–1937. What did he do? That was a time of “purges”
in law enforcement agencies, including security agencies. One could come
to work in the morning, unsuspectingly, not knowing anything,
but a criminal case had been initiated against them,
and by the evening, their family was given the body just
after they were executed. And that old man that everyone ran from was
the one who carried out those sentences.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">So, as far
as “purges” are concerned, we have been through this, it happened in our
not-so-distant history, and we had better avoid any further purges here.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">The fact that we need
to improve the system of law enforcement bodies’ work,
to control what is happening there – I also mean public
control – is completely obvious. All law enforcement agencies have their
own security services, and those are working quite efficiently.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">The we-don’t-betray-our-own
phrase is just wrong. Because, indeed, probably, there may be cases where
the chiefs want to cover up for someone, the immediate
superiors, I mean. But, again, their own security services are effective.
And a significant number of criminal cases – there are many
cases brought against law enforcement officials – are based
on the findings of their own security services.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">As for the Golunov
case (is this the name – Golunov?), indeed, it was decided
to classify these materials, because the investigation raises
questions related to the organisation of active search measures,
and this is restricted information. But this does not mean
the investigation is not proceeding as it should. I would like
to inform you that five people have been suspended from the relevant
services of the Interior Ministry. They have been fired from Interior
Ministry bodies, and criminal cases have been initiated against them.
The investigation is being conducted by the Investigative
Committee, not the Interior Ministry.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Dmitry Peskov: RIA Novosti,
on the right, please, go ahead.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Yelena
Glushakova: Yelena Glushakova, RIA Novosti.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Since you mentioned that you
are a lawyer, the first part of my question relates
to legal matters, Mr President. My question will be
on the Constitution. In your opinion, could it be that
the time has come to amend the Constitution? These questions
surface every now and then, and have recently been discussed. If
the time has come, what part could be changed? Are you satisfied with
the amendments that were introduced ten years ago to change some
articles in our Constitution?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">The second part
of my question is about politics, and relates
to the political system our country has. Within a few days, it
will be 20 years since you came to the helm. Is there a need,
in your opinion, to make changes, like maybe reassigning powers
between the parliament, the government or even
the president?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">And my final
question, if you allow me. Do we have competition in Russian politics,
in your opinion?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Thank you.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Vladimir Putin: Regarding
the Constitution, this is a live tool that has to keep up with
the evolution of society. However, it is my belief that we do
not have to change the Constitution, I mean adopt a new
one, especially since it sets forth some fundamental principles that we have
yet to fully achieve. This refers to its first chapter.
I believe this part to be sacrosanct.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">All the other
provisions can be amended in one way or another. I am aware
of the ongoing debates on this subject; I see them
and hear them. I understand the logic behind what others
propose. This is related to possibly expanding the powers of parliament
and changing to some extent the powers of the president
and the government. But all this has to be well prepared, result
from a meaningful debate within society, and be carried out with
extreme caution.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Regarding the past
amendments, as far as I know, they were related
to the number of terms. What could be done in this respect?
We could take out the mention of “consecutive” terms. We have this
provision, and yours truly served for two consecutive terms, then
left this office and had the constitutional right to once again
become president, because this did not interfere with the “two consecutive
terms” limit. Some political observers and civil society activists have
voiced misgivings over this provision. We can probably remove it.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">There are some other
questions, but they are more about preferences rather than necessity.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">I can once again
mention the powers of parliament. I do understand political
parties, especially those represented in parliament, that believe that we
have reached a level in the development of parliamentarism
in Russia when parliament could take on additional functions
and assume greater responsibility. All we need is to give this idea
serious thought.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">As for competition
in politics, 54 parties are registered in Russia, and four
of them I believe are about to be dissolved. Still, 50 parties
is a good number, and 12 of them operate
at the federal level. I believe that this meets
the standard for political competition.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Dmitry Peskov: We have
not yet given the floor to the organisers
of the broadcast of this conference – Rossiya-1. Give
the microphone to the right sector. Raise your hand
and stand up, please, Rossiya-1, now I see you. Go ahead, please.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Alexander Khristenko: Good
afternoon.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Alexander Khristenko,
Rossiya TV channel, VGTRK.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Mr President, our National
Welfare Fund is growing, there…<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Vladimir Putin: Thank
God.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Alexander Khristenko: There
are trillions there, and more is expected next year. But our financial
officials always argue, including in this room not so long ago, whether it
is better to save or to spend? Do you think that more should be
spent, including in order to spur economic growth?
And in connection with this, another question: why are we so afraid
of inflation?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Thank you.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Vladimir Putin: I will
start with the end of your question. We are not afraid
of inflation, but we believe that it is necessary to target
and reduce it, because rising inflation means declining real incomes. We
already have issues here that require additional attention, to say
the least. So why do we need inflation?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">It means price increases,
but we do not want price increases. This is one of the fundamental
macroeconomic conditions for economic growth. Inflationary expectations
undermine the investment process, that is the point. But we have good
performance here.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Russia is certainly one
of the leaders among emerging markets regarding the state
of its financial and budgetary system. According
to the latest data, this year’s inflation is 3.25 percent; this is
a very good indicator for us, and at the beginning
of next year it may well come down to 3 percent.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">As for the reserve
funds and the National Welfare Fund. Yes, it really has almost
tripled this year. This is a very good indicator.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">To spend or not
to spend was your other question. Look, 20 percent
of the National Welfare Fund has already made its way
to the economy via a variety of tools, including through
VEB. Of this 20 percent, 8 percent was spent directly to fund major
infrastructure projects, such as the Central Ring Road
in Moscow.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Rolling stock is being
purchased for Russian Railways, which is good for transport, keeping
jobs and developing transport engineering. Finally, the money was
used to improve rail traffic on the Baikal-Amur Mainline and the Trans-Siberian
Railway. I am aware of the miners’ concern about
a bottleneck there, but the situation would be really bad if it
weren’t for the money already invested in eliminating
bottlenecks on the Baikal-Amur and Trans-Siberian railways.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Indeed, we are witnessing
changes in the coal market, in Europe for example,
and we need to ensure the development of the east, so
we will go ahead and do this, possibly using the National Welfare
Fund.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Last, we made
a decision to freeze spending from the National Welfare Fund
to allow it to grow to 7 percent of GDP.
As a matter of fact, we are already there at 7.3 percent.
Technically, this money will only reach the accounts
in the summer of 2020, and we will then be able to use
it more actively.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Notably, and most
importantly, these funds have a higher purpose, to ensure national
currency stability, which the fund is effectively doing. It is
to a certain extent our safety bag.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">As you may be aware, we
honoured almost all of our social commitments in 2008 amid
the serious international crisis and spent funds from accumulated
reserves despite the sharp drop in federal budget revenue. We were
able to accomplish this thanks to these reserve funds. Spending money
left and right like a farmer sowing seeds oblivious to what
could happen if energy prices fall is the easiest thing. But we will not
do this, and will instead use the funds in accordance with
the decisions adopted earlier.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Dmitry Peskov: Let’s
move this way. Here is Yaroslavl, our colleagues from Yaroslavl. Stand up,
please. Please, pass on the microphone there, on the left.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Arseny Kondratyev: Good
afternoon, Mr President. Arseny Kondratyev, Yaroslavia State Television
and Broadcasting Company, Yaroslavl Region.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">My question continues
Match TV’s topic about WADA, but it is not about sports – it’s about
the development of the regions. Now that our athletes have been
banned from participating in international competitions, other big events
are under question, and Yaroslavl was the proposed venue for the 2022
Volleyball World Championship.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">For Yaroslavl
as well as other cities it is a unique opportunity to build
new sports facilities and to develop transport and tourism
infrastructure. Will we and other cities lose this opportunity now?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Vladimir Putin: I do
not think so, because WADA did not prohibit the hosting of these
events; let’s read this more closely: they recommend international federations
not to host events. Let’s just say, the UEFA European Championship is
still happening.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Recently I have had
a meeting with the head of this organisation, who said directly:
“The tickets are sold out.” Who will return them? WADA is not going
to reimburse the tickets; this is nonsense. I think that
the volleyball championship you mentioned will also take place.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">You know, I think that
we should calmly wait for the decisions, including the decisions
by the Court of Arbitration for Sports, and then we
will see where we are. However, Russian athletes have been preparing
for all the competitions and will continue to do so. They
are brilliant, and they will impress us with their victories many times.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Dmitry Peskov: I can
see our largest state newspaper, Rossiyskaya Gazeta. Please. Stand up, please,
so everyone can see you. Wait, where are they? One moment, I just saw
Rossiyskaya Gazeta…<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Vladimir Putin: While
he is choosing…<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Dmitry Peskov: Just
a moment, please. Here we go.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Vladimir Putin: While
he is choosing, let’s have question from CCTV. Go ahead, please.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Sun Yao: Good afternoon, Mr
President.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">I am
a correspondent of China’s CCTV media corporation. I have two
questions.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">The first question is
about Chinese-Russian relations. This year marks 70 years since
the establishment of diplomatic relations between our countries. We
can say that our bilateral ties have entered a new era.
And my question is this: which results of our partnership do you
see as the most significant, and what future cooperation
potential do you see between our countries?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">The other question is
about international affairs. The global situation today is full
of uncertainty and instability. Obviously, some countries pursue
a policy to maintain a unipolar world and protectionism,
undermining the foundations of international law and free trade,
while China and Russia are both supporters of a multipolar
world. So what steps do you think China and Russia could take
to support the original principles of a multipolar system
and free trade, and how could they effectively respond
to external challenges?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Thank you.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Vladimir Putin:
The most important thing that we have achieved in recent years,
between Russia and the People’s Republic of China… The most
important thing is not even the figures I will cite
in a moment, or the industries in which we
cooperate – the most important achievement is the unprecedented
level of trust that has developed between our countries.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">This is what forms
the basis for our accomplishments in the economy (our
bilateral trade has topped 100 billion, and we will certainly attain even
200 billion, we will reach that mark), and for our successful
high-tech projects – in space exploration, the aircraft
industry, and transport in general, and in many other
areas.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Russian-Chinese cooperation
is undoubtedly a major factor of international stability, including
the strengthening of international law and the creation
of a multipolar world.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">As a matter
of fact, it has already been created; a unipolar world no longer
exists. After the collapse of the Soviet Union, there was
an illusion that this system was possible and that it would last
for a long time, but it was only an illusion. I always said
so. The most recent events have indicated just that. When you say ‘some
countries,’ you, first of all, mean the United States.
The world’s multipolarity is a derivative of economic relations.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">After World War II,
the US share in world GDP was 50 percent. And now China’s share
is higher than the US’s share, I may be mistaken, but China is ahead
of the United States in its share of global GDP.
And also in many other indicators. In terms of purchasing
power parity, the Chinese economy has become larger than the American
one.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">This inevitably leads
to changes in many other areas. And apart from that,
the world simply cannot have a unipolar structure, with a single
centre that governs the entire international community.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">The role of our
interaction with China is very important here. We will continue
to strengthen our multilateral strategic ties. I am sure that this
will benefit the people of China and the Russian Federation
alike.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Dmitry Peskov: Rossiyskaya
Gazeta, take the floor, please.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Remark: The Urals!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Vladimir Putin: Wait,
wait.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Remark: Mr President,
the Urals!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Vladimir Putin: One
moment, keep it down, please. Come to the meeting then.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Remark: Please give
money for schools and the metro.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Vladimir Putin: Alright,
I understand.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Kira Latukhina: Kira
Latukhina, Rossiyskaya Gazeta.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">I would like
to return to the issue of our Victory
in the Great Patriotic War. Next year we will celebrate
the anniversary – the 75<sup>th</sup> anniversary,
the Year of Memory and Glory. But at the same time,
in September this year, the European Parliament adopted
a resolution stating that Nazism and fascism are equated with
the Soviet regime, having timed it with the anniversary
of the outbreak of World War II. They are calling it totalitarianism
and suggesting introducing a new international holiday
to celebrate the day of heroes of the fight against
totalitarianism on May 25. What do you think about it? What is your
opinion?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Vladimir Putin: There
is nothing good about totalitarianism, it is worthy of condemnation,
without any doubt.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">I know about
the European Parliament’s decision. I consider it absolutely
unacceptable and wrong, because you can condemn Stalinism
and totalitarianism as a whole, and in some ways these
will be well-deserved reproaches. Our people were the biggest victims
of totalitarianism. We condemned it and the personality cult
and so on.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">But to equate
the Soviet Union or to put the Soviet Union and Nazi
Germany on one level is incredible cynicism. This means that people do not
know history; they cannot read or write. Let them read the documents
of that time, let them see how the so-called Munich Agreement was
signed in 1938, when the heads of the leading
countries – France, Great Britain – signed an agreement with
Hitler on the partition of Czechoslovakia.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">How did Poland behave
in this situation, which, as one diplomat wrote
at the time, “did everything possible to participate
in the partition of Czechoslovakia?” How did the Soviet
Union behave then, proposing to all participants in international
life to create a united anti-Nazi front?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">And how, by not
creating it, they were really trying to push Hitler to aggression
to the East, not realising then that Nazi Germany was interested not
in Polish-German relations, but in expanding their living space
to the East, that is, war against the Soviet Union.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">You see, I mean
to write an article about this event. I will definitely have it
published because I asked my colleagues to select archive
materials for me. When I read some of them, everything becomes
clear: everything in the process of appeasing Hitler is sorted
out by year, month, and almost by day.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Stalin did not stain himself
with direct contact with Hitler whereas the French and British
leaders met with him and signed some documents. Yes
the Molotov–Ribbentrop Pact and the secret protocols to it
were signed.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Is it good or bad?
I draw your attention to this – it is crucial – that
the Soviet Union was the last country in Europe to sign
a non-aggression pact with Germany. All the others had signed it
earlier. And what was the Soviet Union supposed to do? Face it
alone?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Yes, they say there were
secret protocols, the division of Poland. Poland itself joined
in dividing Czechoslovakia. It entered two regions – Tesin
and another one. And that’s it. Poland took them over. They in fact
gave an ultimatum and set up an entire group
for the aggression. But it was not needed because Czechoslovakia
surrendered under pressure and gave those territories away. But
the Poles did the same.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">By the way, yes,
Soviet troops entered Poland under the protocols. I draw your
attention to the following circumstance: the troops did enter
but only after the Polish government lost control over their armed forces
and over the developments in Poland while the government
itself was somewhere near the Polish-Romanian border. There was no one
to talk to about it. Do you see this?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Moreover, we talk about
the heroic defenders of the Brest Fortress. Nazi troops captured
Brest-Litovsk and then just abandoned it, and the Red Army moved
in. Do you understand this or not? This is what I want to ask
all those who adopt such resolutions in the European Parliament.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">That means the Red Army
did not invade those territories in Poland. German troops entered them
and then left, and after that the Soviet troops entered. Does this
mean anything? So I will definitely let you know about that.
By the way, we are holding a CIS format meeting tomorrow,
and I want to show my CIS colleagues some of our
archival documents. Anyone interested is welcome to come and listen.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Dmitry Peskov: You
know, I saw the upper part of the central sector: Irkutsk.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Yekaterina
Machavariani: Yekaterina Machavariani, the Krasnaya Liniya TV
channel.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Mr President,
my question is not about Irkutsk, but about former Irkutsk Region Governor
Sergei Levchenko, whose resignation you recently accepted.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Our correspondents have been
in the region, in particular, in Tulun, since August,
and they see a slightly different picture than the one shown
by the federal media. And the figures achieved
by Sergei Levchenko speak for themselves.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">He is the only governor
who managed to double the budget over three years and increase
the speed of social housing construction six-fold
and of the region’s economic development by six percent,
which is higher than the world average.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Speaking about relief
efforts following the floods, even your Plenipotentiary Envoy
to the Siberian Federal District Sergei Menyailo praised their speed:
today 98 percent of the victims have received either housing
or housing certificates. There are only 46 people
at the temporary housing centre, and almost all of them
have housing certificates.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">My question is why you
accepted the resignation of such an effective governor? Is Tulun
the real reason or is there something else? Thank you.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Vladimir Putin: Listen,
if you are hinting at his membership of the Communist Party, let
me assure you that this has nothing to do with it. There are
representatives of the Communist Party and other parties,
including the Liberal Democratic Party of Russia, who won
the elections and work as governors in other regions, too.
This does not matter to me. The main thing is that the governor’s
work is effective.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">You have mentioned some
figures. But I have different figures, which say that there are still many
problems in Irkutsk. This is the first point.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Second, I cannot say
that Governor Levchenko was bad at what he did. No. But the situation
there was too difficult to work slowly, and the elections were
approaching. I did not accept these resignations straight away;
I looked into them. You said that everyone has housing. Is that really so?
Winter has come. This is the second point.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Third, you may have noted
what people said when I was there. Including “Send us different people.”
I took my time and watched how the situation was
developing.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">So there are many problems
there. You know, I do not want to throw stones at someone who
has already left. Of course, he was working hard, especially
in the beginning. But these conditions require a specialist who
can work on the tasks that need addressing.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">I believe
the person we have chosen, a deputy emergencies minister, will
resolve this challenge, especially with the support
of the federal centre, which is allocating a lot of money
for this.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Dmitry Peskov: We have
undeservingly overlooked RBK.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">RBK, please.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Polina Khimshiashvili: Good
afternoon. Polina Khimshiashvili, RBK.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">You mentioned your meeting
tomorrow: you will meet with the President of Belarus. Tell me
please, what do you think the Union State should be like? What should be
shared in politics and in the economy? What specifically
does Alexander Lukashenko dislike in your proposals? And if Belarus
insists that gas prices should be the same as in Russia, does
this mean that with the gas issue we can have a single state
and in other issues we cannot?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">And another question
on the same subject. Many people are focusing
on the year 2024 and think that hypothetically you
will be able to head the Union State.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">And,
as a follow-up to my colleague’s question about Ivan
Golunov: maybe you have been told who ordered the planting of drugs
on him? Thank you.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Vladimir Putin: So far
I do not have any information on who ordered that, just
to answer this part of your question.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">As for our
relations with Belarus and energy resource prices: first, I think
the decisions made to form the Union State were correct.
The Russian and Belarussian peoples are, in my opinion,
the same as the Ukrainian and Russian peoples; it is almost
the same thing in terms of ethnicity and our history
and spirituality. This is why I am very happy that we have such
rapprochement with Belarus.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">And we have achieved
certain goals here, especially in the social area. However,
the decisions taken on the creation of the Union
State, the majority of the basic decisions have yet to be
implemented. About 90 percent of each issue have not been done yet. Please
read what is written there, this is not a classified document; there is
almost nothing there.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">A lot has been done
already within the framework of the Eurasian Economic Union,
and in some respects economic integration in the EAEU is
more comprehensive than in the Union State. This is why I, and Alexander
Lukashenko, decided to return to this and see what should be
done to expedite the development of the Union State.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">We have taken
the relevant decisions in the EAEU on energy resources:
to fulfil certain decisions, including establishing a common energy
market and on oil and gas issues, by 2024. Indeed, we sell
everything to Belarus duty free. This is the first thing.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Secondly, with regard
to our energy exports, including gas to Europe and Belarus.
Firstly, Belarus pays the lowest prices that are even possible
for our foreign partners. Let me remind you that they pay $127 per 1,000
cubic metres. We sell to Europe for $200. So Gazprom’s profitability
from sales to Europe and Belarus differs – do you know
by how much? Four times. In Russia, the weighted average price
of gas is $70 per 1,000 cubic metres – $70 is the weighted
average, with $75 for industry and $62 for retail consumers.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Furthermore, the longer
the distance from the production sites, the more we subsidise
this price. Smolensk is located in a zone where subsidies are
the highest. Smolensk consumes approximately 2 billion. We sell 20 billion
to Belarus. And if we subsidise the entire Belarusian economy,
it means that we, Russia, are subsidising a primary energy carrier such
as natural gas for a whole country. But this, you see, sounds
like a very strange idea. That Russia should subsidise another country
as much as its most subsidised region – Smolensk. This would be
just strange.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Is this even possible
or not? It is. But what do we need for this? To do this, we
would need general rules such as laws, including taxation laws, laws
on the subsidy policy, and on support of certain
industries through budgets of different levels. To do this, we would
also need common supranational bodies – control and issuance bodies.
Common rules should be applied in the field of antitrust policy,
and maybe a common body would be needed. This is a huge job,
and it can be done and realised only if there is political will
and interest on both sides. Incidentally, we have such
an interest. We are discussing this with our Belarusian partners,
and we are making significant progress on that. But how far we will
go is not yet clear. So it would be a mistake, on our part,
to jump the gun and begin to subsidise Belarus. We are not
ready to do so, given the unresolved issues in building this
Union.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">As you know, we also
sell oil duty free, which entails a large shortfall
for the Russian budget. We are now reconfiguring our tax system
in this field, and gradually increasing the severance tax
(mineral extraction tax) simultaneously reducing the export customs
duties. Due to these changes, Belarus is indeed losing the premium it
had from the zero customs duties and the subsequent export
of oil products. This is our domestic policy.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">This has nothing to do
with Belarus. It depends on a number of other
circumstances – the Government of the Russian Federation,
the Ministry of Finance, and the Ministry of Energy
consider it better for us to regulate the industry differently,
in a different way, bearing in mind our budget losses arising
from the activities of economic operators within the country.
But we understand all these problems, and are conducting a dialogue
with our colleagues and we will continue doing so.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Allow me to remind you
that we support our Belarusian friends through so many channels. Belarus has
received about $7 billion or so in loans alone, as far
as I know. And we will continue to do this. But all this
should be done through dialogue, and we are ready for this dialogue,
and we are ready to open our market further. You know that Russia
accounts for almost 90 percent of all agricultural exports from
Belarus. And so on and so forth. This is just routine work;
in fact, we are working very smoothly, doing balanced work in this
area.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">I repeat once again, we
are close to agreement on some matters; on others, agreements
have not been reached yet. We will continue working.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Dmitry Peskov: Let us
move away from our European borders. I see Magadan over there. Go ahead,
Magadan. Please stand up and introduce yourself.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">(Remark from
the audience.)<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Vladimir Putin: Thank
you very much.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Dmitry Peskov: Thank
you. And now Magadan, please.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Olga Burlya: Good
afternoon, I am Olga Burlya, Kolyma Plus regional TV company, Magadan.
Thank you from Kolyma residents, Mr President, for your support
for the Far East and care for the Magadan Region,
in particular.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Let me go back
to the Far East mortgage. Our colleagues from Omsk may have it, too,
whereas the programme has already been launched in the Far
Eastern Federal District, we already have the first borrowers. It is
an excellent initiative with an attractive interest rate of two
percent.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">But could it happen that
the banks start toughening the conditions and requirements
for such unprofitable and inconvenient clients? We already know that
problems can arise when using the maternity capital to make mortgage
payments. Families with children are refused mortgages by large banks.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">What are the guarantees
for potential participants in such state-support programmes? Thank
you.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Vladimir Putin: Banks
do not refuse to use maternity capital for resolving mortgage issues.
It is just that the procedures for receiving the money are too
complicated and create problems for people. You are absolutely right
here. The situation undoubtedly must change. We have to cut
the number of days needed to transfer the maternity capital
as the down payment or as a mortgage payment
and so on.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">In general, such
decisions are being made now, the number of days will be halved. But,
as some of my colleagues think, this is also not enough. What do
we need to do here? We have to expand the use
of the so-called electronic turnover so that the relations
between the bank’s client and the Pension Fund, which channels
the maternity capital, and respective developers should not involve
a person. Thus a person can just submit an application,
and the banks will immediately take matters up with the Pension
Fund regarding how much money and when they will receive. In this
case, it can be done within one day, and we can and must do it. We
discussed it quite recently with my colleagues, and we will do that.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Concerning the two
percent mortgage interest rate for the Far East. Why should banks
refuse? We subsidise that from the federal budget. This interest rate will
not bring any losses to them; on the contrary, it is
a state guarantee. So I do not expect any problems here. However, we
will be monitoring the practice, the implementation of these
measures.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Dmitry Peskov: Here are
our colleagues from the foreign media. Introduce yourself, please.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Christian Esch: Good
afternoon, Mr President!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">My name is Christian
Esch, I head Spiegel magazine’s Moscow office.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">I have a question
that concerns a matter that worries and annoys Germany,
the murder of a citizen of Georgia of Chechen
ethnicity, Zelimkhan Khangoshvili. The information coming from Moscow
and Berlin is decidedly different.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Therefore, I wanted
to ask you, first, about the killer. Germany says it did not receive
proper information from Russia. It turned out that this person was identical
to a person who had already been in prison in Russia. So
there must be information about him.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">The second question
concerns the murder victim. You mentioned in Paris
at a news conference following the Normandy meeting that Russia
repeatedly asked for the extradition of this person.
The German foreign minister recently confirmed that there have been no
requests neither from Russia’s Interior Ministry nor through other channels. So
who is right, you or him?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Vladimir Putin: Both
of us, because these issues have been discussed at the special
services level more than once. Indeed, there was no official request from
the prosecutor’s office, because our authorities believed that doing so
would be pointless, since they received a negative answer.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Once again, I will
repeat what I said at the news conference in Paris. He was
an absolute bloody killer. He killed 98 people, just think about that, 98
people in the Caucasus in one day. Many countries declare
national mourning with many fewer deaths. He participated in bombings
in the Moscow Metro. And the list of his crimes goes
on. Indeed, we have repeatedly raised this issue at the special
services level.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">With regard
to cooperation, I believe the main thing we should understand
about this is that cooperation should be full and it should be
a two-way street.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">In Syria, we are
witnessing developments in the camps and prisons where ISIS
militants are held. Natives of Central Asia account for most
of the foreigners there, followed by Russia. But there are many
immigrants from Western Europe as well, including France
and the Federal Republic of Germany.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">We see that the people
you just mentioned – terrorists and murderers – walk freely
around European capitals. As far as I know, he was killed
in central Berlin. Picture such a person strolling down
the streets of a European capital. Would you like
the prisoners from these camps to come to you? Will you also let
them walk freely around your cities?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">To avoid this, we must
establish joint and highly effective work. This is what we are calling
for. We hope it will be like that eventually. This does not mean that such work
does not exist. It does. But its scope and nature are still insufficient.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Incidentally, at some
point, we warned the Americans about the Tsarnaev brothers,
or whatever their name is. We told them directly. First, we asked
to extradite them, as well, and then told the Americans
that they were a threat. They ignored us. The brothers then committed
a notorious terrorist attack during the Boston marathon,
and people died. Do you see my point? And you have bandits like
that walking around Berlin.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Dmitry Peskov: Introduce
yourself, please.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Svetlana Drobysheva: Svetlana
Drobysheva, Editor-in-Chief of the School, Gymnasium, Lyceum magazine
and author and former employee of Ogonyok, Rossiyaskaya
Gazeta under the name Seregina, and even Pravda.
I have worked everywhere, even in Tribuna. I have taken off
my glasses, because I had lost the hope that I would get
the floor.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Mr President, first
of all, I would like to present to you a copy
of the October 2000 edition of Ogonyok magazine, with
my address to you. It is titled Where is the Monument
to the Teacher? It is for the public
and for you as the newly elected President.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">First, thank you
for your quick response. The monument was erected
in the capital of Daghestan; my mother was
an innovative teacher who gave 49 years of her life to teaching.
I would like to be brief, but I have two questions about
the war, for Victory Day.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Dmitry Peskov: Let us
show consideration for our colleagues. Go ahead, please.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Svetlana Drobysheva: Yes,
well, if I may, I will ask for your help to present
my gift and ask all the questions I have.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">I would like
to ask you to pardon the person who erected this monument back
in 2006. It is called Monument to a Russian Teacher, and it
is 25 metres high. The man is Said Amirov, he is in prison now.
According to numerous data, he was falsely accused. This is the first
amnesty.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">I have a second
name here; it is the former head of Fryazino.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">There are two questions
regarding the spring of 1945. Perhaps we will touch upon May 9,
the 75<sup>th</sup> anniversary of Victory, and what awaits
us.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">First, I want
to ask you, Mr President, to award the status
of the Hero of Russia to Sofya Arakcheyeva, a scout
of the Znamensky squad who was tortured to death in Orel
Region in February 1942. I believe Sergei Mironov asked you about
this.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Secondly,
to immortalise her memory in films, music and television.
Newspapers wrote about this a lot, thank you all. Thanks to Potomsky,
former Governor of Orel Region, who erected a monument to Sofya
Arakcheyeva in Orel Region.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">If possible, I would
like to ask for five or seven passes to the Victory
Parade for those who collected signatures, such as teacher Israilov
and Deputy Governor of Tambov Region: all the signatures were
collected in 2013 for you.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">And my second
question. I will not take much time…<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Dmitry Peskov: You
know, I am sorry, but you have already done this.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Svetlana Drobysheva: Thank
you. I am sorry.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Dmitry Peskov: Respect
you colleagues. Thank you.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Vladimir Putin: Speaking
about the Heroes of Russia, I have to look into this;
I do not have the materials at the moment. I will ask
my colleagues to take your materials and look into
the archives.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">As for a pardon
for Amirov, yes, I receive a lot of requests
and I will look into this. But there is a court ruling,
and his crimes were proven during the trial; in any case, there
is no doubt. The pardon is a different thing, which is done
on different grounds. I know about this and we will think about
it.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Svetlana Drobysheva: (without
microphone.)<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Vladimir Putin: Do you
want a dialogue or my answer? Let us see. Give us
the materials, please.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">As for your
request about the Parade, please tell us who you want to bring
and it will be our pleasure to work on this.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Dmitry Peskov: Good.
Thank you.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">We have Channel Five;
I think I saw them here. Where is Channel Five? Raise your hand,
please. No need to shout. Left side, Mr President, Channel Five, St
Petersburg.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Yevgeny Gusev: Good
afternoon, Mr President.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">My name is Yevgeny
Gusev. I represent the Izvestia multimedia information centre
and Channel Five.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">My question concerns
sanctions and political pressure from the European Union. Here is one
telling fact. Latvia recently banned several Russian channels, including
Channel Five. The situation is very unpleasant. To be honest, our
colleagues in Estonia are involved in a conflict now,
and in other countries as well.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">The situation has not
improved of late, if anything, it has worsened. We can see this
in the attitude towards Russia in the European Union. Do
you think it can change for the better, especially since we all
understand that these sanctions are pointless? And how much does this
pressure affect Russia, and what impact will it have
in the future?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Thank you.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Vladimir Putin: We have
repeatedly discussed this topic. There are various assessments
of the consequences of these sanctions for all participants
in this unpleasant process, but they all boil down to the same
thing. For the European Union, the losses amount to some
of 50 billion euros. I do not remember exactly, but I believe
the World Bank estimated around $50 million; for Germany,
I believe, the losses amount to about 750 million a month
or so.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">These are major losses. This
is not just about money, some abstract sums. This is about jobs, the loss
of markets, including the Russian market. Other participants
in international economic relations are coming to our market.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">We actually support
a full normalisation, especially since none of that really works
effectively. Indeed, this policy causes us problems, but there are benefits,
too, and they are also obvious. One of them is the development
of agriculture, a leap in development: 24 billion in export
revenue – this is simply unbelievable! No one would have believed this
a few years ago. We spent a lot of money, trillions if we add up
all sources, on import substitution, but we used it well. Just look
at the result.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">For example, Russia has
never had its own helicopter engine industry. We have one now. We have built
facilities, including the plant in St Petersburg – above all
in St Petersburg. We did not make ship engines; there was simply no such
industry in Russia. It is a whole separate industry now. We have it
now, a next-generation industry, operating effectively. We have launched
an entire industry, with its science base, school, and production.
In the field of defence, we have made great strides. There is
still work to do, but the breakthrough is very noticeable, obvious
even.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Therefore, it would be
better, of course, to eliminate politically motivated restrictions
in economic activities. They result in huge damage to world
trade and the global economy. There are analyses of this. Say,
the US imposes restrictions on China – in reality they are
also actually sanctions – this affects the overall world economy,
and world trade levels promptly drop.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">If this continues, trade
will continue dropping. But there seems to be some progress, thank God,
in their relations. We can also be harmed by this, because it affects
us, it affects the demand for our major export commodities, etc.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">So there is nothing good
about this. But our economy – I can say this with full responsibility –
has been able to adapt to external shock, while our national currency
has actually become much more stable even with possible fuel price
fluctuations. In this respect, our economy and our national currency
are somewhat “detached” from world oil markets.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">The defence industry.
Go ahead, young lady, with what you have on the defence industry.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Lidia Novoseltseva: Good
afternoon, Mr President.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">My name is Lidia
Novoseltseva, I am from Rostov Region.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Defence industry companies
have been successfully operating in our region since Soviet times.
The latest advances in military science
and in the defence industry are quite capable
of a technological breakthroughs. Can you tell us if there are
measures under consideration…<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">I am sorry, I am
very nervous.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Vladimir Putin: It is
OK.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;"><b>Lidia Novoseltseva:</b> Are
there additional short-term measures under consideration
for the support and development of defence industry
competitiveness?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">And a wish, if
I may. Next year is full of anniversaries, including the 75<sup>th</sup> anniversary
of the Great Victory, and the 450<sup>th</sup> anniversary
of the Cossacks’ allegiance to the Russian state.
The city of Novocherkassk in Rostov Region will host
the World Cossack Congress. You have always supported Rostov Region
and the Cossacks. We would like to invite you
to the event.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Thank you.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Vladimir Putin: Thank
you for the invitation. This is very interesting. I will look
into my schedule.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Regarding the defence
industry and the developments there, first, the key is that we
have not only maintained it but it is also progressing at a very fast
and strong pace with the latest scientific and technological
developments.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">The first thing we did
in this area was upgrade the manufacturing base. We allocated huge
funds, I think it was 3 trillion rubles, to upgrade this industry.
And we actually created cutting-edge weapons systems on this base
using new design. We accomplished this expeditiously and consistently.
And we have achieved positive results, as life and experience show.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">One of the key
issues now is the debt burden in the defence industry. I am
not going to scare you with the numbers, but they are significant. It
is a matter of billions of rubles. The Government,
the Central Bank, all the shareholders in the process,
including the defence industry companies and the government
officials in charge, are now working to untangle this knot. There are
feasible market solutions. I will not get ahead of myself.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span style="color: #660000;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> Just a few days
ago, I had another meeting with my colleagues on this issue,
and I instructed them to draft the final version
of the solution within a week. These are big issues
for the people working in the defence industry,
and for the overall economy, because the defence industry
is to a certain degree a hi-tech industry driver. </span><span style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">We
will continue to develop it.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Dmitry
Peskov: In the middle – Gazeta.Ru. The first row.
Please, pass the microphone.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Margarita
Gerasyukova: Good afternoon, Mr President.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">I am Margarita Gerasyukova, from Gazeta.Ru.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">This
past May you said if anyone can establish a monopoly in artificial
intelligence – the results will be clear – that person would
rule the world. Can you describe Russia’s position today
in the race for the development of artificial
intelligence technologies? Where are we now – are we competitive
or are we catching up? And in which future or maybe already
achieved projects can the average Russian see the application
of artificial intelligence technology?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Thank
you.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Vladimir
Putin: The average person can already see applications
in banking, for example. Sberbank is active in applying digital
technologies in its customer relations and it has a practical
application.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">In general,
we have serious competitive advantages here too. I mean an advanced
mathematics school and everything related to it: digital technologies
based on mathematics. We have just discussed, your colleague asked
and I answered, the use of maternal capital. If we develop
these technologies, we will have fewer technical problems like this.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">The modern
concept of artificial intelligence is still being developed. There are
several definitions of artificial intelligence and the highest
is a spontaneously developing, so-called “thinking” intelligence.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">We
have made progress in some areas, and in some, we have not done
enough. But there are some obvious things: apart from banking, there are, say,
unmanned aircraft and autonomous vehicles. Our Yandex and KAMAZ
vehicles have already logged over a million kilometers.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Yes,
so far this is being done on a limited basis; yes, so far it is not
being applied comprehensively in everyday life. However, these are
the first steps, without which development is simply not possible. These
are technologies that can be used in almost every area of manufacturing
and life.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">We
believe, and I continue to believe that the most important
question for our long-term development is the question
of national security and the survival of the Russian
state in general. This is because the capabilities of artificial
intelligence will influence both defence and the pace
of economic development.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">We
have drawn up a programme and created a special pool
of potentially interested investors and participants in this
process. Each has received an assignment, each knows what to do.
There is a national project in this area and the resources
for it have been allocated. Therefore, this is one of the most
important of our development areas. I am not even talking about
the obvious things related to the quality of manufacturing
and labour productivity.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">This
is especially important for us, given our huge territory
and relatively small population – 146 million; if we do not move
in this direction, we will not be able even to guard our territory
properly. This is the point. These are absolutely substantive things. This
is one of the key areas of our development.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Dmitry
Peskov: Perhaps let us get back to the foreign media. Turkey,
Anadolu Agency, please.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Ali
Cura: Thank you. Ali Jura, Anadolu Agency.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Russia
has stressed many times that it supports the legitimate government,
in particular, in Syria and other countries where a crisis
situation remains. There is also a crisis in Libya. There is
a legitimate government recognised by the international community
there. The Western media say that Russia supports the so-called
Libyan National Army, that Russian mercenaries support them.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Would
you comment on this? Will you discuss this with President Erdogan,
including the Syrian topic? What else will you discuss? Thank you.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Vladimir
Putin: Do you believe what is written in the Western media? Read
what they write about Turkey and you will change your mind.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Seriously
speaking, of course, we are aware of the situation. We know that
various countries have relations with both sides in the conflict,
and the levels of relations are different.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Russia
actually maintains contacts with al-Sarraj’s government and stays
in touch with Marshal Haftar. We have a constant dialogue with our
partners, including those in Turkey, Europe, and other countries. We
understand that this is a very acute issue.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">You
also know very well who drove the country to this state. Russia was
against using military force in Libya, and the UN Security
Council Resolution on this prohibited former President of Libya
Muammar al-Gaddafi from using the aviation against the opposition,
which was armed, by the way. Instead, the Western coalition
started using its air force against Libya, perverting the UN Security
Council Resolution. As a result of this, a prospering
country whose quality of life was close to some European standards is
now in ruins, in chaos, torn by an unending civil war. It
is very difficult to determine who is right and who is wrong.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">In fact,
the Russian authorities are in touch with al-Sarraj and Haftar,
as I have said. We think that the best solution for all
the parties to the conflict would be one that would allow them
to end the hostilities and come to an agreement
on who, how and on what terms will run the country.
I believe that Libya is interested in this.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">This
is what we will definitely discuss with our partners in Europe.
I have just talked about this in a telephone conversation with
the German chancellor and the President of France.
President Erdogan and I have also discussed this. A Turkish
delegation will arrive in Moscow in the next few daysfor
a working visit, and their agenda will include this issue.
I hope we will find solutions that will be accepted by Libya
and the Libyan people, and I hope that together with
Special Representative of the Secretary-General Ghassan Salame we
will find the final solution.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Dmitry
Peskov: PRIME Agency, they have the smallest sign.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Maria
Balyuk: Maria Balyuk, PRIME Agency.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Mr
President, my question is: why does the state change the pension
system rules every several years, and why has it been freezing
the pension contributions of citizens for several years? Maybe
it is worth consolidating long-term rules that will not change anymore
and that will support citizens’ trust in the pension system?
And is it true that a new pension reform is coming?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Vladimir
Putin: As for the pension system, all the decisions
have been made and written into law, and no changes will be made
there. No new pension reform is being developed or even discussed
in the Government, the Executive Office or anywhere.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Certain
proposals of the Finance Ministry in this area apply only
to [pension] savings, which in fact can be considered investments. We
are simply speaking about their protection.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Dmitry
Peskov: You know, we have not yet given the floor to NTV. He has
almost lost hope. You do not have to introduce yourself.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Vladimir
Kondratyev: Thank you.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Mr
President, I have a question on domestic policy.
The demographic situation, as we know, was complicated this year,
as well as last year, but this year we see a record negative
result. This is connected, of course, primarily with the 1990s, with
the low birth rate. But is it now necessary to make up
for the population decline with an influx of immigrants
from the former Soviet republics, especially from the southern
republics? This does not please a significant part of Russians.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">And how
will the current Demography national project help here? Or maybe
the state has other effective measures, for example, simplifying or,
perhaps, easing legislation on granting citizenship
to Russian-speaking compatriots?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Vladimir
Putin: In my opinion, much more can be done concerning
migration.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">There
are only two approaches (in the world and in general)
to solving the demographic problem in the world. They are an increase
in the birth rate, natural population growth, and immigration.
In Canada, for example, a whole ministry deals with immigration,
if I am not mistaken. But what do they do? They do not just accept everyone;
they accept people of a certain age, with a certain health
status and level of education. In fact, we also need
to approach migration in this way.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Of course,
it is easier for people who know and respect Russian culture
and who speak Russian to adapt to the situation
in Russia. This is why it is easier, for example,
for Belarusians, Ukrainians and Moldovans, because it is simpler
for them. And the locals take it easier. There are 3 million
Ukrainians living in Russia, and almost the same number came after
the tragic events in Donbass.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">It
is more difficult to adapt for those who come, for example, from
Central Asia. What can we do? We have to introduce our education systems,
open Russian language courses, Russian schools and university branches, so
that those who come here feel more comfortable and do not irritate
the locals, which can happen when they see disrespect for our culture
and history. This is not only true for those who come from Central
Asia but also for domestic migrants, for example, from the North
Caucasus.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">We
were talking about Chechnya or any other republic, Daghestan,
for example. Some people behave in a way they never would
at home. This can be irritating, but it does not mean we should ban people
from moving around. The economy requires an influx
of immigrants, and the lack of qualified people
in the labour market is an objective factor that holds
the economy back today.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">We
must do this smartly, systematically. It is simply necessary that
the people in the Russian regions work there, so that people who
move from one Russian region to another feel comfortable
and at the same time respect local traditions, laws
and rules. I believe this can be done and must be done, if
approached systematically.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Dmitry
Peskov: We have been working for two and a half hours now.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Let
us give Crimea a chance to ask a question. Please stand up.
Stand up and raise your hand. No, not you. Yes, you, young lady, please,
go ahead.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Irina
Ivanchenko: Mr President,<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">First,
Crimeans are expecting to see you next week in Crimea, where, we
hear, you will be opening a railway across the Crimean Bridge.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Vladimir
Putin: That is right.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Irina
Ivanchenko: My question is about ill children. I am one
of those Russians who start their mornings by sending out text
messages collecting money for sick children’s treatments. I cannot
sit back and watch the televised reports, they tear up my heart
and soul, and it is impossible to live and breathe after
watching them.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Please
tell me whether it is possible to have Russian children treated
and rehabilitated free of charge, without any preliminary conditions
or benefits? Thank you.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Vladimir
Putin: First of all, you are aware that healthcare is free
in our country, just like education. There are segments covered
by privately owned healthcare institutions. Therefore, we are talking
about the need for significant changes in primary care, since
people should be able to receive medical assistance free of charge.
This applies to everyone, including children, especially children. This is
what happens in the vast majority of cases.
By the way, I already mentioned that we had significantly
reduced child mortality. This is one way to resolve demographic problems.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">I will
get back to your question, as I have something to add
to my answer.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">You
mentioned 1999. Look what happened then. I have already mentioned it many
times, and the demographers are well aware of it. We had two
major demographic troughs. It is a horrible thing to say, but
the total birth rate stood at 1.1 in 1943–1944 and 1999,
as if there was a war, the same rate. A major decline,
indeed. We are now haunted by this. Every 20 years, a thin generation
of those born in these years enters adulthood, the childbearing
age, but by definition, there are few of them, both men
and women.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Men
do not give birth to children, women do. Therefore, I want
to share the latest data with you. The number of women aged
20 to 29 has decreased by 4.5 million over the past few years.
These are objective numbers. What we need to do is strive to ensure
that the birth rate increases through second and third births, etc.
We must create proper conditions for people with children, as their
lives are not easy.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">If
there are more questions on this, I am ready to answer them. We
have planned a system of measures to support families with
the first child, and maternity capital – we have extended
the legitimate uses of maternity capital – and made changes
to the entitlement criteria for receiving child benefits.
Before, it was one and a half minimum subsistence baskets per family
member to be entitled to the benefit; now we have expanded
to two minimun wages. This will dramatically increase the number
of recipients of this benefit. And there is a package
of benefits. But still, we are looking at what else can be done.
As you know, we have made a decision on mortgages. If
a third child is born, the state immediately gives 450,000 rubles so
the family can apply for a mortgage.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">We
added some regions that previously were not included in this support
for families with children, in the Urals and Siberia
(answering questions from our colleagues from Siberia). Now, there too, people
can receive additional support.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">I know
this is not enough; we need to generally increase living standards,
on the whole, to achieve growth in wages and people’s
real incomes. The general sentiment, family planning and broader
planning horizons will depend on the economy.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Of course,
we need to make sure that children are treated with special concern,
and we are trying to do just that. With medicines, for example,
we have separated children’s pharmaceuticals into a special category
(which was not the case before). But this is far from the only thing
we have done.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">As for charitable
activities such as crowdfunding calls on our leading channels,
projects to help specific children – these calls and projects
cannot be prohibited. Helping even one or two children matters. If this
saves at least one life – it is great, and God will bless you
when you appear before Him; it will be good. Yet, these activities change
little in the bigger picture. What needs to be done is
to improve children's healthcare and bring it to a higher
level; this is true.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Dmitry
Peskov: I see Life News over there.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Vladimir
Putin: Hold on. Domestic violence. Do you want to ask about
the law?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Dmitry
Peskov: Go ahead. The third row in the centre.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Elina
Zhgutova: Good afternoon. Mr President, Mr Peskov and the world
watching us now.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">It
turns out that we do not have any problems more pressing today than domestic
violence. The Federation Council drafted a law it posted on its
official site.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">And the Federation
Council got more messages from citizens than it gets in one year.
The Russian Orthodox Church is opposed to the draft law, but
families with many children sign along. The LGBT community, feminist
organisations and even the sex workers’ trade union are collecting
signatures to support this law.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">You
said now that our demographics, the demography curve went into
a tailspin …<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Vladimir
Putin: It is not a tailspin, but a predicted decline,
an obvious trend.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Elina
Zhgutova: We nevertheless say that we must somehow resolve demographic
issues. However, this law contains provisions that allow officials
to enter any family. That is, there is a certain number
of scoundrels and sadists, but forgive me, we are being fed
deliberately overblown numbers. I personally on behalf
of my news agency sent an enquiry to the Interior
Ministry’s Main Information and Analysis Centre and I was given
the numbers that are totally at odds with what we are being fed
by that infamous Anna Centre which is one of the main …<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Vladimir
Putin: Your question.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Elina
Zhgutova: Your opinion. Have you read the text and do you think
it will be the last nail in the coffin of our demographics?
It actually containsprovisions for total control over the family.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">The question
is, what is your opinion? Have you read the draft law because it is
the biggest… A poll conducted by the Federation Council
shows that the majority of the 11,000 people polled are against
it whereas VTSIOM states that 70 percent of citizens support it. However,
the latter poll does not imply that the respondents read
the draft law whereas the Federation Council poll presupposes it.
People do not breed in captivity, we all know that.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Vladimir
Putin: They do not breed in captivity, that is true.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Elina
Zhgutova: I called it juvenile justice for adults.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Vladimir
Putin: They do breed in captivity– babies are born in prison
and in correctional facilities. But it does not matter. So you want
my opinion, don’t you?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">I have
not read the draft law but Valentina Matviyenko briefed me in detail.
What do I think about this matter? I have mixed feelings. One cannot
be forced to love, first and foremost.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">In the past
people turned to their trade unions or party committees
and demanded that these organisations bring order to families, rein
in a spouse, mostly men, of course. But I am not aware if
all that had any positive effect. But what I resolutely oppose is any
violence, including in families, and of course, against children
and women.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">This
is not just a sign of a very low level of general culture
when a stronger person starts pushing for their rights with fists
and crude physical violence. There is nothing good in it. Actually,
a number of felonies and misdemeanours can be prosecuted by applying
the existing legislative provisions, including hooliganism, battery
and grave bodily harm. All that is provided
for in the current legislation.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">But
indeed, you are right in saying that the overwhelming majority, over
70 percent of people support this law. I really do not understand if
they support this law or they are opposed to violence.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Elina
Zhgutova: Of course, exactly.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Vladimir
Putin: I am also opposed to violence, just like those 70 plus
percent of our citizens. Do we need this law? Let us discuss it
reasonably, in public; it must go through this sort of a check.
We must understand what is written in each of its articles, try
to predict the results that would emerge after the adoption
and application of the law, and then take the final
decision.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Dmitry
Peskov: Life News, the right side of the section.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Alexander
Yunashev: Mr President, good afternoon.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">On December 31,
half the country, those who do not work shifts, do not work anyway but
only pretend to be working. Perhaps it is time to make this
a day off, for example, instead of a workday
on Saturday? We will have time to prepare for the holiday,
and our wives will thank you, perhaps like your future wife. A year
ago, you said that you are a good man and will marry sometime.
And you are a good man.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Vladimir
Putin: You know, it would be better if your wives thank you. It will
strengthen your family. Family is part of society.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Regarding
a day off on December 31, I think this is of course
logical. I completely agree with your reasoning. This is obvious. But
I am not sure this should be done right now, impulsively,
on the eve of the New Year.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Some
employers have already announced that December 31 is not a workday.
In fact, I cannot but welcome this, if they find it possible. Can we
switch some non-work days for December 31? It is possible. We need
to analyse everything and see if it affects the people who work
in their gardens so we do not take an additional day away from them
in May, when everyone is at their dachas. This can be solved
as a matter of course. We will think about it.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Dmitry
Peskov: Let us hear from RT. We have forgotten about them.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Ilya
Petrenko: Mr President, Mr Peskov, colleagues,<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Hello
to everyone. I am Ilya Petrenko from RT. Thank you for this
chance to ask a question.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">RT
has a new social project, which is called Not Face to Face,
where my colleagues help solve topical problems in Russia. I can
say that recently we have had a lot of stories related
to the crisis and the lack of vital medicines.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">The Health
Ministry cannot agree with the purchasers on pricing, but it tries
to reassure people saying that there are analogues, that everything is
fine. However, we are really into these stories, and it turns out that not
everything is fine; the analogues are often not of the same
quality and people desperately search for medicines
on the internet. This problem exists with various medicines;
I can name two, Prednisolone and Frisium.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">By the way,
regarding Frisium, it looks like the problem has been dealt with
in a hands-on manner. However, this medicine still has problems
with registration. Another medicine – Fortum – is next in line.
Problems are cropping up with this as well, and the list goes
on.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Vladimir
Putin: We do not need an endless list. The New Year is fast
approaching.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Ilya
Petrenko: Maybe this is good because, as you know, when people hear
you, they begin to deal with problems quickly after the news
conference as they are haunted by your menacing look. But this is not
the most important thing; most importantly, we need a system-wide solution.
Here is my question. Do you have a system-wide solution to this
problem?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Thank
you.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Vladimir
Putin: The government has come up with a number
of solutions, which are being implemented. One of them, which they
themselves believe is very important, is about registering new prices
for medicines during an auction. This change should be implemented
soon. This decision has already been made. I mentioned children's
medicines, and children's prescription drugs have been put on that
list for the first time as well.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">With
regard to rare orphan diseases that require a high degree
of subsidising, they are the most expensive, and some
of them are purchased through official channels and some are not.
But, of course, we should not deprive people of the opportunity
to use these medicines, and they need to be registered.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">We
must not forget about developing our own pharmaceutical industry. Notably,
the Soviet Union was buying medicines in large quantities mainly from
Eastern Europe, the so-called countries of the people's
democracy. We are currently developing our own pharmaceutical industry.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">We
are now exporting our medicines to 90 countries, which is unprecedented.
Since we are exporting them, this means their quality is recognised
as world-class, otherwise nobody would be buying them. I may be
mistaken, but last year we sold over 700 million (780 actually, I think)
of our medicines abroad.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">There
are things that need to be approached delicately. People get used
to certain medicines, including foreign ones, and we must keep this
in mind and let people use them. The Ministry of Healthcare
has certain proposals, and I think they will be implemented soon.
I mentioned some of them.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Dmitry
Peskov: I can see a sign saying Ufa. Please stand up, show
yourself. Give them the microphone.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Azat
Gizzatullin: Good afternoon, Mr President.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Azat
Gizzatullin, Bashinform News from Ufa, Bashkortostan.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">This
year the republic began to actively fight alcoholism.
In particular, the sale of alcohol was restricted on some
days, such as last school day and September 1.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Today
our parliament adopted a law that restricts the sale of alcohol
during the upcoming New Year holidays. Recently a survey was taken
that showed that two thirds (about 10,000 people) support these restrictive
measures.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">There
is another change: we are actively fighting those who sell illegally produced
alcohol, and people can receive a reward for information
on such sellers.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">My question
is that perhaps other effective measures are needed to fight this evil,
alcoholism, in addition to the many restrictive measures we
have? This year, thanks to these measures, the republic managed
to save almost 100 lives. This might seem like a small number, but
these are people who were not poisoned by alcohol.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Perhaps
you think other measures are necessary in addition to these
restrictions?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Thank
you.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Vladimir
Putin: Such measures are being taken. Look, there has been
in the past years and still is an anti-alcohol campaign
underway. People do not even see it.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Recently
I met with representatives from the German business community
in Sochi; perhaps you saw this. It is noteworthy that, counting pure
alcohol, Russians drink less than Germans. This is the result
of the anti-alcohol campaign. According to World Health
Organisation data, this is one reason that life expectancy in Russia is
growing, and we have reached 73.4 years, which is higher than last year,
and of course this is a notable achievement socially. This is
because people drink less alcohol among other things.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Are
any administrative restrictions necessary, like in the mid-1980s?
This would not hurt, but we should proceed cautiously. Probably we should work
on other areas, explain and give an opportunity to choose
between different types of alcohol, with an emphasis on products
with low alcohol content; I mean wine instead of hard liquor,
for example. By the way, winemaking in Russia is developing
quite impressively and effectively. This is why we have something
to work with here without using further legal restrictions.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">The main
thing is we have results.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Dmitry
Peskov: The left section please. I saw Vedomosti. Where is
Vedomosti? Raise your hand please.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Svetlana
Bocharova: Thank you very much.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Good
afternoon, Mr President.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">The newspaper
Vedomosti, Svetlana Bocharova, correspondent.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">You
have repeatedly said that the state must stay with the freedom
of the internet principle and provide ample opportunity
for the exchange of information. Do you personally think our
state still supports this principle, or are we moving towards some kind
of sovereign internet?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">And the second
question. If you think the internet is still free in Russia, what can
you say to the many users who are now afraid to be labelled
foreign agents under the new law?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Vladimir
Putin: A free internet and a sovereign internet are two
concepts that are not mutually exclusive. The law you spoke about has only
one goal: to prevent the negative consequences of Russia’s
possible disconnection from the global network, which is largely governed
from abroad. This is what it is about.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Herein
lies our sovereignty – that we have our own resources we can always keep
operating, so the internet is not cut off from us. The point
of this law is just that. Therefore, no, there are no restrictions,
and we are not moving towards suspending internet access and we will
not do that.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Regarding
individuals who may be recognised as foreign agents. I recently spoke
at a meeting with human rights activists, and I would like
to repeat – we did not invent the term “foreign agent.” This law
has been in force in the US since the 1930s – it was
adopted in 1938 or in 1939 (1938, if I remember correctly)
and it works perfectly.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Recall
a recent case where it was applied to an individual: our citizen
Maria Butina – an individual – was arrested, and locked
in jail without any reason. What kind of agent is she? Nothing
of the kind is being done here. Not even close!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">They
put this woman in prison, and even threatened her with a longer
prison term. Come on! There, this foreign agent, or whatever it is, is
punished with a good prison term of up to five years.
And we have only administrative penalties.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">As for individuals,
this is what is at stake. When the law was enacted because
of organisations receiving money from abroad that were essentially engaged
in domestic politics, every state – I want to emphasise
this – makes an effort to limit foreign interference
in domestic affairs. Therefore, our law is aimed precisely at that.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">If
you receive money from abroad, from foreign sources, in order
to carry out domestic political activity, then just say so: as you
know, he who pays the piper calls the tune. This is folk wisdom.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">If
you receive money from abroad, it is not unreasonable to assume that you
are taking orders from those who pay you. But you are still welcome; we do not
ban the organisation. In Russia there is no law prohibiting
the receipt of money from abroad even for domestic political
activity. But you have to at least declare it so that people know
about it.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">As for individuals.
Law enforcement practice shows that, a) there are things to pay attention
to and improve to avoid a broad interpretation. This is
the most important thing. Because anything can be called political
and domestic political activity: environmental work and work
in clearly humanitarian areas, including in the healthcare
sector. This cannot be allowed, and law enforcement practice needs
to be improved. And if the law is written so that it allows
this, it also needs to be improved.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">But
what did those bodies that were engaged in control over this type
of activity face? When an organisation begins to fall under
the criteria of a foreign agent, what did they start doing?
An individual receives financing from abroad and then transfers
the money to a legal entity, and it turns out that this
legal entity, an organisation, generally does not receive any money from
abroad. But the original source is understood – a foreign one.
This is the only thing this is about.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Dmitry
Peskov: We have not yet covered REN TV. REN TV, go ahead, please.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Andrei Dobrov: Izvestia Multimedia
Information Centre, REN TV, Andrei Dobrov.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Mr
President, a very simple question, and a very short one too. You
were close, but for some reason no one has actually asked over all this
time. It is about increasing people’s welfare. When will this actually happen?
I would really like to know. We have been talking about this,
in general, for a long time. It would be great to finally
see an increase.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Thank
you.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Vladimir
Putin: I have the latest data on all the main
indicators. I understand what you are asking. Indeed, in recent
years, we have seen a decrease in people’s real incomes,
and this is not good. This is one of the problems that we must
certainly resolve, but we must resolve it through higher labour productivity
and GDP growth – this is completely obvious.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">This
is where we should channel our efforts, because everything else, including
the distribution of money from our reserve funds or anything
like that will lead nowhere, and the money will quickly run out.
And if the situation in external markets, including oil,
changes, then the source will run out. Therefore, we need to address
fundamental issues of economic development and raise the level
of wages on this basis.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">The wage
level has actually grown a little over the past year. Real incomes
are also growing slightly. We have seen this in the third quarter.
But this is not enough, of course.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Again,
we need to work more on this. We have a lot of questions
about salaries in education, and in healthcare. I just
spoke about healthcare in detail – what steps I think need
to be taken there first. We will certainly work on this,
on everything that I have just mentioned.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Dmitry
Peskov: Let us take a question from this side. Let Yamal ask their
question.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Alisa
Yarovskaya: Thank you.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">My name
is Alisa Yarovskaya, and Yamal Region is our television channel. You
know, scientists say that one advantage of global warming is that
the Northern Sea Route is expanding. It passes Yamal. This is why
the port of Sabetta is developing now.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Vladimir
Putin: It does not pass Yamal but runs through our territorial waters.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Alisa
Yarovskaya: I agree.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">The corresponding
surface infrastructure is developing, including a railway line. But
the bridge across the River Ob has not been mentioned often lately,
and it is very important for us.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Our
Governor, Dmitry Artyukhov, is doing everything possible
for the project to be implemented, but we hear less
and less about it and want to ask if the heavy “federal
artillery” could get involved in this.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Vladimir
Putin: You know, the development of transport infrastructure is
set by plan. The governors, the Russian Government
and the Transport Ministry all come to me with such proposals.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">It
would hardly be viable to just take one project out
of the general context. Of course, the bridge you mentioned
is an important infrastructure project, because it contributes
to the development of that region.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">The railway
leading to the ports along the Northern Sea Route, as you
have said, is very important for us. This must be synchronised with
the volume of shipment along this route,
and the infrastructure must develop accordingly. We understand
and consider this.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Dmitry
Peskov: Here is a seasoned journalist, Alexander Gamov.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Alexander
Gamov: Thank you very much.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Alexander
Gamov, Komsomolskaya Pravda website, radio and newspaper.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Mr
Putin, you said you were writing an article on international affairs
for Victory Day. Can we count on printing it? You can give it
to Komsomolskaya Pravda and we will print it. We have
a large circulation.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Vladimir
Putin: Yes, of course.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Alexander
Gamov: Good, thank you very much. I will take you up on that.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Here
is my question. Someone already mentioned here that you became Acting
President on December 31, 1999, and spent two decades
on the post of President. I do not think there will be
a separate news conference dedicated to this.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Vladimir
Putin: No, you are mistaken; I was Prime Minister for four
years.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Alexander
Gamov: Prior to that, on August 9.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Vladimir
Putin: No, why? You left out the period when I headed
the Government.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Alexander
Gamov: Do you want to subtract this period?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Vladimir
Putin: The head of state and the head
of government are different positions and different responsibilities.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Alexander
Gamov: I meant that 20 years ago you were appointed Acting President.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Vladimir
Putin: And?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Alexander
Gamov: Can you share with us the most positive and the most
negative moments in your life as President? This is my first
question.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">The second
question is that sooner or later, we will have to come up with
a so-called power transition formula. Could you make us part of it,
so that we do not run into a surprise?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Vladimir
Putin: You could be one of the candidates. Of course. Why
not?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Alexander
Gamov: Who can it be, in your opinion? How can all this happen? You
are unlikely to want to change the Constitution, and we do
not want to let you go.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">My last
question is that you mentioned the notion of a historical
figure. Can Vladimir Putin already be called a historical figure?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Thank
you.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Vladimir
Putin: It is up to the next generations to give
an answer to that question. I do not think that we,
contemporaries, especially I personally, should be answering this
question. In the future, the people will evaluate what has been
done for the country, and maybe something has not been done.
I think that public opinion is the best measure here. It will give
the evaluation in the future.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">With
regard to the most outstanding and difficult events,
I already mentioned them: the most difficult are the major
terrorist attacks in Beslan (I will never forget that)
and Dubrovka.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">And the most
striking, the most significant ones… We have been talking a lot about
the need to raise the real incomes of the population,
however, we have not completely solved the issue of poverty.
I think we had the lowest level in 2014 – 11.3 percent
of the total population, of the country’s citizens.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">The number
has grown a little since then; the figures are not so noticeable but
there are real people behind them. So this is the most important issue we
have to resolve.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">But
overall, I want to say that in general if we look at what
the country was like back in the early 2000s and what it is
now – these are almost two different countries. I am not even talking
about security issues.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Truth
be told, we must call things by their names: until 2006 there were combat
hostilities – combat! – in the Caucasus with the use
of tanks, aircraft and other heavy equipment. Do you understand? This
is why I reacted so emotionally to the question
at the meeting with human rights activists when a famous film
director – whom I love and respect a lot – said, why
do we not rewrite everything from the start.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">You
remember what I answered. We rewrote everything once in 1917,
and we probably remember the lyrics – “We will destroy this
world of violence down to the foundations, and then
we will build our new world, he who was nothing will become everything.”
And at present we are trying to identify the names
of those who believed this, at the Butovo range and other
sites of mass shootings. This is a very dangerous road.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">That
is why we now have internal stability and confidence that the country
will keep progressing in this stable manner. This is probably
the main thing. The economy has changed radically. Yes, we do have
many unresolved issues in the economy, very many,
and the key one is increasing labour productivity
and on this base increasing the economic growth rate.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Yet
this is incomparable to what we had. We now have one
of the lowest foreign debts in the world. And how much
was it then? Inflation stands at 3.25. In the 1990s, it was 200
to 300 percent. Can you imagine? We have forgotten what it was like. This
is a totally different economy.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">This
foundation will let us resolve issues of ensuring our security. Take
the Armed Forces, what have they become now? And let us recall
the public sentiment when officers had their caps swept off in public
transport. Have we forgotten that too? But this is what we had, and quite
recently too.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">And then
it turned out that the state cannot be without the armed forces.
And I believe we are all proud of the level of our
Armed Forces. They have become one of the world’s most hi-tech
forces.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">All
this combined, in my view, is not my achievement alone but our
common achievement. Because what the Russian people and other peoples
of the Russian Federation went through from the 1990s
to early 2000s can be called a feat in itself.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Dmitry
Peskov: Now our Japanese colleagues, Kyodo Tsushin. Here they are. Go
ahead, please.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Hirofumi
Sugizaki: Thank you, Mr Peskov.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Good
afternoon, Mr Putin. Hirofumi Sugizaki from Kyodo Tsushin Japanese
news agency.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">My question
to you is not about the islands, but about your attitude, about your
vision, your view of nuclear war. You mentioned that the US is
reluctant, at least for now, to extend START-3. When this treaty
expires, there will be nothing to deter us from a new arms race and,
possibly, an upcoming nuclear war.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">What
do you think?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Vladimir
Putin: Curse the tongue that says it. An ‘upcoming nuclear war.’
What are you saying?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Hirofumi
Sugizaki: But nowadays we are seriously concerned, although we are well
aware that you are trying hard to at least maintain the status
quo, urging the United States to keep up the moratorium
and so on. However, you often warn of a mirror response. This
sounds very scary to me. I think that trying to win
a nuclear war is unacceptable and morally undue. What do you think
about this?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">I understand
that armies do need to periodically modernise their equipment
and weapons, but still there is the concept of sufficiently
reasonable. This concept should help maintain a strategic balance.
I think that probably, someday, in the near future, you will
come forth with a comprehensive peace initiative. Maybe you are
considering an opportunity to do this from Hiroshima?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Please,
as I represent Japan, I will never be forgiven if I do not
ask you about it. Recently, our peace treaty talks came
to a standstill. One of the reasons for this is
Russia’s concern about the Security Treaty between the US
and Japan. You have repeatedly spoken out on this subject, so
I will not repeat or go into any detail. Recently, because
the INF Treaty (Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty) has expired,
this has affected our relations because you have repeatedly said that
the United States and Japan are discussing the possibility
of deploying such missiles in Japan. On the other hand, you
told us in Sochi that you are helping China to develop a unique
early warning system. So we get the impression that Russia and China
already have if not a military alliance, very close allied relations
in the military technical field, as you put it. Please tell me
if a block confrontation is already emerging with Northeast Asia –
with Japan, the US and South Korea on the one hand,
and Russia and China on the other.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">And in this
current situation, is it possible for us – Japan
and Russia – to find a compromise for mutual
understanding, for mutual trust, so that we could sign a peace treaty
in the future? Thank you very much.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Vladimir
Putin: As for military cooperation between Japan
and the United States, you have right now practically answered this
question yourself. We are not the ones who said that the United
States was in negotiations with Japan over the deployment of its
medium-range missiles. This news was reported by Japanese and American
sources. How can we possibly fail to ignore this, including
in the context of the islands issue? Are there any
guarantees that tomorrow new American offensive weapon systems will not be
deployed on these islands? Where are these guarantees? There is no way we
could fail to discuss this subject. It seems to me that elementary
formal logic suggests this.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Could
we still be looking for a solution? We could. And we are doing
this jointly with the current Japanese authorities. We have good
trust-based relations with them and we are discussing all this
in detail and honestly. Have we found a solution? Not yet. But,
most importantly, I also spoke about this, we want to find one. This
can be any solution. As I already mentioned some time ago,
and my Japanese friends liked it, this should be a hikiwake – a draw –
which is a term used in judo.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Is
it possible to find a solution that the public will agree with?
We have been looking for it for 70 years and have not found it
yet. But we are ready to move further in this direction.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">As for alliances,
we do not have a military alliance with China and we do not plan
to create one. But we see that East Asia is seeking to forge
a military alliance, as well as some other countries, you have
just named them all – the United States, Japan and South
Korea – and we believe this to be counter-productive,
as this does not bode well.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">We
are developing cooperation with China in the field of defence
technology, among other things. Today, China is also a high-technology
country but there are certain projects that take up a great deal
of time to implement. I believe China is capable
of creating a missile early warning radar system on its own but,
with our help, it will do this faster. This system will add new quality
to the defence capability of our strategic partner.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">But
this is not an offensive weapons system. You named it correctly
and I was really surprised when you did so – surprised
to hear you refer to it correctly. This is a missile early
warning radar system, which means the system works when you are being attacked.
It is true that this is a purely defensive system and so far, only
the United States and Russia have systems like this. I would
like to repeat that this system does not encourage aggression and is
intended to protect one’s own territory.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Let
us ask another of your colleagues – from the BBC. They are so
fond of us, we really should give them the floor. I am eagerly
anticipating your question. Please, go ahead.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Steve
Rosenberg: I am Steve Rosenberg from BBC News.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Mr
President, Boris Johnson said different things about you. At one time, he
called you a merciless tyrant. He even compared you with Dobby from
a Harry Potter book. What do you think of him? What is your
impression of him? How do you think relations between our countries –
the UK and Russia – will change after Brexit?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Now
that people in the UK are waiting for the parliamentary
report on Russia’s alleged interference in political processes
in the country to be released, we hope, maybe, you will tell us
all about it. Has Russia interfered or is it interfering in UK
policy? Thank you.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Vladimir
Putin: Regarding statements by different politicians in various
countries about Russia and about myself as the head
of state, you see, I have long got used to having a certain
attitude towards them. What kind of attitude is it? I know where
my country’s interests lie. And whatever anyone might say to me,
it has absolutely no relevance compared to the fundamental tasks
Russia is interested in solving. (Applause.)<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Nevertheless,
we see, understand, hear and factor this in in our work. But
I would like to make a small remark. It is one matter when
a person speaks as he is striving for a position
of power, and a different matter when he speaks being vested
with that power. He has on his shoulders a responsibility for his
country, the economy and so forth.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">I think
that with account of Brexit, which you mentioned, Great Britain is
interested in developing economic ties with us. This view is also
expressed by UK businesspeople who work in Russia and whom we
consider to be our friends, not just partners but friends. Because they
are investors who come, invest money in our economy and create jobs.
We appreciate it and do everything to support them so that they can
feel at home here.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Are
there any other areas of common interest? There are. Quite recently we
discussed with some European colleagues the possibility of engaging
Britain in solving and discussing issues
on the international agenda that have been voiced here too.
I will not list them again. And Britain is interested in having
a more active part in resolving them, including with Russia.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Regarding
interference or non-interference. We keep on hearing numerous
assessments of the developments in Russia from official bodies
of power in different countries, including the UK. You yourself
spoke about that now. Is that interference or not? You express your
position on what is going on in our country. We reserve
the right to behave similarly with regard to you. If you think
it is interference, keep thinking it. But I do not believe it has anything
to do with interference.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Concerning
what is happening now. We can congratulate Mr Johnson as he is ultimately
the winner. He had a better grasp of the sentiments
in British society than his rivals, and that is why he won.
I understand he is set to pursue all his plans regarding Brexit.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Dmitry
Peskov: There was a question about agriculture here
at the very top. Raise your hand, please. Go ahead.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Vladimir
Putin: Siberia.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Marina
Sevostyanova: Good afternoon, Mr President. Agriculture.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Vladimir
Putin: Where are you?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Marina
Sevostyanova: I am here, in the centre. Svetich Agrarian
Media Holding. My name is Marina Sevostyanova. We have been participating
in the news conference since 2007 and we always try to ask
questions related to our sector, agriculture. In 2007, we were
the first to bring over a poster with our name. As you see,
the tradition took on.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Our
question is the following. The readers of our magazine Niva
Rossii and the newspaper Agrozhizn are concerned about
the issues of support for upgrading the fleet of farm
equipment.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Which
priorities can you name? For example, the 1432 Programme is about
subsidies for machine builders, federal leasing and cheap loans. Will
financing be added? Is it possible to keep in place
the instruments in this area for the next few years, since
they are quite effective anyway? Thank you.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Vladimir
Putin: I will not enumerate all these instruments because you spoke
so confidently about this, which may mean that you know all of them.
I believe we should use leasing more actively. It is a flexible
instrument that allows our farmers to work on the domestic
market and to promote their products abroad.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">There
are certain benefits, including within the framework of these
instruments, such as the protection of our producers
on the market, especially when it comes to purchasing under
national programmes. We will definitely preserve these instruments.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Some
of our EAEU partners aspire to become part of these
state-subsidised acquisition programmes. In fact, this is partly taking
place, but we nevertheless believe that domestic producers must have certain
advantages. You know already about these advantages. Russian producers stand
to gain even if prices go up a notch.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Some
sectors use the ‘odd man out’ rule – I will not waste time
trying to explain it; I believe it is clear to everyone.
In other words, all these programmes, come what may, will definitely
continue; none of them will be curtailed. In terms of support,
the biggest allocations go to agriculture, including agricultural
engineering.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Dmitry
Peskov: Mr President, it has been three and a half hours.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Vladimir
Putin: I can see over there “Siberia Is Suffocating.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Yekaterina
Nadolskaya: Good afternoon, Mr President. Yekaterina Nadolskaya, Russia
News. I am from Siberia, but I live in St Petersburg now. First
of all, I would like to thank you for the Universiade.
It was unbelievable, our athletes are the best. Even despite
the ill-wishers throwing mud at us, we have proved that we are
the very best.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">However,
I would like to say a few words about life after
the Universiade. As you know, Krasnoyarsk Territory is top
of the list when it comes to air pollution.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Vladimir
Putin: The city of Krasnoyarsk, not Krasnoyarsk Territory.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Yekaterina
Nadolskaya: Yes, Krasnoyarsk, but the people of Krasnoyarsk
Territory are not breathing easily either. They were suffocating from smoke
from the forest fires last summer, but they are also choking due
to toxic smog all year round. You probably felt it when you visited
the Universiade.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Vladimir
Putin: Yes, I did.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Yekaterina
Nadolskaya: You are aware then that many factories are located within city
limits in Krasnoyarsk. People hold demonstrations to point out that
they are suffocating, many die – a third cancer centre is being built
in Krasnoyarsk, yet the authorities do not seem to see
the problem. Will any measures be taken to prevent a repetition
of last summer’s inferno?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Since
I live in St Petersburg, I would like to ask you about
the Botkin Hospital. Dmitry Medvedev said recently that doctors should not
have to practice in a barn. What is the Botkin Hospital,
which is situated in the city centre and which
the authorities have been promising to repair for several years
now, if not a barn? Here are some pictures: broken glass, mice
and cockroaches. And the doctors who are trying to help
people there are paid 25,000–30,000 rubles. The authorities have promised
to reconstruct the hospital, but nothing is being done. There is no
infrastructure, only swans made of old car tires. And this is
in the centre of the city. Foreigners love to take
photos against these swans. Can anything be done to change this? We are
talking about the centre of St Petersburg. Thank you.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Vladimir
Putin: I know that the situation there is not good, dismal even.
I do not know about the specific renovation plans
for the Botkin Hospital. It is one of the oldest medical
institutions in the city, I am well aware of this.
I will definitely talk to the Governor about it. But I do
not know whether the Botkin Hospital is included in one of our
projects that we talked about today, as a primary care institution,
or as part of the development of healthcare
as a whole under the National Project. But I assure you,
I will certainly discuss the situation with the Governor.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">In addition
to this hospital, St Petersburg has other world-class medical centres
like, for example, the Almazov Centre. But this does not mean that,
while respecting those who work at the Almazov centre, we can neglect
those institutions where the situation is less favourable. I will
definitely talk to my colleagues about it, I promise you. This
is the first point.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">The second
concerns the environmental situation in Siberia and several
other regions. Yes, indeed, the situation there is far from perfect.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">As for the wildfires,
we have indeed had a lot this year. What is worse, they occur in such
places, I have to say, where it is very difficult to fight them:
to begin with, it is an over 600-kilometre flight. Do you see what we
have to deal with? It is a vast country. But the smoke emanates
from there, and with the wind blowing in the direction
of big cities, it easily reaches the cities, and it is hard
to do anything about it.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Unfortunately,
as a rule, all these fires are provoked by human activity; they
are the result of illegal logging or even legal activities,
where people believe they need to dispose of some industrial waste
this way. Even in everyday life, people often burn grass, leaves,
and so on. We need to work more often and more purposefully with
people on this subject to prevent such situations.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">We
also need to improve the forest protection system, and we will
do it now. We will partly transfer these responsibilities
to the federal level, including, first of all, air-based forest
protection, control and forest management – these functions will be
returned to the federal level.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Incidentally,
although forests take up a large area in Russia in per hectare
terms, we are not the champions in this respect, ranking third after
Canada and the United States. This does not mean we are doing so
well – the problem is still there, but I mean it is typical
for many countries, Russia included. Last year, we finally curbed some
of the last wildfires in December, but in February, they
flared up in other places – we have to do it non-stop,
unfortunately, and this problem also has to do with climate change,
among other factors. I spoke about this at the beginning
of our meeting.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">As regards
environmental problems, you know that we are implementing – we have
adopted a law on introducing modern technologies, something called
BAT – the best available technology. At the first stage,
300 enterprises that have the greatest negative impact
on the environment are required to adopt appropriate renovation
programmes. This work is ongoing; 12 companies have had their programmes
approved. Their effort has been recognised as meeting
the requirements. I know this is not enough. The remaining
companies of those 300, with the biggest emissions, will continue
working on it.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Dedicated
programmes were adopted for the twelve cities that face the most
appalling conditions, including Krasnoyarsk. In these locations,
industrialists will have to defend their development plans. The heads
of the corresponding regions are also expected to play
a role in this process.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">There
should be a plan of this kind for Krasnoyarsk as well. Let
me assure you that we are keeping this matter on our radars, and we
will work hard on it. This will be one of the national
priorities in the near future.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Dmitry
Peskov: I suggest that we turn to Tatarstan. You have recently
visited this republic.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Vladimir
Putin: Let us have a question on veterans.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Dmitry
Peskov: A question on veterans and then Tatarstan.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Sergei
Komkov: Mr Putin,<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">We
are now preparing to mark the 75<sup>th</sup> anniversary
of Victory. As you are well aware, this is a major celebration.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Dmitry
Peskov: May I ask you to please introduce yourself?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Sergei
Komkov: Sergei Komkov, Editor-in-Chief of the newspaper President,
and also President of the National Education Foundation, and your
authorised representative during the 2000 election campaign.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">I have
just returned from Krasnodar Territory where our newspaper carried out
a journalistic investigation on the situation regarding veterans
of the Great Patriotic War, including disabled war veterans. We
unearthed horrendous facts about the conditions these veterans live
in in Krasnodar Territory in general and specifically
in Sochi.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Sochi
built special retirement homes for veterans to mark the 60<sup>th</sup> anniversary
of Victory. Today, these buildings have turned into slums
or poorhouses. Veterans live there as if they were homeless,
and the buildings are falling apart. Today, the city authorities
are not only neglecting these properties, but also use them to their
advantage. They earn money by housing outsiders there, which means that
they operate a profitable business, while the veterans are suffering.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">They
came to the President newspaper’s editorial office
and complained about their lives. At the same time,
the city administration in Sochi is demolishing buildings that are
well-built and in good condition, simply destroying them, while
developers and investors in the city are saying, “We are ready
to provide veterans with marvellous, well-equipped flats in these
buildings, including disabled war veterans, while it would make more sense
demolishing the slums in order to make room for new
housing.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">In doing
so, the city authorities in Sochi are referring to your
instructions. I told locals who came to see me
at my Editorial Office as Editor-in-Chief that I would
never believe that the President of Russia could issue
an instruction that would be at odds with the Constitution, defy
common sense and run counter to the interests of veterans,
including disabled war veterans. I think that you would agree with me.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">I believe
that it is high time that order be restored and high-handed officials
in Sochi and Krasnodar Territory in general be brought
to their senses.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Second,
Mikhail Shchetinin’s unique school has been closed down and is about
to be liquidated in Krasnodar Territory. You supported this
institution back in 2010 when you issued an instruction to this
effect. This is one of the best schools Russia has in terms
of teaching patriotic values to the new generation
of Russians. This school was part of the UNESCO Associated
Schools Network.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">This
school is being destroyed by officials from Krasnodar Territory’s
Education Ministry, with support from the federal Education Ministry. They
literally hounded Mikhail Shchetinin to death. He passed away
on November 10, and now they are destroying his school. Russian
Federation Human Rights Commissioner Tatyana Moskalkova and all
the human rights activists have become involved in this process.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Dmitry
Peskov: Would you be so kind, your question, please?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Sergei
Komkov: My question is simple. Is it not high time we put an end
to all the outrages perpetrated by Krasnodar officials
and put things right over there. For our part, we,
as journalists, will monitor this process. The results of our
journalistic investigation have been submitted to the Prosecutor
General’s Office and the investigative agencies. And we will
send them to you so that relevant measures are taken.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Mr
Putin, I think we must put things right and do whatever we can
for our veterans and those who educate our future rising generations,
future patriots of our country, so that they do not suffer from outrages
committed by officials, whom you rightly described at the 19<sup>th</sup> Congress
of the United Russia party as certain elements, who should be
got rid of at the right time. Thank you.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Vladimir
Putin: Outrages, if they occur somewhere, must be eliminated, and not
only in Krasnodar Territory, but wherever they occur, everywhere.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">As for the veterans’
homes you have mentioned, I certainly know nothing about it. I do not
interfere in city development projects, even in such big
and interesting cities as Sochi. I simply know nothing about
this. This is why you were right in saying that I am ignorant
of this matter.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">At the same
time, I will make a point of talking about it with Venyamin
Kondratyev, the Governor of Krasnodar Territory, and I will
discuss the school with him as well – what is happening there. It
is, of course, the first time I hear about it, too.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Well,
as for cutting short outrages in Sochi, I think this is
quite possible and must be done as soon as possible, if there
are any violations, especially with regard to veterans and especially
ahead of the 75<sup>th</sup> anniversary of Victory. We
have replaced the mayor there quite recently and an entirely new
person has stepped in. We will certainly instruct him based on your
materials, thank you very much for this.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">There
is a woman sitting quietly over there, “Building Bridges.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Sergei
Komkov: Mr Putin, do you remember when you were running
for President, you published an article titled
“In the First Person?” Later I wrote a book titled In the Third
Person. Notes by the President’s Authorised Representative. I would
like to give it to you.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Vladimir
Putin: Thank you very much. They will take it now.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Please,
what bridges are you building? Please, pass on the microphone.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Olga
Fedorova: Good afternoon.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Samara
State Television and Radio Company. My name is Olga Fedorova.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">It
is common knowledge that rivers divide, while bridges make us closer.
A project to build a bridge across the Volga near Klimovka
in Samara Region has been launched quite recently. You have supported this
project. The bridge is being built from Klimovka on one side
to Togliatti, on the other. We understand what this means
for Samara. It is part of the Europe-Western China international
transport corridor. In general, how will this project influence interstate
cooperation?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Thank
you.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Vladimir
Putin: It will influence it in the best possible way, because,
despite growing trade with China, despite the fact that we have
the biggest volume of trade with our fraternal –
in the direct sense of the word – republics
of the former USSR and now independent states, infrastructure
development is clearly inadequate.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">I have
already commented on this: we have, regrettably, fallen behind our friends
in Kazakhstan. They have built their stretch of the road
to China. We must do our part of the job. And we will
certainly do it, including with regard to the bridge you have
mentioned.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">The “Heroes
of Byelorussia” are over there. Let us go back to this, especially
since we have just talked about the 75<sup>th</sup> anniversary
of Victory. Go ahead, please.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Ivan
Afanasyev: Good afternoon, Mr President.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Thank
you very much for the opportunity to ask this question. First
of all, I would like to thank you…<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Dmitry
Peskov: Could you introduce yourself, please?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Ivan
Afanasyev: Ivan Afanasyev, I represent Selmashevets from
Gomel, Belarus.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Dmitry
Peskov: What is your media outlet?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Ivan
Afanasyev: Selmashevets is what the newspaper is called, it is
affiliated with the Gomselmash holding company, which hopes
to continue its work on the Russian market. I believe there
will be enough work for both our friends from Rostov
and for Gomselmash.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Vladimir
Putin: Incidentally, our friends, Belarusian producers, sell a lot
of their equipment on the Russian market, and Rostselmash
is unable to sell even one piece of farming machinery
on the Belarusian market.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Ivan
Afanasyev: Mr President, there is a universal solution that has not
been made public yet. My father headed the Gomselmash production
association for 15 years, from 1972 until 1987. And today’s
Gomselmash, as you know it, is the result of his work. If you do
not mind, we will send this proposal to the executive offices
of the Belarusian and Russian Presidents.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Vladimir
Putin: Please, send it to them and to us.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Ivan
Afanasyev: But, first of all, allow me to thank you
for your history-making decision of February 2018, when you signed
an executive order on awarding the Order of Zhukov
to Major General Alexander Lizyukov, Commander of the 5<sup>th</sup> Tank
Army, who is my grandfather. Thank you very much for this.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Vladimir
Putin: Congratulations on your grandfather, you have good genes.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Ivan
Afanasyev: Thank you, Mr President.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Vladimir
Putin: Is that all?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Ivan
Afanasyev: I have not finished yet.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Vladimir
Putin: Let the colleague say, please.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Ivan
Afanasyev: Mr President, first of all, allow me to invite you
to the city of Gomel, where a monument to Alexander
Lizyukov and his two brothers was unveiled this year. This is
the result of citizens’ diplomacy. We create these monuments when
monuments are being desecrated outside Belarus and Russia, and when
false heroes are being placed on the pedestal.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">I know
that you must visit Belarus, which probably sustained the greatest
casualties during World War II in percentage to the population.
And I strongly hope that you and Alexander Lukashenko will find
time to pay tribute to the heroes of Gomel, those three
brothers who gave their lives.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">And here
is another related question dealing with this matter. The public in Gomel
Region and Voronezh Region have suggested holding a regional meeting
of the leaders of those regions in the Russian
Federation and the Republic of Belarus, where the heroic
Gomel residents fought.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">The administration
of Gomel Region supported this idea and initiative. The leaders
of Moscow, St Petersburg, Smolensk and Novgorod Region made this
proposal prior to unveiling the monument.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">We
will voice this initiative once again, but if you support it, I believe
that it will become highly probable that this initiative will be implemented
next year, when we will mark Alexander Lizyukov’s 120<sup>th</sup> birthday
in March. We ask you to support this initiative. This is
the first thing.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Second,
allow me to present to you a book on Alexander Lizyukov. It
will remind you of the person whom you brought back from historical
oblivion. You have restored tremendous historical justice and reinstated
this name in the great history of the Great Victory.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Vladimir
Putin: Thank you. Let me have the book, please. Thank you
for the book and for your initiative. We will certainly
consider it.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">That
young woman over there, will you please stand up?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Dmitry
Peskov: Please give the book to the colleague who handed
you the microphone.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Vladimir
Putin: Miss, take the microphone, please.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Wait
a second, we will get to the Jews.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Dmitry
Peskov: The young woman in a yellow top, just raise your
hand and stand still, and someone will come over to you.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Vladimir
Putin: Please, I am listening.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Farida
Jafarova: Hello, Mr Putin.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">I am
very nervous. You probably noticed my poster “Yekaterinburg loves You!”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Vladimir
Putin: Yes, I caught sight of it.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Farida
Jafarova: We desperately need a metro system.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Vladimir
Putin: Please, introduce yourself.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Farida
Jafarova: My name is Farida Jafarova, FREEPRESSA, a web edition.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Mr
Putin, we need a metro system really badly. Please help us to build
one.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Vladimir
Putin: Where?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Farida
Jafarova: In Yekaterinburg!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Please
help us to build a second metro line.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Vladimir
Putin: Yekaterinburg is rapidly developing and emerging
as an increasingly modern city. Of course, its infrastructure
needs developing.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Some
time ago now, it was decided that projects of this kind should be
implemented based on regional capabilities and resources, but this is
impossible. Therefore, these projects should be implemented jointly with
the federal authorities and with federal support.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">We
were talking quite recently about similar plans to develop a metro
system in Krasnoyarsk, where a metro system started to be built
but subsequently the project was abandoned and frozen.
As a first step, this must be done there, but I have no doubt
that this type of transport will be of vital importance
and popular in Yekaterinburg. What is really needed is to simply
work with the authorities, the regional authorities,
in the right manner. We will certainly do this.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">It
is hard to see. A question on women, please. You are next, all
right? Settled.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Marina
Volynkina: I am Marina Volynkina, from the Eurasian Women’s
Community.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Mr
Putin, numerous women’s fora have been held in Russia and elsewhere
in recent years. These in effect show the world the huge,
constructive, powerful female energy that really exists and is supported
by the leaders of many countries, including our own country.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">A female
G20 has been established. Valentina Matviyenko has held two Eurasian Women’s
Forums. This is, of course, an astounding force, which shows that
women are creating the economy and are implementing many striking
social projects and initiatives.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">But
primarily, of course, women are making peace; I mean they are
establishing the communications that are highly needed for you, men,
to find it easier and more comfortable to pursue economic,
political and social policies.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">My question
to you, Mr Putin, is this. As a strategist, politician
and an incredible man with an astonishing charisma, do you think
that a woman could at some point assume the office
of the President of Russia? If you do, what qualities should she
possess?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Thank
you very much.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Vladimir
Putin: In terms of governance and responsibility
for the country and its people, these requirements cannot be
distinguished by some gender standards; the requirements are
the same – competence, decency, and so on.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">But
women do introduce a certain feminine vibe into politics – less
aggressive, I think. This will certainly be needed.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Dmitry
Peskov: Mr Putin, do you know what suggestion I have? I saw
a journalist from Estonia around here.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Vladimir
Putin: Just a minute. I promised. Please bring
the microphone over there.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Dmitry
Peskov: Please fetch the mike to the centre.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Vladimir
Shakhidjanyan: I can speak without a mike. Thank you.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Vladimir
Putin: Good.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Vladimir
Shakhijanyan: Good afternoon, Mr Putin.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">My name
is Vladimir Shakhijanyan.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Vladimir
Putin: Good afternoon, Mr Shakhijanyan.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Vladimir
Shakhijanyan: Half of this room are my pupils. Some of them
were trained at the Moscow University’s School of Journalism,
where I taught for 35 years, some were even using my method
to make children, population… There was a multi-million print-run of…<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Vladimir
Putin: Don’t we all use the same method? (Laughter)<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Vladimir
Shakhijanyan: No, my book, One Thousand and One Questions
about This, was published in a multi-million print-run. It is about
culture, upbringing, that one child in a family is not enough, but
two or three is fine.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Vladimir
Putin: Wonderful.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Vladimir
Shakhijanyan: I continue to receive many letters. I need
your support.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">And lastly,
about my ten-finger typing programme called SOLO: Touch Typing Tutor.
You spoke about labour efficiency and digitalisation. I am grateful
to Mr Minnikhanov and Mr Gref. These two people have supported me
and have introduced my programme in Tatarstan
and at Sberbank.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Besides,
I have three files of unbelievable cursory replies. As your
namesake, Vladimir Mayakovsky, wrote, “I’d rip out bureaucracy’s guts.”
I need your help, so that ministries and agencies, doctors, teachers,
police officers and FSB staff take care of their eyes and learn
touch typing – Mr Peskov knows about this programme, or at least
he heard about it. This will improve labour efficiency five- or six-fold.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">And lastly,
I wrote a book, which is now available online, about giving up smoking.
It is one of our biggest problems. We must fight smoking. Personally,
I smoked for 55 years, but I quit 11 years ago.
By the way, I was in Leningrad during the siege,
I went to the Luch cinema in Baskov Lane,
and I remember everything very well.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Vladimir
Putin: It is no coincidence that he is talking about this. I used
to go there too.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Vladimir
Shakhijanyan: Of course.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Vladimir
Putin: I lived nearby.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Vladimir
Shakhijanyan: If we resolve the problem of tobacco smoking
in the country, we will have fewer problems with cancer, pneumonia,
blood and liver diseases, birth disorders, infertility and very many
other problems, because smoking affects everything.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">I tried
Veronika Skvortsova. Mr Gref wrote to her asking her to meet with me.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Vladimir
Putin: What did you try to do with Ms Skvortsova?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Vladimir
Shakhijanyan: I tried to meet with her. You can see what
I mean, which is nice. If you understand me, other people will probably
understand me as well.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">All
the very best and thank you. Good luck and happiness.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Vladimir
Putin: Thank you very much.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Dmitry
Peskov: Let us go on. Mr President, I saw a journalist from
Estonia here. Is he with us? Please, stand up. There was a journalist from
Estonia. So, it is Sputnik. Sputnik is a media outlet that is being
harassed in Estonia.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Vladimir
Putin: Harassed? Really?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Yelena
Chernysheva: Good afternoon.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Yes,
Mr President, harassed. Two months ago, Sputnik Estonia became the target
of an economic blockade. Citing sanctions, local banks prohibited all
and any money transfers to the accounts of our staff
and contractors, as well as to the tax department.
The transfer of our taxes has been suspended, and the money
cannot reach the addressee. Special services have talked with our
leaseholder and forced him to terminate our lease contract.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">And lastly,
two days ago our personnel received letters from the police informing them
that Rossiya Segodnya is on the sanctions list
and that therefore all its personnel can be held criminally liable. We
have been notified that sanctions will be applied to us, starting
January 2, unless we terminate our employment contracts with Rossiya
Segodnya.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">I believe
that this is unacceptable for a country that claims to be
a democracy. I am asking you for help. What can the Russian
state do for Russian journalists who are fighting against Western
censorship? And, please, what is your assessment of the Estonian
authorities’ actions?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Vladimir
Putin: Regrettably, there is not much we can do. I think that you are
doing a great deal. The situation you have described cannot go
unnoticed. When I hear about such events, I am at a loss
what to think. Because while demonising us and accusing us
of putting pressure on independent media outlets, they themselves are
doing exactly what they are accusing us of doing. This is unbelievable
cynicism.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Unfortunately,
I have to tell you that acting on the state level
and imposing restrictions and the like would be ineffective. All
this would do is play into the hands of those who want to drive
our countries and our peoples apart. We will not assist them in any
way. As unpleasant as it may be, you have to find a way
to work in countries that are afraid of your reporting, afraid
of you and the truth that you deliver to your viewers
and listeners. Otherwise, I do not see any reason for being
afraid of your reporting or the influence you may have
on the minds of the people.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Freedom
of information is one of the fundamental freedoms
in today’s democratic world. Unfortunately, not everyone wants
to operate within this paradigm, guided by other rules that they
write themselves.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">There
is nothing we can do about it. The world is complex and diverse.
As far as we are concerned, we will do everything to support you
no matter where you are, but we will use the available methods that do not
interfere with Russia’s interstate relations.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">We
will see what else can be done here.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Dmitry
Peskov: Mr Putin, we have been working for four hours now.
I suggest that we have two more questions before we wrap up.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Vladimir
Putin: Quiet please.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Let
us have a question from the Land of Volunteers.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Laura
Miziyeva: Hello,<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">The AZERROS
multi-ethnic project. My name is Laura, and I represent
the My Yediny! [We Stand United] news portal.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Mr
Putin, in 2020 Russia will mark National Unity Day for the 15<sup>th</sup> time.
On this day, we celebrate the many generations of our ancestors
who made it possible for us to come together on this day. What
we have today is the legacy of our wise ancestors who sacrificed
their lives to this cause. It is thanks to their efforts that today’s
youth understands what it means to have a united country.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Mr
Putin, thousands of people get a chance to attend a My Yediny! free
concert titled on November 4 every year. It has been held for 15
years now. The kind words you said about our project
at the Territory of Meanings forum was the most gratifying
reward we could dream of. What could be better? Only your personal presence
at the 15<sup>th</sup> annual concert we will have
at the MTC-Arena next year. We also invite all the guests from
this room to join us. You will see what the young people
of Putin’s generation are capable of.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Here
is my question: Mr Putin, what do you think about youth initiatives
of this kind?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">And,
I almost forgot to ask you how we can arrange your visit. Who should
we talk to?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Vladimir
Putin: Arrange what?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Laura
Miziyeva: Your visit.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Vladimir
Putin: The boss is here, you can talk to him.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">We
do support all initiatives of this kind and we will keep doing so.
The volunteer movement is gaining momentum in Russia, with millions
of people involved. This is simply incredible. As you well know,
I have recently met with volunteers in Moscow. We will support this
movement in every possible way, and in various areas. This
includes veterans, helping veterans, sick children, ensuring that rights are
respected in healthcare, construction and cleaning up territories.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">For example,
only recently, I think it was yesterday, we discussed this subject.
Someone, I think it was the Russian Popular Front or some other
organisation proposed cleaning up the banks of the Volga River.
A million people showed up. They expected to have people
in the tens of thousands, but almost a million came with
900,000 people cleaning up this territory. These are real efforts. We will definitely
promote initiatives of this kind.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">As for my schedule,
you can ask him. Agreed?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">There
was a question on pensions, go ahead please.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Yulia
Izmaylova: Good afternoon.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Yulia
Izmailova, Molodoi Leninets newspaper, Penza.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Mr
Putin, pensioners are worried: the federal law on pensions stipulates
indexation of benefits ahead of the inflation level only until
2024. What will happen after that? Who could guarantee them further indexation?
Would Russia have to raise the retirement age again?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Vladimir
Putin: No. I have already said that no further increases
in retirement age are planned or even discussed.
As for the recent reform, it has not affected those people who
are already retired in any way. The only way it had to do with
them was the government’s effort to increase their incomes –
pensions – faster. For example, next year, pensions are to grow
by 6.6 percent, and inflation, as I said, is 3.25,
for now at least. This means pensions will be indexed
by a margin that is twice the inflation rate. This
to a certain extent fulfils our earlier promises to retired
Russians. And pensions will continue to be indexed after
the period that you mentioned.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Dmitry
Peskov: There was Altai somewhere in the back. Altai, stand up,
please, and raise your hand, you will be given the floor.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">And no,
we are not ignoring Daghestan.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Emina
Kudachina: I have this question. Good afternoon, Mr Putin. I am
so nervous, I am sorry. I was told yesterday that issues that could
not be streamlined in 30 years get resolved in 30 seconds here.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">This
is the question I have. There is only one school in one city
in the Altai Republic for ethnic Altai children, where they are
taught their native Altai language properly. The school was founded
exactly 30 years ago, but it is housed in a rented building. They
promise all the time that they will build a school, its own building,
but it has not been done yet.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">So,
my question is actually a request. Please help us with the Altai
school construction. Thank you.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Vladimir
Putin: Do you mean the Altai Republic?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Emina
Kudachina: Yes.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Vladimir
Putin: The Altai language is classified as one
of the most ancient Turkic languages. In fact, it largely formed
the basis for all other Turkic languages. Not even largely, but
almost by 100 percent. And in general, I think, we should
pay much more attention to the study of ethnic cultures,
customs, and languages. So if your school is dilapidated, especially
a school that teaches an ethnic language, it is certainly
unacceptable.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">You
just told me, help us save and restore the school. I promise you
we will do it.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Dmitry
Peskov: This was the final question.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Vladimir
Putin: Please give the floor to that young woman standing with
the Family poster.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Dmitry
Peskov: Please raise your hand, so that the staff would see you.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Farida
Rustamova: Good afternoon.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Thank
you for this chance to ask my question.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">My name
is Farida Rustamova, and I am a correspondent with the BBC
Russian Service.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Here
is my question. Four years ago, when my colleagues asked you about
your relationship to your younger daughter, Yekaterina Tikhonova, you said
that your children “do not engage in business or politics, just keep
a low profile”. But the situation has changed since then, to say
the least.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">The company Innopraktika,
headed by Yekaterina Tikhonova and established by a state
budgetary institution of Lomonosov Moscow State University, earned 500
million rubles in 2018.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Nomeko,
a company in which your older daughter Maria Vorontsova has
a stake, is currently building one of the largest clinics
in Leningrad Region using Sogaz funding.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Your
old friends, managers of state companies, are helping these two women with
their business operations. We can see that television channels have started
showing them very often. Everyone knows them and what they look like
today. This is an open secret.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Here
is my question: Tell me, please, when will you admit that they are your
children, and when will they open themselves to society, just like
the children of other world leaders?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Vladimir
Putin: You have just spoken about business-linked matters and mentioned
one woman and another. You probably did not say everything. You mentioned
their personal corporate stakes and the volume of this business.
You said nothing and merely stated a fact. But this is not enough.
You should delve into the matter, and you will realise what their
real business is, whether there is any such business, who owns what,
and who helps whom.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">The question
about Innopraktika came up a long time ago. This is
the initiative of the Rector of Lomonosov Moscow State
University. To the best of my knowledge, as Chairman
of the University’s Board of Trustees, I can say that this
is linked with a desire, an absolutely legal and correct desire
of our higher education institutions to combine the capabilities
of the national science and education system with the real
needs of Russian producers and beneficiaries inside the Russian
economy.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">We
often buy many goods abroad, including in the United Kingdom, goods
that we can manufacture here. We should combine what can be generated here with
the goods that our companies need while making certain purchases.
In effect, Innopraktika and its entire activity deal with
precisely this matter. This is the entire reason
for establishing Innopraktika. It was Moscow State University that
started all this.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">They
have many talented people who are ready to offer their innovations, but
the Russian beneficiaries and business community need to find
out about them, so that they would be able to take advantage of this.
This is a link between science and education and the real economy.
This is what they are doing. I strongly hope that they will succeed
and achieve tangible results that all of us need.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Speaking
of the second area, healthcare, as far as I know,
their so-called share capital is now close to zero. But this is
a highly interesting aspect linked with the use of cutting-edge
medical technology at a time when the Russian population
decreased by 260,000 in 2019. We consider these statistics to be
unacceptable.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">The Russian
Federation prioritises everything linked with measures to reduce
the mortality rate caused by external and domestic factors,
and everything linked with the development of healthcare.
I believe that we should only praise this work.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Over
there, ‘Ethnic Issue’, go ahead, please.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Dmitry
Kutyavin: Good afternoon, Mr Putin.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">My name
is Dmitry Kutyavin, editorial director of the First Russian ethnic TV
channel. The channel was established at the initiative
of the Presidential Council for Interethnic Relations
to support interethnic communication.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">My question
is as follows. Almost seven years ago, you published
an article, Russia: Ethnic Matters. In your opinion, has
anything changed in ethnic matters over those seven years? What is your
assessment of the current inter-ethnic relations in Russia? Are
there problems in specific regions?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">And a second
question, if I may. A year ago, after your annual news conference,
you issued instructions to support the First Russian ethnic TV
channel, in terms of both content and methodology. We would like
to ask you to continue, as a follow up – a lot
has been done over the year, and the Government is helping
significantly, and our curators too – we would like to make more
energetic forays into the regions so that they also get involved,
and the regional leaders cooperate more with us. Could you help?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Thank
you.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Vladimir
Putin: You just said you were getting help. Is this support not enough?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Interethnic
relations in Russia are among the most important issues. We have
mentioned here today the tragic events of the late 1990s –
early 2000s, an actual civil war with active military operations
in the Chechen Republic. How many people suffered then? That was also
the result of unfavourable developments in the field
of interethnic relations.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">We
know that, apart from the Caucasus, people in other regions that are
constituent entities of the Federation also have in their
historic memory unfair decisions such as deportations, when they were
forcibly moved to places such as the steppes of Kazakhstan
in cattle cars. How many people died on the way?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span style="color: #660000;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">They
have not forgotten. And that was also the result of interethnic
relations. This is something we must do everything in our power
to avoid, anything that might lead us to similar tragedies. </span><span style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">It is very important.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">The future
generations of Russian politicians must also know that public opinion will
not allow us to make any decisions that would destroy interethnic harmony.
This is my first point.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Secondly,
we will certainly support all entities – the media and public
organisations – whose activity is aimed at smoothing out any disputes
or relieving possible interethnic tension.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">As you
know, life is complex and diverse. Russia, too, has a complex
structure, with so many ethnic groups living here. No wonder we forget about
some things. Now, we are having disputes with Ukraine. There is
a Ukrainian identity. Who shaped that identity? Count Pototsky,
a prominent academic, researcher and author who first mentioned
Ukrainians as a separate ethnic group.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">However,
other Polish studies later separated them even further, even removed them from
among the Slavic peoples. They believed, they claimed that Ukrainians were
the descendants of some nomadic peoples. But this is all complete
nonsense, and we must know the truth. We must understand that some
elements of a real ethnic identity emerged at some stage,
and we must respect that. We are doing so and will continue doing so,
especially domestically.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">A journalist
just mentioned problems with a school in Altai. Unfortunately, we do
have many problems with the native languages of the peoples
of Russia, with their cultures and customs. What kind
of problems? We pay too little attention to this. And every
person who lives in Russia should feel that this is their home,
and they do not have any other home.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Thank
you very much. I would like to wish you a Happy New Year. We
definitely need to wrap this up now, we have taken so long.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Thank
you.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">*
* *<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Anton
Zhelnov: Mr President, can I ask just one last question about Kotov,
please?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Vladimir
Putin: About what?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Anton
Zhelnov: I would like to ask about the ‘Moscow case’,
and to ask you to take note of the case
of Konstantin Kotov, who has been given a four-year sentence under
the ‘Moscow case’. He did not violate any laws, yet he has been sentenced
under the same article as Dadin.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Vladimir
Putin: I spoke with human rights activists when we met…<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Anton
Zhelnov: They did not mention Kotov’s case.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Vladimir
Putin: Fine, I may look into it. I remember the name,
Kotov.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Punishment
for such violations is much harsher in many other countries.
For example, unauthorised public actions, such as blocking
the border, are punishable with up to 10 years in prison
in some countries. Our sentences are much more lenient, although…<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Anton
Zhelnov: Mr Putin, he did not threaten anyone or throw anything
at anyone, that is the problem. He simply took part
in a demonstration.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Vladimir
Putin: I am not talking about whether he threatened anyone
or not. Maybe he did this many times before.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">By the way,
all legislation stipulates increased penalties for repeat offenders, with
civil liability for first offenders and criminal punishment
for repeat offenders.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Anyway,
I will take a look at this.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Anton
Zhelnov: Will you take a look at his case, please?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span style="color: #660000;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Vladimir
Putin: Yes, I will. </span><span style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Thank
you.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
</div>
<span style="color: #660000;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<br /></div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7433369209594824580.post-15342050568732069852019-12-10T02:27:00.001-08:002019-12-10T02:59:11.042-08:00Joint news conference following a Normandy format summit<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: #fff2cc; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px; margin: 12pt 26.1pt 8pt 1cm;">
<div class="Standard" style="margin-top: 12pt;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #351c75;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzYYTEHH-6NdPikBeUBsZghay1FMwyWB58rb0jsTM004KWu78fAi0SyTsLaFiRjuXFjQH-SLUmssGSDpZH6e5xF0bH9WgBC5s7y7lGXIHvRGGDWyoA_BnHAo69w4GmOf0mzeQPUD8bux7h/s1600/1+RUSSIAN+LOGO.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: #351c75;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzYYTEHH-6NdPikBeUBsZghay1FMwyWB58rb0jsTM004KWu78fAi0SyTsLaFiRjuXFjQH-SLUmssGSDpZH6e5xF0bH9WgBC5s7y7lGXIHvRGGDWyoA_BnHAo69w4GmOf0mzeQPUD8bux7h/s1600/1+RUSSIAN+LOGO.png" /></span></a></div>
<span style="color: #351c75;"><span style="color: #351c75;"><br /></span>
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12.0pt; text-align: justify;">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 12pt;">
<span style="color: #351c75; font-size: large;"><b><a href="http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/61451"><br /></a></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 12pt;">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 12pt;">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span style="color: #351c75; font-size: large;"><a href="https://tributetoapresident.blogspot.com/2019/09/plenary-session-of-eastern-economic.html"><b><br /></b></a></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/62277">Joint news conference following a Normandy format summit</a></span></b><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">Following a Normandy
format summit, Vladimir Putin, Emmanuel Macron, Angela Merkel and Vladimir
Zelensky gave a joint news conference.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">December 10, 2019<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">02:20<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">Paris<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">* * *<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><img alt="Joint news conference following the Normandy format summit." src="http://static.kremlin.ru/media/events/photos/big2x/teZ26EMooth31TG6qwEkqAC4qMFFtgWG.jpg" height="394" width="640" /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;"><i>Press statement
and answers to media questions following a Normandy format </i></span></span><i style="color: #351c75; font-family: "bookman old style", serif; font-size: 12pt;">summit </i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i style="color: #351c75; font-family: "bookman old style", serif; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i style="font-family: "bookman old style", serif; font-size: 12pt;"><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/oQjtbLujpQ4" width="853"></iframe></i><br />
<i><span style="color: blue;">Starts at 2:14:34</span></i><br />
<span style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><b><span style="color: #990000;"><br /></span></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><b><span style="color: #990000;">President of Russia
Vladimir Putin:</span></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i style="color: #351c75; font-family: "bookman old style", serif; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></i></div>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;"><span style="color: #351c75;">Colleagues, ladies and gentlemen,<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;"><span style="color: #351c75;">In principle, I agree with what the participants of these talks have said today.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;"><span style="color: #351c75;">We adopted a final joint document, which has reaffirmed the absence of any alternative to the strict observance of the Minsk Agreements signed on February 12, 2015 and highlighted the importance of launching a direct dialogue between the conflicting parties.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;"><span style="color: #351c75;">The participants in the talks welcomed the disengagement of forces and weapons in three pilot areas, as my colleagues have said. As we see it, this is indeed a major step towards a continued de-escalation in the southeast of Ukraine and a comprehensive ceasefire. We hope that the disengagement process will continue and that mine-clearing and de-fortification processes will be launched in the disengagement areas.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;"><span style="color: #351c75;">We also need to coordinate the reconciliation process in Ukraine with the political reforms that are stipulated in the Minsk Agreements.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;"><span style="color: #351c75;">First of all, the Ukrainian Constitution must be amended to formalise the special status of Donbass on a permanent basis. Of course, the duration of the agreement on the special status of separate Donbass districts must be extended and ultimately made permanent, as it is stipulated in the Minsk Agreements I have mentioned before. Certain amendments should be made to the agreement, primarily those related to the implementation of the Steinmeier Formula. There should be no delay in the implementation of the other commitments either, primarily regarding amnesty and a statutory ban on the persecution of persons in connection with the events that took place in the southeast of Ukraine.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;"><span style="color: #351c75;">The parties to the talks have supported the idea of coordinating the exchange of detainees based on the “all for all” principle.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;"><span style="color: #351c75;">It is important to increase the number of checkpoints on the contact line and to create the best possible conditions so that the hundreds and thousands of local residents, who have to wait in line for hours now, can cross of the border quickly. We tend to discuss large projects and major humanitarian issues, but we must not forget about the people who live there, and all our agreements must be aimed at improving their lives not in a distant future, but now.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;"><span style="color: #351c75;">Ultimately, I believe, as we all agree, that this meeting was useful. I would like to express gratitude to President Macron for his initiative and to thank him and Chancellor Merkel for paying so much attention to this matter, which is not one of their direct duties, but they believe that it is important for all of us, for both Ukraine and Russia, as well as for our European neighbours. We greatly appreciate it that they are paying so much attention to this and doing so much to attain a final settlement. For its part, Russia will do everything in its power to contribute to these efforts.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;"><span style="color: #351c75;">Thank you.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;"><span style="color: #351c75;"><…><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;"><span style="color: #351c75;"><b>Question</b> (retranslated): Good afternoon, Messrs Presidents, Madame Federal Chancellor,<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;"><span style="color: #351c75;">Can we say this evening that a real thaw has started in Europe? Or is there still a risk that the conflict will continue? Will we have yet another frozen conflict in Europe?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;"><span style="color: #351c75;">Mr Putin, do you think we are witnessing a détente or thaw? Do you think that we can move forward towards real peace?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;"><span style="color: #351c75;">I would like to take advantage of Mr Putin’s presence here in Paris to ask one more question. WADA has decided today to ban Russian athletes from the Olympic Games in Tokyo and Beijing. This is certainly a significant decision. Will you appeal it? Do you think, just as Prime Minister Medvedev, that there is a serious problem with doping in Russia? Thank you.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;"><span style="color: #351c75;"><b><span style="color: #990000;">Vladimir Putin:</span></b><span style="color: #351c75;"> Speaking about a thaw, yes, I do believe that it has started. What else can I say? First, there has been an exchange of detained persons. It has taken place. We have brought about disengagement in three areas. It has taken place. We have met in the Normandy format and discussed a broad range of very important issues, and we have achieved progress on many of them. It has taken place. Taken together, all of this is reason to believe that the process is moving in the right direction.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;"><span style="color: #351c75;">As for Russia’s position, I said in my opening remarks that Russia will do everything in its power so that all problems are solved and all questions settled, and the conflict ultimately ends. However, I would like to point out that it is very important, as I have said before, that the conflicting parties talk to each other, that they engage in a direct dialogue. This is what matters. No conflict was ever settled without a direct dialogue between the conflicting parties.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;"><span style="color: #351c75;">Regarding doping, the WADA decision and Russia’s potential appeal against it.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;"><span style="color: #351c75;">First of all, we need to analyse this decision. Here is the obvious part, which I can see immediately. For example, there are no complaints to the National Olympic Committee. If there are no complaints, the country must be able to take part in competitions under the national flag, according to the Olympic Charter. This means that this part of the WADA decision contradicts the Olympic Charter. Therefore, we have good reason to appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;"><span style="color: #351c75;">There are also some other arguments, but first our experts and lawyers should analyse everything so that we can talk with our partners competently. However, I believe that the main thing, and everyone seems to accept it, is that punishment must be individual and based on the acts committed by an individual, as it has been since the Roman Empire. Punishment must not be collective, that is, applied to the persons who have no connection with a given crime. Everyone is aware of this. I believe that the WADA experts are aware of this as well. But if they take decisions on collective punishment, I think this is a reason to believe that these decisions do not seek to keep sports clean but are based on political considerations, which has nothing to do with the interests of sport and the Olympic Movement.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;"><span style="color: #351c75;">Question (retranslated): Deutsche Presse-Agentur.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;"><span style="color: #351c75;">Madame Chancellor, you held a bilateral meeting with President Putin before the summit today. I would like to enquire whether you discussed during that meeting the assassination in Tiergarten, Berlin, because it had exerted a very strong influence on relations between Russia and Germany. One had the impression that Russia was willing to cooperate with the investigation into this assassination.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;"><span style="color: #351c75;">Mr Putin, you said two German diplomats would be expelled, and you announced retaliatory measures. When will these measures be introduced? How grave is the crisis in relations between Germany and Russia?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;"><span style="color: #351c75;">Vladimir Putin: You said that a Georgian national was killed. This is not quite true. I know that a man died in Berlin. And he is not just a Georgian, he is a man who took an active part in combat operations on the side of the separatists in the Caucasus. He is not an ethnic Georgian.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;"><span style="color: #351c75;">This man was on Russia’s wanted list, and he is a very cruel and blood-smeared man. He killed 98 people during just one operation he was involved in. He was one of the organisers of explosions in the Moscow Metro.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;"><span style="color: #351c75;">I do not know what has happened to him; this is a criminal milieu, where absolutely anything can happen. But I believe that it is incorrect to expel diplomats who have nothing to do with this matter, solely on the basis of preliminary conjectures.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;"><span style="color: #351c75;">You asked about retaliation. There are unwritten practical rules, unwritten laws for such cases: you have expelled our diplomats, we will expel yours. That is all. Is this any kind of crisis in relations? There is no silver lining to it, but I do not think that there is a crisis or that one should arise. But I agree with Madame Chancellor that we must investigate this matter. We will do our best to find out the truth and to help our German colleagues.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;"><span style="color: #351c75;">Incidentally, it would have been good if we had cooperated before these tragic circumstances occurred. The Russian side repeatedly urged our German colleagues to extradite this criminal and murderer. Regrettably, we failed to reach an understanding.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;"><span style="color: #351c75;"><b>Question </b>(retranslated): I have a question for President Zelensky.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;"><span style="color: #351c75;">It concerns the next Normandy format meeting, which is scheduled to take place in four months. Are there any preliminary conditions, so that we can see if there is any progress? Are we correct in understanding that although progress has been made regarding the exchange of “all for all”, no agreements of principle have been reached on the local elections in Donbass, which should take place in the autumn of 2020, and no final solution has been coordinated regarding the control of the Ukrainian border? Why is that?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;"><span style="color: #351c75;"><b>And here is my second question:</b> Will the problem of gas transit after January 1 be settled?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;"><span style="color: #351c75;">I also have a question for the President of Russia. Why are you so strongly against Ukraine’s desire to control the border with Donbass during the elections? Is this really a stumbling block? Can the settlement of this problem help to launch the peace process in eastern Ukraine? Will you continue to offer explanations for the protection of Russian speakers now that Ukraine has a Russian-speaking president, who is also supported by people in the southeastern regions?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;"><span style="color: #351c75;"><b><span style="color: #990000;">Vladimir Putin:</span></b> Do you remember a popular children’s poem: “We have gas in our flat. And do you?” And you do have it too, and will have it. But it may cost you much less if we agree to work honestly together. It could cost 25 percent less than the end consumers, primarily industrial facilities, are paying now. Because the price of gas for household consumers is subsidised, and we cannot calculate [export] gas prices based on this subsidised price. This is ordinary economic logic. This is how it is.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;"><span style="color: #351c75;">As for the border, Mr Zelensky and I have different positions on this issue. Our position is very simple: we stand for the implementation of the Minsk Agreements. The Minsk Agreements say – you can read it for yourself – that Ukraine will be able to start restoring control over that territory, over that section of the border on day one after the local elections. This is what it says. And this process should end after the completion of a comprehensive political settlement. This is what the text of the agreement says. Why should the Minsk Agreements be reopened and revised? All the measures set out in that package are interconnected. If we revise one of them, this will lead to the revision of others and we will lose the agreements and create a situation where nothing can be done. This is our logic, and I believe that it is justified.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;"><span style="color: #351c75;">Regarding Russian speakers. We do want Russian speakers, and not only in Donbass but throughout Ukraine, to have equal democratic rights. I would like to point out that 38 percent of Ukrainian citizens regard themselves as Russian speakers. However, all of the so-called Russian schools will convert to the Ukrainian language starting next year. By the way, as far as I know, the other [national minority] schools – Hungarian, Romanian and Polish – are to start the process in 2023. As if there are more Hungarian speakers than Russian speakers in Ukraine. You must admit that this raises questions to which we have no answers.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;"><span style="color: #351c75;">But I hope that we will keep our focus on this issue, just as all the other pending problems. This is why we will meet in four months.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;"><span style="color: #351c75;"><b>Question:</b> RIA Novosti.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;"><span style="color: #351c75;">A question for President Putin. You spoke about the Minsk Agreements being inviolable and having no alternative. But Chancellor Merkel said just now that the Minsk Agreements are flexible. So have you ultimately reaffirmed the agreements’ inviolability and their non-alternative nature?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;"><span style="color: #351c75;"><b><span style="color: #990000;">Vladimir Putin:</span></b> You see, any agreement has some degree of flexibility, because some things written on paper can be interpreted by the parties in different ways. And we did have a discussion today on some aspects of the Minsk Agreements. There are things spelled out directly, and it is quite difficult to argue with those. But there are other things, which emerged as compromises during our discussions in Minsk in 2015. And different parties interpret them differently. In this sense, I agree with Madame Federal Chancellor – she is right.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;"><span style="color: #351c75;">Well, this is what we meet for – to arrive at a common understanding, a single standard in what they call legal engineering. But I also agree that there is no alternative to the Minsk Agreements, and we must make every effort to ensure that they are fully implemented.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;"><span style="color: #351c75;">See also<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span style="color: #351c75;"><span style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;"><a href="http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/62275" target="_blank"><span lang="EN-US">Normandy format summit</span></a></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;"><span style="color: #351c75;">December 9, 2019<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span style="color: #351c75;"><span style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;"><a href="http://en.kremlin.ru/supplement/5465" target="_blank"><span lang="EN-US">Paris ”Normandy“ Summit Common agreed conclusions</span></a></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i style="color: #351c75; font-family: "bookman old style", serif; font-size: 12pt;"></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;">
<div style="text-align: start;">
<span style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;"><span style="color: #351c75;">December 9, 2019</span></span></div>
<a name='more'></a><div style="text-align: start;">
<span style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;"><o:p></o:p></span><br /></div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<span style="color: #351c75;">: </span><br />
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;"><span style="color: #351c75;"><br /></span></span></span>
<br />
<div>
</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7433369209594824580.post-88622911333751682342019-10-22T09:05:00.000-07:002019-10-22T09:13:35.555-07:00Interview to TASS News Agency<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: #fff2cc; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px; margin: 12pt 26.1pt 8pt 1cm;">
<div class="Standard" style="margin-top: 12pt;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #351c75;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzYYTEHH-6NdPikBeUBsZghay1FMwyWB58rb0jsTM004KWu78fAi0SyTsLaFiRjuXFjQH-SLUmssGSDpZH6e5xF0bH9WgBC5s7y7lGXIHvRGGDWyoA_BnHAo69w4GmOf0mzeQPUD8bux7h/s1600/1+RUSSIAN+LOGO.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: #351c75;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzYYTEHH-6NdPikBeUBsZghay1FMwyWB58rb0jsTM004KWu78fAi0SyTsLaFiRjuXFjQH-SLUmssGSDpZH6e5xF0bH9WgBC5s7y7lGXIHvRGGDWyoA_BnHAo69w4GmOf0mzeQPUD8bux7h/s1600/1+RUSSIAN+LOGO.png" /></span></a></div>
<span style="color: #351c75;"><span style="color: #351c75;"><br /></span>
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12.0pt; text-align: justify;">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 12pt;">
<span style="color: #351c75; font-size: large;"><b><a href="http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/61451"><br /></a></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 12pt;">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 12pt;">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span style="color: #351c75; font-size: large;"><a href="https://tributetoapresident.blogspot.com/2019/09/plenary-session-of-eastern-economic.html"><b><br /></b></a></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/transcripts/61858">Interview to TASS News Agency</a></span></b><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;"><b><br /></b></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmrLb1BcpE18KODraWBYmmdxgoMhHbV0gCMYfaBaCH9KqwW7w8hPhB-HpUIZQwAOxl1sTkojRYLgeseDQ3fISOQy1wPz6nWchUdAWGKFF2t8qyR_WbOESY2SkTawPRa4LaRgqV0T156AkW/s1600/1+PUTIN+INTERVIEWED+BY+SOLOVIEV.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="840" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmrLb1BcpE18KODraWBYmmdxgoMhHbV0gCMYfaBaCH9KqwW7w8hPhB-HpUIZQwAOxl1sTkojRYLgeseDQ3fISOQy1wPz6nWchUdAWGKFF2t8qyR_WbOESY2SkTawPRa4LaRgqV0T156AkW/s640/1+PUTIN+INTERVIEWED+BY+SOLOVIEV.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;"><b><br /></b></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">Vladimir Putin gave
an interview to TASS Russian State News Agency on Russia –
Africa Summit in Sochi.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">October 21, 2019<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">00:15<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;"><b>Question:</b> The Sochi
Summit is meant to open a new chapter in the relations
between the Russian Federation and African countries. Its
participants will bring to Sochi their ideas about ways to develop
cooperation. What does Russia, in its turn, have to offer
to the states of the African continent? What is Russia's
biggest competitive advantage that you will present to the heads
of delegations at the Summit? What volume of Russian
investment in African economies do you expect to achieve, say,
in the next five years?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><b><span style="color: #990000;">President of Russia
Vladimir Putin:</span></b><span style="color: #351c75;"> Russia and African states have traditionally enjoyed
friendly, time-tested relations. Our country has played a significant role
in the liberation of the continent, supporting
the struggle of its peoples against colonialism, racism
and apartheid.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">Later on, we helped
the Africans to protect their independence and sovereignty, gain
statehood, form the basis for national economies, and create
capable armed forces. Important infrastructure facilities, hydroelectric power
plants, roads, and industrial plants were built by Soviet –
and subsequently Russian – specialists. Thousands of Africans
received quality professional education at our universities. This is well
remembered by many current African leaders, who value our support. We too
keep the memory of those pages of history.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">Today, the development
and strengthening of mutually beneficial ties with African countries
and their integration associations is one of Russia's foreign policy
priorities. We will shortly be witnessing an unprecedented, benchmark
event: on October 24, Sochi will host the Russia-Africa Summit.
This will be the first full-scale top-level meeting, to which we have
invited leaders of African states and heads of Africa's major
regional associations. The idea to organise such an event
emerged quite a long time ago; however, it has taken some time
and considerable preparatory work to make this Summit a starting
point for building fair partnership relations based on equality and mutual
practical interest.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">We expect that our African
colleagues, representatives of the business community will come
to Sochi with a solid package of proposals aimed
at enhancing bilateral relations, while heads of Africa's regional
organisations will share their ideas as to how we could jointly
develop our multilateral cooperation. We will consider these initiatives with
great interest and decide what could be launched right away and what
will require further elaboration.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">Russia also has its vision
of how to ensure further development of its ties with
the African continent. We intend to discuss relevant ideas with our
partners, systematise and reflect them as concretely as possible
in the final declaration. Besides, it is important to identify
mechanisms for implementing agreements that would be reached
at the top-level meeting in Sochi.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">I am sure that
the Summit will be a success since all the necessary
prerequisites are there. Today, the Russian-African relations are
on the rise. We maintain a close political dialogue, including
on the issues of global and regional security.
The ties between our parliaments are expanding. Our mutual trade is
steadily growing and diversifying.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">Russia, together with
the international community, renders comprehensive assistance
to Africa, inter alia, by way of reducing the debt burden
of its states. With a number of countries we are carrying out
debt-for-development swap programmes. Russia supports efforts aimed
at controlling the spread of infectious diseases (including
Ebola haemorrhagic fever), natural disaster relief, settlement of existing
conflicts and prevention of new crises. Russian universities provide
professional training for national specialists from African countries both
free of charge and on a commercial basis. Our defence
and law enforcement agencies are stepping up their cooperation
as well.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">However, these are
by no means all the items on our cooperation agenda. Our African
partners see and appreciate the fact that Russia's foreign policy,
including in relation to their continent, is of constructive
nature; that Russia, as one of the UN Security Council permanent
members, advocates democratisation of international affairs, supports
the legitimate aspiration of African states to pursue their own
independent policy, to decide on their own future without imposed
'assistance' by third parties. When doing so, we do not make our support
and joint development projects which we offer contingent upon
the fulfilment of political or any other preconditions
or so-called 'exclusive', but in fact enslaving trade and economic
preferences; we do not impose our views, respecting the principle
of ”African solutions to African problems“ proposed
by the Africans themselves.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">As for the potential
level of investment in Africa in the next five years,
the figure is expected to be quite high, with a number
of billion-dollar investment projects with Russia's participation
currently in the pipeline. Both Russia and Russian companies
have substantial resources. We hope that our partners, in turn, will
create the necessary stable and predictable business environment
and investment protection mechanisms and ensure favourable investment
climate.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;"><b>Question:</b> Competition
in today's world is extremely high. Is Russia ready for tough rivalry
in Africa, say, with China or the US? Do you think there are
risks of using protectionist policies, trade wars or unfair
competition against Russia? What methods do you intend to apply
to address them? Won't this rivalry adversely affect the African
partners?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><b><span style="color: #990000;">Vladimir Putin:</span></b><span style="color: #351c75;"> Indeed,
interest in developing the relations with African countries is
currently visible not only on the part of Western Europe,
the US and the PRC, but also on the part
of India, Turkey, the Gulf states, Japan, the Republic
of Korea, Israel, and Brazil. This is not accidental, as Africa
increasingly becomes a continent of opportunities. It possesses vast
resources and potential economic attractiveness. Africa's infrastructure
needs are increasing, and African population is rapidly growing,
as are its demands. All of this, in turn, calls
for an expanded domestic market and greater consumption.
Of course, where there are promising prospects for investment
and profit, there is always competition, which, unfortunately,
at times goes beyond the bounds of decency.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">We see a number
of western states resorting to pressure, intimidation
and blackmail against governments of sovereign African countries.
They hope it will help them win back their lost influence and dominant
positions in former colonies and seek – this time
in a ”new wrapper“ – to reap excess profits
and exploit the continent's resources without any regard for its
population, environmental or other risks. They are also hampering
the establishment of closer relations between Russia and Africa –
apparently, so that nobody would interfere with their plans.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">We certainly take note
of these factors and draw conclusions. We are not going
to participate in a new ”repartition“
of the continent's wealth; rather, we are ready to engage
in competition for cooperation with Africa, provided that this
competition is civilised and develops in compliance with
the law. We have a lot to offer to our African friends.
This will be discussed, among other things, at the forthcoming
Summit.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">And, most certainly, we,
together with our African partners, are committed to protecting our common
economic interests and defending them against unilateral sanctions,
including by reducing our dollar dependency and switching
to other currencies in mutual settlements.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">I am confident that
the Africans are by no means interested in the escalation
of confrontation between the major powers in the continent.
On the contrary, they would like the rivalry to give way
to cooperation in addressing urgent challenges for Africa, such
as terrorism, crime, drug trafficking, uncontrolled migration, poverty,
highly infectious diseases. I would like to reiterate that this is
the kind of work Russia is willing to participate in.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">Our African agenda is
positive and future-oriented. We do not ally with someone against someone
else; and we strongly oppose any geopolitical ”games“ involving Africa.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;"><b>Question: </b>The Soviet
model of cooperation with African countries often involved
the lending mechanism. Did this policy prove effective? Does Russia plan
to resume the practice of providing loans to African
countries? What other mechanisms for offering support to African
countries are you prepared to discuss?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><b><span style="color: #990000;">Vladimir Putin:</span></b><span style="color: #351c75;"> Indeed,
the Soviet-era model – with its pros and cons – proved
quite effective at the stage of the development
of statehood in African countries. We still continue rendering
financial assistance to African states. While in the past, these
decisions were primarily politically motivated, now they are part
of the humanitarian assistance.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">As far as granting
loans is concerned, today these loans are market-oriented. For example,
a decision was made to grant a loan to Egypt
in the amount of $25 billion for the construction
of four power units for El Dabaa NPP. This is specifically market-oriented
lending.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">Let me point put that
in the post-Soviet period, at the end of the 20<sup>th</sup> century,
Russia cancelled $20 billion of African countries' debts
to the Soviet Union. This was both an act of generosity
and a pragmatic step, because many of the African states
were unable to service those debts. We therefore decided that it would be
best for everyone just to start our cooperation from scratch.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">There are other schemes that
are currently applied to some of the remaining debts.
For instance, intergovernmental agreements with Madagascar, Mozambique
and Tanzania are being implemented in the framework of the debt-for-development
swap programme. We expect that Ethiopia's remaining debt to Russia
($163.6 million) will be settled under similar conditions.
The relevant draft agreement is currently being elaborated.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">Let me also remind you that
Russia makes contributions to international programmes of assistance
to Africa in the framework of the UN Development
Programme, the World Food Programme (WFP), and the International
Civil Defence Organisation. Sometimes in-kind support is provided. Since 2011,
WFP offices in Africa have received 258 KAMAZ trucks. Another batch
of 75 trucks has been shipped most recently.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">At the same time,
the use of new financial mechanisms does not rule out
the practice of granting loans, but rather provides
for a wider and more diversified toolkit in support
of development. It contributes to establishing mutually beneficial
cooperation between Russia and African countries.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">All these issues will be
examined at the Economic Forum on October 23‑24. We are
ready to hear proposals from our African partners and share our
considerations.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;"><b>Question: </b>Earlier,
military technical cooperation was among the areas of interaction
between Moscow and African countries. Are there any plans to enhance
it? Are you going to discuss any specific projects or contracts with
the Summit participants?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><b><span style="color: #990000;">Vladimir Putin:</span></b><span style="color: #351c75;"> Indeed,
the traditions of our military technical cooperation are deeply
rooted. It was developed back at a nascent stage
of establishment of African states and played its role
in the fight of peoples of the continent
for their independence. And our African partners highly appreciate
it.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">Today, we have agreements
on military technical cooperation with more than thirty African countries
which we supply with a wide range of military equipment.
Of course, part of it is being transferred at no charge. But this
is common practice followed by all leading world countries.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">It is encouraging that
military technical partnership continues to evolve vigorously. What’s
more, African countries often initiate such cooperation themselves, because
they understand that one should be able to protect its independence
and sovereignty, including from extremist and terrorist groups. It is
yet another incentive to cooperate with Russia, which has abundant
experience in fighting terrorism, including in Syria.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">Our African partners
actively participate in military-technical fora and military
exercises organised by Russia, in the framework of which
they get acquainted with Russian advanced weapons, military hardware
and experience of its use. For our part, we will further
contribute to training military personnel of African states
and take part in training African peacekeepers.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;"><b>Question: </b>Social
and humanitarian cooperation is declared as a theme
of the Summit. Why does Russia help Africa if far from all its own
social problems are resolved?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><b><span style="color: #990000;">Vladimir Putin:</span></b><span style="color: #351c75;"> Humanitarian
assistance is being provided to Africa by many world countries, yet
none of them – be it the US, France, China or any other
country – has fully resolved all of its social problems, including in healthcare,
education and culture.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">Russia too provides
humanitarian assistance to African states, but not by reducing
the amount of funding for its own programmes. After all, good
traditions of charity and support in times of need are
a hallmark of our people.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">I will give
a recent example. Russia, as many other states, provided aid
to the African countries affected by tropical cyclone Idai
in April 2019. Russia sent humanitarian supplies to Zimbabwe,
Malawi and Mozambique, i.e. large tents, blankets and food products
weighing about 30 tonnes for each country.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">We continue to take
an active part in efforts to provide comprehensive assistance
to Africa. Russia is involved in the UN World Food Programme’s
school meals project valued at $40 million, which has been implemented
in Mozambique since October 2017, and in the project
to introduce modern technology and equipment for disinfection
worth up to $15 million in Madagascar.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">We also provide assistance
to our African friends in healthcare development, as dangerous
communicable diseases respect no borders. Russia was among the first
to react to Ebola haemorrhagic fever outbreak, having allocated
$60 million to combat it. There is now a microbiology
and epidemiology research centre in Guinea. Russia contributed
$20 million to the World Bank programme to implement
the global malaria control initiative.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">And such examples are
plenty. I would like to emphasise that Russia's participation
in fighting poverty, dangerous illnesses and other global threats,
as well as reduction of potential risks ”at distant
approaches“ are fully in line with our national interests.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;"><b>Question: </b>Security
issues are particularly acute in some African countries. This affects
the operation of Russian companies there. Are you going to raise
issues of security at the Summit and propose measures
to strengthen it? What help is Russia ready to provide to settle
conflicts across the continent?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><b><span style="color: #990000;">Vladimir Putin:</span></b><span style="color: #351c75;">An important
element of Russia's interaction with African countries is regional
security cooperation. Our Summit's slogan – For Peace, Security
and Development – is not accidental. Steady progress is not possible
without resolving these problems.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">The situation
in many parts of Africa is unstable: inter-ethnic conflicts
and acute political and socioeconomic crises remain unsettled.
Numerous terrorist organisations, such as ISIL, al-Qaeda, Boko Haram
and Al-Shabaab, are highly active in North Africa,
the Sahara-Sahel region, Lake Chad area and the Horn
of Africa. Armed forces and law enforcement bodies of African
countries cannot oppose militants alone and need significant aid.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">We will further increase
contacts between special services and law enforcement agencies
of Russia and African countries in the field
of countering terrorism, organised crime, drug trafficking, money-laundering,
illegal migration and piracy.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">In demand is
the practice of training military and law enforcement personnel
of African countries, including at a reduced cost and free
of charge. For example in the past five years alone, more than
2,500 service personnel from African countries completed studied
at the military educational institutions of the Russian
Defence Ministry.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">Our African partners take
an active part in Russia-organised events, such
as the International Military-Technical Forum and meetings
of high representatives for security issues. Eleven African countries
participated in the 2019 International Army Games.
And the number of those willing to join them is growing.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">Ultimately, all those
programmes have the same goal – to help Africans solve existing
security issues themselves, as it will strengthen African states, their
sovereignty and independence. And hence, the world will be more
stable and more predictable.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7433369209594824580.post-72141865772394567272019-10-14T08:08:00.000-07:002019-10-14T08:08:01.811-07:00VLADIMIR PUTIN -- Interview with Al Arabiya,Sky News Arabia and RT Arabic<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: #fff2cc; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px; margin: 12pt 26.1pt 8pt 1cm;">
<div class="Standard" style="margin-top: 12pt;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #351c75;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzYYTEHH-6NdPikBeUBsZghay1FMwyWB58rb0jsTM004KWu78fAi0SyTsLaFiRjuXFjQH-SLUmssGSDpZH6e5xF0bH9WgBC5s7y7lGXIHvRGGDWyoA_BnHAo69w4GmOf0mzeQPUD8bux7h/s1600/1+RUSSIAN+LOGO.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: #351c75;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzYYTEHH-6NdPikBeUBsZghay1FMwyWB58rb0jsTM004KWu78fAi0SyTsLaFiRjuXFjQH-SLUmssGSDpZH6e5xF0bH9WgBC5s7y7lGXIHvRGGDWyoA_BnHAo69w4GmOf0mzeQPUD8bux7h/s1600/1+RUSSIAN+LOGO.png" /></span></a></div>
<span style="color: #351c75;"><span style="color: #351c75;"><br /></span>
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12.0pt; text-align: justify;">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 12pt;">
<span style="color: #351c75; font-size: large;"><b><a href="http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/61451"><br /></a></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 12pt;">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 12pt;">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span style="color: #351c75; font-size: large;"><a href="https://tributetoapresident.blogspot.com/2019/09/plenary-session-of-eastern-economic.html"><b><br /></b></a></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/transcripts/61792">Interview with Al Arabiya,Sky News Arabia and RT Arabic</a></span></b><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">In advance of his
visit to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the United
Arab Emirates Vladimir Putin answered questions from Al Arabiya senior
presenter Mohammed Tomaihi, Sky News Arabia senior presenter Mohannad
Khatib and RT Arabic Public and Political Programmes Department
Head Salam Musafir.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">October 13, 2019<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">13:00 <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt; text-align: center;">
<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/qxPepA-Jwr8" width="853"></iframe></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;"><b>Mohammed Tomaihi </b>(retranslated): Dear
viewers, welcome to this unique interview with Russian President Vladimir
Putin, which we are recording in Sochi.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">With me here today are Mr.
Mohannad Khatib, a reporter at Sky News Arabia and Salam
Musafir, a reporter at RT Arabic.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">Thank you very much
for this unique opportunity, considering your upcoming visit to Saudi
Arabia.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;"><b><span style="color: #990000;">President of Russia
Vladimir Putin:</span></b><span style="color: #351c75;"> It is my pleasure. I think it is a good
tradition to meet with a country’s media before visiting it.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">As for the visit
to Saudi Arabia, we attach great importance to it. It is,
in a sense, a return visit after the visit by King
of Saudi Arabia, Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, to Russia.
It was the first, historic visit. We consider it historic, and it really
is.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">There is one more thing that
I believe is important to note. In Soviet times, relations
between Saudi Arabia and the Soviet Union were at a rather
low level. In recent years, the quality of our relations has
changed dramatically. We consider Saudi Arabia a friendly nation.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">I have very good
relations with both the King and the Crown Prince. We have been
making good headway practically in all fields.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">I will start with
the economy. There is still a lot to be done, but we have set
a good pace. Last year it was up 15%. In the first six months
of 2019 growth was as high as 38%. We are considering some good
joint projects. Our Russian Direct Investment Fund and the Public
Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia have jointly established a $10
billion platform. $2 billion have already been invested. Work is underway
on other projects, and some promising and interesting projects
have already been implemented.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">We also consider it possible
to operate on the territory of Saudi Arabia. One
of our companies is exploring the possibility of building
a petrochemical facility with investments of more than $1 billion. It
is SIBUR Holding, Russia’s largest company in this sector.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">We are fostering
a partnership in the trust-based, sensitive area
of military and defence cooperation. We have been negotiating
for a long time.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">Equally important are our
joint efforts to resolve the regional crises. In this regard,
I would like to emphasise the positive role Saudi Arabia has
played in resolving the Syrian crisis. We are working especially
closely with Turkey and Iran, as you all know. But I believe
that without Saudi Arabia’s contribution towards a Syrian settlement, it
would have been impossible to achieve a positive trend. Therefore,
I would like to express our gratitude to both the King
and the Crown Prince for this constructive approach. I am
confident that my visit will help to build up the momentum both
in developing bilateral relations and enhancing cooperation
in international organisations.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;"><b>Mohannad Khatib</b> (retranslated): Mr.
President, thank you very much once again for giving us
the opportunity to record this interview.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span style="color: #351c75;"><span style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><!--[if gte vml 1]><v:shapetype id="_x0000_t75"
coordsize="21600,21600" o:spt="75" o:preferrelative="t" path="m@4@5l@4@11@9@11@9@5xe"
filled="f" stroked="f">
<v:stroke joinstyle="miter"/>
<v:formulas>
<v:f eqn="if lineDrawn pixelLineWidth 0"/>
<v:f eqn="sum @0 1 0"/>
<v:f eqn="sum 0 0 @1"/>
<v:f eqn="prod @2 1 2"/>
<v:f eqn="prod @3 21600 pixelWidth"/>
<v:f eqn="prod @3 21600 pixelHeight"/>
<v:f eqn="sum @0 0 1"/>
<v:f eqn="prod @6 1 2"/>
<v:f eqn="prod @7 21600 pixelWidth"/>
<v:f eqn="sum @8 21600 0"/>
<v:f eqn="prod @7 21600 pixelHeight"/>
<v:f eqn="sum @10 21600 0"/>
</v:formulas>
<v:path o:extrusionok="f" gradientshapeok="t" o:connecttype="rect"/>
<o:lock v:ext="edit" aspectratio="t"/>
</v:shapetype><v:shape id="Picture_x0020_4" o:spid="_x0000_i1028" type="#_x0000_t75"
alt="During interview with Al Arabiya, Sky News Arabia and RT Arabic."
style='width:705pt;height:435pt;visibility:visible;mso-wrap-style:square'>
<v:imagedata src="file:///C:\Users\Luisa\AppData\Local\Temp\msohtmlclip1\01\clip_image001.jpg"
o:title="During interview with Al Arabiya, Sky News Arabia and RT Arabic"/>
</v:shape><![endif]--><!--[if !vml]--><!--[endif]--></span><span style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span style="color: #351c75;"><span style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><!--[if gte vml 1]><v:shape id="Picture_x0020_3"
o:spid="_x0000_i1027" type="#_x0000_t75" alt="During interview with Al Arabiya, Sky News Arabia and RT Arabic."
style='width:705pt;height:435pt;visibility:visible;mso-wrap-style:square'>
<v:imagedata src="file:///C:\Users\Luisa\AppData\Local\Temp\msohtmlclip1\01\clip_image001.jpg"
o:title="During interview with Al Arabiya, Sky News Arabia and RT Arabic"/>
</v:shape><![endif]--><!--[if !vml]--><!--[endif]--></span><span style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<img alt="During interview with Al Arabiya, Sky News Arabia and RT Arabic." src="http://static.kremlin.ru/media/events/photos/big/nn7ItjrO9CY2jgPB2ldSWdA39P3T9NHA.jpg" height="394" width="640" /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">During interview with Al
Arabiya, Sky News Arabia and RT Arabic.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">Your visit
to the Middle East will possibly have an impact
on the United Arab Emirates as well. What do you think about
strategic cooperation between Russia and the UAE, and how will
this cooperation evolve? Can this cooperation play a certain role
in strengthening collective security, considering the Russian
initiative to establish a collective security architecture
in the Gulf region, especially in the area
of the Strait of Hormuz?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;"><b><span style="color: #990000;">Vladimir Putin:</span></b><span style="color: #351c75;"> You
have just mentioned the strategic nature of our cooperation. Indeed,
we signed a strategic partnership memorandum last year, and we see
the United Arab Emirates as one of our very close
and promising partners. The signing of this document was not
a coincidence, it demonstrated the quality and nature
of relations between the United Arab Emirates
and the Russian Federation.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">I have to say
that, as is the case with Saudi Arabia, our partnership is vigorously
developing in all areas. Of all the Gulf countries, we have
the highest level of trade, $1.7 billion, but of course, this is
not enough, we are well aware of that. So currently, we are working with
the UAE’s sovereign fund. The joint platform is worth approximately
$7 billion. $2 billion have already been invested, work is underway on other
projects. And of course, it is safe to say that the United
Arab Emirates greatly contribute to resolving regional crises,
and play a stabilising role in the region.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">It is no great secret that
we maintain regular contacts with the leadership of the United
Arab Emirates. There is even an established tradition, a practice
to compare notes regarding different topics. In my opinion, we
are doing it for the benefit of both parties,
and the region as a whole.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;"><b>Salam Musafir </b>(retranslated):
Mr. President, in the more than 10 years of your presidency some
harsh, dramatic developments have taken place in the Middle East,
and the statehood of several countries has been undermined,
namely Iraq, Libya. We see that this could be the fate of other
states as well.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">We see what happened
in the Syrian Arab Republic, what catastrophic events took place
there. Now, many members of the Arab public think that Russia can
really bolster its role in the region. You surely know that our
network, RT Arabic, covers Russia’s foreign policy as well.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">Many of our viewers
have been asking straightforwardly: why has Russia taken such a harsh
stance in the case of Syria, but the position regarding
Libya and Iraq was perhaps not as hard?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;"><b><span style="color: #990000;">Vladimir Putin:</span></b> First
of all, during the crises in Iraq and Libya, I was not
in office. But this is not the main reason. The thing is that,
as is commonly known, in the case of Iraq, the United
States circumvented the United Nations Security Council. The US had
no mandate to use force against Iraq.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">Actually, I was
President at that moment. Anyway, Russia did not support
the invasion. Russia, France and Germany did not support the US
plans regarding Iraq. What is more, we warned about the potential adverse
implications, and that is exactly what happened.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">The initial euphoria
of military victories soon gave way to despondency and pessimism
about the consequences of the victory. Because all Iraqi
government institutions were destroyed, but no new institutions were
established, at least in the beginning.
On the contrary, the radical forces got a boost,
and terrorists groups became stronger.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">Many former officers
of Saddam Hussein’s army and security service agents resurfaced
and joined the ranks of what later evolved into ISIS. So, those
who led and supported this campaign had not considered the ramifications.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">We do expect that there will
be some positive developments in Iraq, and despite some internal
problems, the country will continue to move forward. Although there
are still a lot of problems to deal with, we are perfectly aware
of that.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">As for Libya,
the chaos wrought by the military operations still prevails, but
in this case, our Western partners played a trick on us, using
the vernacular term (I do not know how this will be translated).
Russia voted for the corresponding Security Council resolution. After
all, what does this resolution say, if you read it carefully?
The resolution prohibited Gaddafi to use aviation against
the rebels. But there was nothing about allowing any air strikes
on Libyan territory. But that was what actually happened. So, basically,
what happened there was done circumventing the UN Security Council.
And we are all aware of what happened next. There is still chaos
and confusion; a flow of migrants went through Libya
to Europe. Gaddafi had always warned about that, he said that he stopped
African migrants from going to Europe. As soon as this ‘wall’
was gone, they started pouring into Europe. And now they have what they
were warned about. But that is probably not even the main issue. Most importantly,
it is destabilising the entire Middle East region.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<img alt="In advance of his visit to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates Vladimir Putin answered questions from Al Arabiya senior presenter Mohammed Tomaihi (centre), Sky News Arabia senior presenter Mohannad Khatib (left) and RT Arabic Public and Political Programmes Department Head Salam Musafir." src="http://static.kremlin.ru/media/events/photos/big/Ndz139JIwa3ahllFFcmJw0hMcxAYsX6A.jpg" height="394" width="640" /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span style="color: #351c75;"><span style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><!--[if gte vml 1]><v:shape id="Picture_x0020_2"
o:spid="_x0000_i1026" type="#_x0000_t75" alt="In advance of his visit to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates Vladimir Putin answered questions from Al Arabiya senior presenter Mohammed Tomaihi (centre), Sky News Arabia senior presenter Mohannad Khatib (left) and RT Arabic Public and Political Programmes Department Head Salam Musafir."
style='width:705pt;height:435pt;visibility:visible;mso-wrap-style:square'>
<v:imagedata src="file:///C:\Users\Luisa\AppData\Local\Temp\msohtmlclip1\01\clip_image002.jpg"
o:title="In advance of his visit to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates Vladimir Putin answered questions from Al Arabiya senior presenter Mohammed Tomaihi (centre), Sky News Arabia senior presenter Mohannad Khatib (left) and RT Arabic Public "/>
</v:shape><![endif]--><!--[if !vml]--><!--[endif]--></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">In advance of his visit to the Kingdom of Saudi
Arabia and the United Arab Emirates Vladimir Putin answered questions
from Al Arabiya senior presenter Mohammed Tomaihi (centre), Sky News Arabia
senior presenter Mohannad Khatib (left) and RT Arabic Public
and Political Programmes Department Head Salam Musafir.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">As for Syria, we
came to Syria to support the legitimate government,
and I would like to emphasise the word ‘legitimate.’ It
does not mean that they do not have internal problems; I am ready
to talk about it in detail later. It does not mean that
the current leadership is not responsible for what is going
on there. They are, but it does not mean that we were to allow
terrorist organisations to capture Syria and to establish
a terrorist pseudo-state there. We could not allow militants to move
to former Soviet republics. We do not have hard borders
or a visa regime with them. We could not allow militants
to infiltrate Russia from there. We already had such an experience
and we know what this might lead to. We still remember what happened
in Russia’s North Caucasus region not that long ago. This is why we made
a decision to support the legitimate government.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">We have not just provided
assistance to the legitimate government. We proceed from
the premise that internal political contradictions must be and can be
resolved by political methods only. That is why we were so adamant.
I am glad to see it happening now as part
of the political process, as a result
of the establishment of the so-called Constitutional
Committee.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">This idea was conceived
right here, in Sochi, at the Syrian National Dialogue Congress
that brought together various political forces, including the opposition
and the government. And here Syrians agreed among themselves
to set up a constitutional committee that would work on changing
the Syrian Constitution or drafting a new one.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">We have trodden a hard,
arduous, and long path to form this committee. Now it has finally
been formed, on behalf of the government, on behalf
of President Assad, and on behalf of the opposition.
I expect that in the coming days, it will take its first steps
in Geneva under the auspices of the UN.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;"><b>Mohammed Tomaihi:</b> Mr.
President, you spoke earlier about the relations between Saudi Arabia
and Russia. As you know, it is a strategic partner
of the Russian Federation in terms of energy security. You
must be aware of the two missile and bomb strikes
on the oil refinery, and of the most recent
developments.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">There has been talk
in Saudi Arabia about Iran playing a destabilising role
in the region. You said that evidence had to be found to prove
that Iran was really behind that. What is the official position
of the Russian Federation regarding this incident?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;"><b><span style="color: #990000;">Vladimir Putin:</span></b> Our
official position is as follows: we condemn any such actions, end
of story. This is the official position. We said this
at the very beginning, and I have recently reiterated it
at the Russian Energy Week forum in Moscow. There should be no
room for doubt here. Such actions never yield any results for anyone,
including those who plot and execute them. Why? If someone may have wanted
to deal a blow to the oil market, they failed. There were
indeed some fluctuations in prices, but I do not think it was
anything too serious, even though the initial response was quite strong.
The prices went back to normal in the very first week,
because the fundamental factors that the market depends on will
never allow the prices to either skyrocket or take
a nosedive.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">Secondly, we –
and I personally – maintain close contacts with
the leadership of Saudi Arabia, including the Crown Prince. We
discussed the incident, and I told him that I thought it
necessary to collect evidence, to find the perpetrators behind
that incident. Mohammed bin Salman agreed with me in principle,
and asked me a question: “Could Russia take part
in the investigation?” I said yes, we are ready to share
anything that might be necessary, everything we have for a thorough
investigation. Our position remains unchanged. It is counter-productive
to put the blame on someone before finding out exactly who was
behind the incident.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;"><b>Mohammed Tomaihi:</b> Mr.
President, can Russia give any assurances that if it is revealed that Iran
masterminded the attack, Russia will join other countries
in condemning it?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;"><b><span style="color: #990000;">Vladimir Putin:</span></b> I have
just said it and I will repeat, regardless of who stood behind
the incident, we condemn any such actions. That is exactly what
I said before, and I really meant it. There is no other way
to interpret this.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;"><b>Mohannad Khatib:</b> Let us
now put these attacks on the oil facilities aside. I think you
are well aware of the tension that has mounted
in the region, and you must have been analysing this situation
yourself. There is concern about Iran’s role in not only these recent
attacks, but also in what is happening in other countries –
in Lebanon, Yemen, Iraq, Syria, and some others.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">Do you think Russia has
the same concerns about Iran’s activities, which we think are having
a destabilising effect? Can Russia do anything to change Iran’s
behaviour?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;"><b><span style="color: #990000;">Vladimir Putin:</span></b> As I said,
we have an unprecedented level of partnership, I would even say
friendly relations with Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.
But Russia will never be friends with one country against another. We build
bilateral relations that rely on positive trends generated by our
contacts; we do not build alliances against anyone. This is my first
point.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">Secondly, you and your
audience understand, I believe, that Russia and Iran are neighbours;
this is a factor we always bear in mind.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">Thirdly, Iran is
a major regional power, an ancient country with a rich cultural
legacy. If we want to build good relations with a country –
and I believe every country in the region would want
to have good relations with each other, no one seeks a standoff or,
perish the thought, any conflict. No one does. I know that there is
no one looking for a showdown and that is true for both
Saudi Arabia and the UAE. If we want to set a positive
agenda, we need to acknowledge that our partners have their own legitimate
interests. I am not weighing in on what is legitimate
and what is not. I just want to underscore that it is only
natural that a big country like Iran, which has existed on its
territory for thousands of years has its own interests. Persians
and Iranians have lived here for centuries. And we should
respect those interests.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">Of course, it is
debatable what is legitimate and what is not, which interests are
legitimate and which cross the line. However, you need to have
dialogue to understand each other, to puzzle out all
the nuances, intricacies and issues. Without dialogue, you cannot
solve any problem. That is why I think I can share the concerns
of the UAE and Saudi Arabia, but in the case
of bilateral issues, it is up to them to resolve them.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">As for Russia, we
will do everything in our power to create the right conditions
for positive change. Russia has cordial relations with Iran and is
on very good terms with our Arab friends. Back in the Soviet
times, we did not have any particularly deep relations with Saudi Arabia, but
we were truly close with almost all the Arab countries. The Soviet
Union was on very good terms with the entire Arab world. Today we are
back to the same level of partnership. Therefore, if we put
to good use the cordial relations that we have with Iran,
the Arab world, Saudi Arabia and the UAE, I think we can
come up with something that would be of interest to everyone.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">Previously, I mentioned
the positive role that we play in Syria. It is true that we –
Turkey, Iran, and Russia – work hard, shoulder to shoulder,
to achieve positive results. However, it would have been impossible
without support from Saudi Arabia, and we all understand that. And,
of course, without assistance from the UAE as well. It means
that, despite acute contradictions, there is still something that brings us
together towards a common goal. You just need to find such
a goal and then apply concerted efforts to reach it. That can
create the right setting for the normalisation of relations
between the countries in the region.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<img alt="During interview with Al Arabiya, Sky News Arabia and RT Arabic." src="http://static.kremlin.ru/media/events/photos/big/vrpgVEbJ5kXEsNERuN0IAUBctpckJvke.jpg" height="394" width="640" /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span style="color: #351c75;"><span style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><!--[if gte vml 1]><v:shape id="Picture_x0020_1"
o:spid="_x0000_i1025" type="#_x0000_t75" alt="During interview with Al Arabiya, Sky News Arabia and RT Arabic."
style='width:705pt;height:435pt;visibility:visible;mso-wrap-style:square'>
<v:imagedata src="file:///C:\Users\Luisa\AppData\Local\Temp\msohtmlclip1\01\clip_image003.jpg"
o:title="During interview with Al Arabiya, Sky News Arabia and RT Arabic"/>
</v:shape><![endif]--><!--[if !vml]--><!--[endif]--></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">During interview with Al Arabiya, Sky News Arabia and RT Arabic.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;"><b>Mohannad Khatib:</b> Staying
with Iran. Some say that the P5+1 talks should be resumed. Moreover,
the common opinion is that the agreement should also cover
the ballistic missile programme. What is Russia’s position here regarding
the call to revive that framework and possibly modify
the agreement, extending it to some other issues?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;"><b><span style="color: #990000;">Vladimir Putin:</span></b> There
is the JCPOA or the Iran nuclear deal, which specifies certain
limits and commitments for Iran, and Iran has accepted them. Let
us be frank here, otherwise the conversation will be too dull:
the countries of the region do have some contradictions,
and you have just mentioned them. There is disagreement between Iran
and Israel, Iran and the US. I believe that attempts must
be made to settle those disagreements, to seek a way out
of the complicated situations that we observe today. However, if we
agree that there are contradictions between regional powers and Iran, then
who can take up the role of an arbitrator and decide
whether Iran complies with the JCPOA or not? First and foremost,
an arbitrator should be impartial, right? Second, an arbitrator
should be a professional. Third, it should be someone respected
by the international community. We have such an arbitrator,
the IAEA, the International Atomic Energy Agency.
And the IAEA has publicly, without any hesitation, said that Iran
fully complies with all of its obligations.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">What we are seeing is not
quite productive. Not to mention that it is just unfair to blame Iran
for failing to deliver on some commitments. It is
counter-productive because when a person or a country is treated
so unfairly, they start acting in a way different manner, not
the way existing agreements require. When one party does not abide
by its obligations, why would the other still honour them?
Nevertheless, I believe that Iran should follow both the letter
and spirit of the agreement. But that is a different
question.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">As for the missile
programme, I suppose the issue can and should be part
of the discussion too. In Russia, there is a saying,
and I think Muslims would understand the meaning as well:
“You should know the difference between God’s gift and fried eggs
[dollars to doughnuts].” These are two different matters. The missile
programme is one thing, and the nuclear programme is something
different. It does not imply that the missile programme should not be part
of the conversation, especially since it raises certain concerns.
There is a place for discussion, but let us not mix apples and oranges
here; otherwise, all the progress that has been made could be totally
lost.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">Therefore, I think that
such a discussion can take place, but it should not cancel out all
the achievements on the principle track, that is putting
a cap on Iran’s nuclear activities.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">S<b>alam Musafir:</b> I would
like to ask you a question on the matter, namely security
in the Gulf region. It has truly seen a lot of developments
recently. There have been many dramatic incidents: detention of tankers,
a missile and bomb attack on the Saudi Aramco refinery, and the aggression
that continues around Yemen. The recent attacks on Saudi Aramco’s oil
facilities strongly affected sentiment in the region, as we can
see.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">In your view, what will
be the impact of all these high-profile incidents on cooperation
under the OPEC+ agreement? So far, regional powers have not made any
specific statements regarding Russia’s proposal for a collective
security strategy in the region.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">How do you plan
to promote that collective security initiative? Do you think it will ever
see the light of day?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;"><b><span style="color: #990000;">Vladimir Putin:</span></b> Your
questions seem to be linked, but still deal with separate issues. Our
cooperation within OPEC+ is one thing, while regional security
and stability and our proposals is a different one.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">First, if anyone thinks that
seizing tankers and attacking oil infrastructure can in any way
affect cooperation between Russia and our Arab friends, Saudi Arabia
and the UAE, that they can undermine or break down our
cooperation with OPEC+, then they are profoundly wrong.
On the contrary, we will forge ever closer ties because our main goal
is to stabilise global energy markets. Technically, we need to cut
global reserves to some sensible level, so that these reserves do not
affect prices.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">We have made some good
strides and whatever we have managed to achieve has served not only
oil producers, but also consumers. Neither producers nor consumers want high
prices, rather we all want stability in the global market. Let me be
straight with you, all that has been done under the leadership
of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. Overall, those were his initiatives,
and we just backed them. Now we see that we did the right thing.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">We need to respond
to any attempt to destabilise the market. Russia will certainly
continue working with Saudi Arabia and other partners and friends
in the Arab world to counter any attempts to wreak havoc
in the market.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">Now let us turn
to Russia’s initiative to stabilise the situation
in the Gulf region. We put that initiative forward some time ago. We
proposed to establish some sort of an organisation that would
bring together the countries of the region as well
as several other stakeholders, the US and the EU,
to name just a few. This organisation would serve
as a platform to discuss crises and all kinds
of pressing problems. Some have already voiced their support; others say
it is too early to launch such an initiative.
And the reason for that, by the way, is
the serious contradictions between regional powers. From my point
of view, these deep contradictions call for such a platform, so
that countries could at least sit at the negotiating table.
As you may be aware, sometimes it is not the negotiations that
matter, but a handshake. A handshake can mean a lot.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;"><b>Salam Musafir:</b> A follow-up
question, if I may. Can we rely on Russia’s efforts
as a mediator between the Islamic Republic and Saudi
Arabia, or on a larger scale in order to help relieve
the tension in the Gulf region?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;"><b><span style="color: #990000;">Vladimir Putin:</span></b> The role
of mediator is not a rewarding one. I believe that our partners
in Iran and Saudi Arabia do not need any mediation.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">Since we maintain very
friendly relations with all the countries in the region,
including Iran and the Arab states, such as Saudi Arabia
and the UAE, we could certainly help relay some messages between
the parties, so they could hear each other’s position. But since
I personally know the leaders of these countries, I am
perfectly sure that they have no need for any advice or mediation.
What you can do is maintain a friendly conversation with them
and present some ideas from a friend’s perspective. I am
convinced that as highly intelligent people they listen and analyse
everything they hear. From this point of view, yes, we could play
a positive role in the process, to some extent.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;"><b>Mohammed Tomaihi:</b> Mr.
President, if you allow me, I would like to ask
a straightforward question. You have just said that all allegations
against Iran in regard to these strikes are premature. You recently
met with President Rouhani. Did he assure you in any way that Iran had
nothing whatsoever to do with these strikes and was not involved
in this in any way?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;"><b><span style="color: #990000;">Vladimir Putin:</span></b> Yes,
that is exactly what he said. He said that Iran had nothing to do with
this. We met “on the sidelines” of an international summit.
It was the summit of the Eurasian Economic Union,
an organisation we created with a number of ex-Soviet states.
A few months ago, the Eurasian Economic Union and Iran signed
an interim agreement on a free trade area. We have a free
trade area agreement with Singapore and Vietnam, and we are also
working on one with Israel and Egypt. The Eurasian Economic
Union has enjoyed successful cooperation with many states across the globe.
Iran is about to join this process, and we discussed these prospects
just recently, on the sidelines of the summit
in Yerevan, Armenia.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;"><b>Mohammed Tomaihi:</b> One
more question, if I may, Mr. President.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">Russia certainly plays
a role in the Gulf region, and your intelligence agencies have
a huge capacity. It is hard to believe that Russia does not know what
really happened to those oil facilities. Is it possible?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;"><b><span style="color: #990000;">Vladimir Putin:</span></b> Believe
it or not, we do not know. I asked the heads
of the Foreign Intelligence Service and the Ministry
of Defence the very next day. We do not know. I will refrain
from any further comments as to who should know in order not
to hurt anyone’s feelings, but I can say that we do not have any
definitive information regarding the incident.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;"><b>Mohannad Khatib:</b> Can we
move to Syria now, Mr. President?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">You recently announced
a suspension of large-scale combat operations in Syria,
and everyone is now hopeful that political settlement will work. You spoke
about it at the Valdai Forum here in Russia. You said that Syria
could become a good example of how such conflicts must be approached
and settled.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">Do you think that we can
talk about a political settlement while other countries’ forces are still
deployed in Syria? I mean the United States, Russia, Turkey
and Iran? Is there hope to achieve stability in Syria amid these
destabilising factors?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;"><b><span style="color: #990000;">Vladimir Putin:</span></b> There
is always hope. Do not ever give it up. I can only agree with you that all
the forces deployed illegitimately inside any sovereign state –
in this case Syria – must leave. This is true for everyone. If
Syria’s new legitimate government chooses to say that they have no more
need for Russia’s military presence, this will be just as true
for Russia. Right now, we are discussing this openly with all our
partners, including Iran and Turkey. We spoke about it with our American
partners many times. And I will be as open with you
as I have been with my counterparts: Syria must be free from
other states’ military presence. And the territorial integrity
of the Syrian Arab Republic must be completely restored.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;"><b>Mohannad Khatib:</b> Do you
have a vision for Syria’s political future? And what role does
Russia play in it?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;"><b><span style="color: #990000;">Vladimir Putin: </span></b>It is
a difficult question, and it is a question that only Syrians can
answer. I hope that they do so not by taking up arms
and fighting a war against their own people, but through
negotiations, in this case, as I said, in Geneva.
The very first step along this path is to work
on the country’s Constitution, whether by amending
the existing Constitution or drafting a new one. In either
case, it must protect the interests of all the ethnic
and religious groups. People need to know that they live
in their own country and that it protects them by law. This must
be equally true for Sunnis and Shia, for Alawites and Christians,
because Syria has always been a state with many religions, and it
could pride itself on this. Only insane people could have started
a deranged, purging campaign, killing other people, as these
terrorists did in Syria.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">Again, it will not be easy;
it will be a difficult process, but I believe it can work. Do you
know why I feel positive about it? People are returning home. We are
talking thousands of people. They are returning from abroad and from
other Syrian provinces. They are coming home. This is a sure sign
of the trust they have in the situation we have today; they
trust the government and its guarantees, and they trust
the guarantor states.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">I am happy to say
that Syrians welcome and trust Russian troops and Russia’s military
police. The military police units deployed there are doing a good
job. They are mostly Muslims from the North Caucasus.
And the local residents trust them and feel free to ask
them for help and protection. I have reports of such cases.
I am happy to say all this, but in order to have long-term
peace, people need to find a way to settle things between
themselves. The worst peace is always better than
the best of wars.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;"><b>Salam Musafir:</b> Let us
leave the Middle East and the Gulf region for now.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">You always say that
Russian-American relations need to improve, because otherwise, if there is
a ‘fault’ in these relations, this may change the situation
for the worse globally.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">Today, as you look
at the Trump Administration, as you read Donald Trump’s tweets,
do you see any hope for any steps to improve relations between
the two countries? You surely follow the US President’s statements,
don’t you?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;"><b><span style="color: #990000;">Vladimir Putin:</span></b> I must
say that I do not have any Twitter account or anything, so I do
not follow anyone there. Of course, I get reports from my staff
from time to time. The opinion of the President
of the United States always matters; it is always very important
for many parties and for the world overall, but I do
not follow him personally.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;"><b>Salam Musafir:</b> Let us
assume President Trump is re-elected next year. Do you think he could be
the more promising president, that he might have more courage
to de-escalate tension between Washington and Moscow? And will
Russia be willing to resume dialogue?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;"><b><span style="color: #990000;">Vladimir Putin:</span></b> You
work for Russia Today, don’t you? Well, it is because of people like
you that Russia will be accused of meddling in the election,
because you said just now that Trump could be re-elected. They will say,
“Gotcha! This is Russia interfering with the election campaign”.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">Jokes aside, we all know
what President Trump says about Russian-American relations and how he
talks about them. We know that during his previous campaign, he called
for relations to get back to normal, but unfortunately, nothing
has been done. But we do not hold it against anyone because we can all see what
is going on in the American domestic political scene these days.
The domestic political agenda prevents the incumbent president from
embarking on a drastic improvement of relations between our
countries.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">In any case, we will
work with any administration to the extent it is willing to work
with us. However, we cannot help but feel concern over overall global security
and strategic balance. This is obvious.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">In 2002
(and President Trump has nothing to do with it), the United
States withdrew from the ABM treaty, which, I would like
to reiterate, was the cornerstone of the entire global
strategic security system, because it imposed limits on the missile
defence systems of our countries. Do you see the point? The point
was to make it clear that neither party can ever win a nuclear war,
should it happen. That was the whole point. The United States
withdrew from the treaty in order to secure some serious
strategic advantage for themselves, thinking that they might shield
themselves from a threat, unlike Russia. It would leave Russia
in a very vulnerable position, while the US would be protected
by an ABM system.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">Back then, I told our
US partners that there is no way of knowing how well such a system
would work and so we will not waste tens of billions on it. But
strategic balance must be maintained, which means that we will develop
offensive weapons that will defeat any ABM system. And we have developed
them, and everyone knows it by now. The ABM systems are designed
to intercept ballistic missiles, i.e. missiles that follow
a ballistic trajectory whereas what we did was we enhanced
and improved ballistic missiles significantly and developed
a new weapon that has no rivals in the world. We have hypersonic
missiles that follow a low trajectory rather than a ballistic one. No
one has hypersonic missiles today, except us. Of course, the world’s
leading powers will one day develop them, sooner or later. But we will be
able to come up with something new by that time. I know what
projects our scientists, researchers, designers and engineers are working
on right now. Unfortunately, this has led to an arms race
of sorts. But that is what has happened. It is a fact. Sadly, this is
true.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">Now, recently, the US
also withdrew from the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF)
Treaty. It think it was a mistake, too, and that they could have gone
a different path. I do understand the US concerns. While other
countries are free to enhance their defences, Russia and the US
have tied their own hands with this treaty. However, I still believe it
was not worth ruining the deal; I believe there were other ways out
of the situation.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">The New START Treaty is
actually the only treaty that we have to prevent us from falling back
into a full-scale arms race. It serves to further reduce
and limit strategic offensive arms, that is to limit the entire
range of strategic weapons, the entire strategic triade: land, sea
and air-based combat inter-continental ballistic missile launchers. This
treaty expires in 2021. To make sure it is extended, we need
to be working on it right now. We have already submitted our
proposals; they are on the table of the US Administration.
There has been no answer so far. Our understanding is that they have not made
up their minds yet as to whether they need to extend
the treaty or not. But if this treaty is not extended, the world
will have no means of limiting the number of offensive weapons,
and this is bad news. The situation will change, globally. It will
become more precarious, and the world will be less safe
and a much less predictable place than today.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;"><b>Mohammed Tomaihi:</b> Let
us get back to disarmament. Mr. President, do you think that a new
arms race could plunge us back into another cold war?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;"><b><span style="color: #990000;">Vladimir Putin:</span></b> I wish
it does not happen. In any case, Russia will be the least affected
party because, as I said, we already have the next generation
of weapons, and these are unprecedented, with unmatched capabilities.
In that sense, we have done our homework. We do not need to rush now
and can calmly think of what could be done next.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">Military spending also plays
a role here. It may or may not come as a surprise
to you but Russia ranks seventh in terms of defence spending.
Saudi Arabia is third. The US military spending totals 716 billion, if
I am not mistaken, and next year they asked for 750 billion.
Next comes China with around 177 billion, followed by Saudi Arabia, with
59 billion, right? Trailing behind are the UK, France, Japan, with 48.1
billion, based on the data I have, and Russia is only
seventh with 48 billion. However, we have unmatched military capabilities.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">What has made it possible?
It comes as a result of focused research on priority areas,
and the credit here goes to our specialists, their ability
to identify those areas, mobilise resources. It has been made possible
thanks to research institutions, production know how, fundamental
knowledge and competences.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">Therefore, an arms race
is a bad thing, and it will not be good for the world.
However, we will not be dragged into exorbitant budget spending games.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;"><b>Mohammed Tomaihi:</b> Despite
this, NATO continues to press forward. Do you feel that
the alliance’s march towards Russia’s borders is a threat? How will
you respond to it?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;"><b><span style="color: #990000;">Vladimir Putin: </span></b>We do
feel it, certainly. We have always felt it and voiced our concerns. We
were told, “Don’t be afraid. You are not the target and there is
nothing to fear. NATO is changing, it is no longer a military bloc,
it does not have belligerent intentions”, and stuff like that.
In the meantime, the North Atlantic Treaty remains
in place, in particular Article 5, if I am not wrong, that
guarantees military support to other members, etc. It is a military
bloc. As its infrastructure is moving closer to our borders, we are
not happy about it.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">There is another trick.
I think it is clear to everyone that NATO is just a US foreign
policy tool. Europe is aware of it. Take the French president.
I do not need to make anything up. Another trick is that once
countries join NATO, they have no say over the arms that are installed
on their territory. This was the case in Romania with missile
defence. Poland will soon get it, too. It will be really close to our
border. It is certainly a threat to us. We see it
as an attempt to neutralise our strategic nuclear capabilities.
However, it is clear their efforts are doomed to failure. I believe
experts now see this as well. Now that we have the cutting edge
systems that I mentioned earlier, these moves are no longer a threat
to us. I do not want to say what we really think about it.
Still, there is nothing positive about it. So yes, we do see this
as destructive activities that escalate tension. There is nothing good
about it.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;"><b>Mohannad Khatib:</b> Mr.
President, another issue that used to be in the limelight.
I am referring to the Palestinian-Israeli settlement. Like
the Soviet Union, Russia has played an important role
in resolving the issue. Take the Madrid conference,
for instance. However, in recent years, Russia has not been very
active on that track while the US is trumpeting a so-called deal
of the century. In the meantime, the Israeli
government is going ahead with its arbitrary authoritarian policy. What is
Russia’s role in resolving the issues that are so fundamental
to the Middle East?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;"><b><span style="color: #990000;">Vladimir Putin:</span></b> This
does not depend on us or our actions. It is up to all
the stakeholders whether they want to see someone
in the process or not.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">Incidentally, we have very
good relations with Israel as well. Almost 1.5 million Israelis come from
the former Soviet Union. Israel is almost a Russian-speaking country.
The Russian language is often heard in shops everywhere. We do care
about what is happening in Israel. However, we have a principled
position on the Israeli-Palestinian settlement: we are fully
committed to all the UN decisions and believe that they must be
executed.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">Now on the ‘deal
of the century’. We will support any deal that will bring peace but
we need to know what it is about. The US has been pretty vague about
the details of the deal. Washington has kept
in the dark the global and domestic public, the Middle
East, and Palestine.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">We believe it is important
to ensure a two-state solution and establish the State
of Palestine. We suggested hosting direct talks in Moscow between
the Israeli Prime Minister and the head
of the Palestinian Authority, but the meeting never took place,
unfortunately. We have been doing what we can: we have held several meetings
between different Palestinian groups. Restoring Palestinian unity would be
a major contribution to the process. Speaking with different
voices undermines the united Palestinian stance. But we are working
on it.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">It does not mean that we
have quit the process altogether, and are no longer interested
in it. We are deeply committed primarily because we believe that
the Israeli-Palestinian conflict is key to resolving many other
regional issues. Unless it is resolved, it will continue to feed
radicalism and terrorism, among other things. When people feel they have
no legal ways to uphold their rights, they take up arms. In this
sense, I feel the Israelis are also interested
in a long-term, ultimate solution, not just the Palestinians.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;"><b>Mohammed Tomaihi:</b> Mr.
President, we are running out of time. We do not want to steal time
from our colleagues.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">You have made fairly
positive comments about Saudi Crown Prince Muhammed bin Salman. You seem
to have close and good ties with him. Do you count
on the positive role that he can play in fostering
the Russian-Saudi relationship and in the Middle East
agenda in general?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;"><b><span style="color: #990000;">Vladimir Putin:</span></b> That is
exactly his role today, and he has been quite successful. Indeed, we have
very good personal ties. He has been behind many of our initiatives,
and these projects are being put into practice. As I said, he
came up with OPEC+, he endorsed the joint platforms of our investment
funds. Two billion worth of investment has been made by now. He
raised the need for broader defence cooperation, and we have
a good plan of joint activities in that area. This is already
happening. Hopefully, our collaboration will continue to expand going
forward.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">As for Saudi
Arabia’s role in the region, it is definitely one
of the key countries there. It does have an impact based
on its capabilities and its position in the energy market.
Saudi Arabia can be safely called a global player since it has
an impact on the world energy market, on world energy
in general.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">This is why cooperation with
Saudi Arabia, its King and Crown Prince bin Salman is very important,
and we will develop our relations going forward.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;"><b>Salam Musafir:</b> Before
we came here, we did a poll on RT Arabic’s website. We asked
a simple question: “If you had a chance to meet the Russian
President, what would you ask him?” It generated a lot of interest,
and we picked the most popular questions. I will not list all
of them, but one of the biggest concerns among our Arab audience
is the future of Russian-Arab ties when you will no longer be
the President of Russia. What will be the stance of your
successor on the issue?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;"><b><span style="color: #990000;">Vladimir Putin:</span></b> It is
not about the name of the Russian president, it is about our
national interests. It is in the interests of the Russian
and other nations of the Russian Federation to nurture
relations with the Arab world. It has always appealed to Russia with
its enigma, culture, opportunities and potential. I have no doubt
that Russia is set to boost the pace of its interaction with
the Arab world in the years to come.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;"><b>Salam Musafir:</b> Thank
you.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;"><b>Mohannad Khatib:</b> I will
try to be brief. The Arab world is following the recent
developments, in both Russia and the Arab world, as part
of the so-called Arab spring. The situation is rapidly changing
in Sudan and Algeria; Tunisia just had an election. Do you see
any positive signals? Do you think the region is entering a new phase
that will culminate in a stable Middle East?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;"><b><span style="color: #990000;">Vladimir Putin:</span></b> Clearly,
the region is not in a state of stability. We all
understand it; we can see it with our own eyes. But all things pass.
I hope it will be over one day. It will not get better quickly on its
own, if you just leave things as they are, without attempts
to improve the situation. Russia will do all it can to make sure
things get back to normal and as soon as possible.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">We do not think you can
and should handle the situation ‘from above’. As I said, we
have many friends in the Arab world. It is time to get Syria
back into the Arab family, to re-instate it in the Arab
League. We will work hard to bring it back to normal
and to help our friends. However, the pace of improvements
will ultimately depend on the people who are responsible
for the situation in their countries. I am convinced
stabilisation is inevitable and I wish it happens as soon
as possible.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">Remark: Thank you so
much, Mr. President, for the productive interview.</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7433369209594824580.post-85062262133824544802019-10-09T14:36:00.000-07:002019-10-09T14:36:17.221-07:00 Vladimir Putin took short break in Siberia<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: #fff2cc; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px; margin: 12pt 26.1pt 8pt 1cm;">
<div class="Standard" style="margin-top: 12pt;">
<span style="color: #351c75;"><span style="color: #351c75;"> </span>
<span style="color: #351c75;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #351c75;"><br /></span>
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjWHVm1HGUWIfs-k9YxS4CQdUz6v3Rlx7lTFKhlPyz9hhIsd3ORESklTcq-2KbdconFLQoobN5phMAbQFrkjcsWivX-chx4bzR8ubsSV1PqnZSyzcg8dUgUnUzztUy3fYlvVeC39U73jUE/s1600/1+RUSSIAN+LOGO.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: #351c75;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjWHVm1HGUWIfs-k9YxS4CQdUz6v3Rlx7lTFKhlPyz9hhIsd3ORESklTcq-2KbdconFLQoobN5phMAbQFrkjcsWivX-chx4bzR8ubsSV1PqnZSyzcg8dUgUnUzztUy3fYlvVeC39U73jUE/s1600/1+RUSSIAN+LOGO.png" /></span></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span style="color: #351c75;"><a href="http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/61732"><span style="font-family: "rockwell" , serif; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></span>
</a></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="color: #351c75;"><b><a href="http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/61732"><span style="font-size: large;">Vladimir Putin took short break in Siberia</span></a></b><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="color: #351c75;">The President went to Siberia before his birthday.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; mso-ansi-language: PT;"><span style="color: #351c75;">October 7, 2019<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; mso-ansi-language: PT;"><span style="color: #351c75;">09:00<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; mso-ansi-language: PT;"><span style="color: #351c75;"> </span></span><img alt="Vladimir Putin took short break in Siberia." src="http://static.kremlin.ru/media/events/photos/big/ABazdMuzapyArhWuGmCEwFdnvOUVckMX.jpg" /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="color: #351c75;">Vladimir Putin took short break in Siberia.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span style="color: #351c75;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">In the company of Defence Minister </span><span style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; mso-ansi-language: PT;"><a href="http://en.kremlin.ru/catalog/persons/90/events"><span lang="EN-US">Sergei Shoigu</span></a></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"> Vladimir
Putin walked through a Siberian forest picking mushrooms, then drove
an off road vehicle across the taiga. The President also climbed
to the top of a mountain to admire
the surrounding landscape and the Yenisei River. During one
of their stops, Vladimir Putin and Sergei Shoigu had a picnic
by a fire.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="color: #351c75;">Vladimir Putin plans to spend his birthday outdoors with family
and friends.</span></span></div>
<a name='more'></a><span style="color: #351c75;"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span style="font-family: "rockwell" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7433369209594824580.post-74526149389460230482019-10-03T10:54:00.000-07:002019-10-09T14:06:46.217-07:00Vladimir Putin spoke at the final plenary session of the 16th meeting of the Valdai International Discussion Club.<span style="color: #351c75;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="background-color: #fff2cc; clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #351c75; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: #fff2cc; line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt; text-align: justify;">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 12pt;">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 12pt;">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #351c75; font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzYYTEHH-6NdPikBeUBsZghay1FMwyWB58rb0jsTM004KWu78fAi0SyTsLaFiRjuXFjQH-SLUmssGSDpZH6e5xF0bH9WgBC5s7y7lGXIHvRGGDWyoA_BnHAo69w4GmOf0mzeQPUD8bux7h/s1600/1+RUSSIAN+LOGO.png" imageanchor="1" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzYYTEHH-6NdPikBeUBsZghay1FMwyWB58rb0jsTM004KWu78fAi0SyTsLaFiRjuXFjQH-SLUmssGSDpZH6e5xF0bH9WgBC5s7y7lGXIHvRGGDWyoA_BnHAo69w4GmOf0mzeQPUD8bux7h/s1600/1+RUSSIAN+LOGO.png" /></a></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px; margin-top: 12pt;">
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 8.0pt; margin-left: 14.2pt; margin-right: 9.9pt; margin-top: 12.0pt; tab-stops: 949.75pt; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "rockwell" , serif; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/61719">Valdai Discussion Club session</a></span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 8.0pt; margin-left: 14.2pt; margin-right: 9.9pt; margin-top: 12.0pt; tab-stops: 949.75pt; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "rockwell" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;"><b>Vladimir Putin spoke at the final plenary
session of the 16<sup>th</sup> meeting of the Valdai
International Discussion Club.</b><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 8.0pt; margin-left: 14.2pt; margin-right: 9.9pt; margin-top: 12.0pt; tab-stops: 949.75pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "rockwell" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">October
3, 2019<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 8.0pt; margin-left: 14.2pt; margin-right: 9.9pt; margin-top: 12.0pt; tab-stops: 949.75pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "rockwell" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">18:30<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 8.0pt; margin-left: 14.2pt; margin-right: 9.9pt; margin-top: 12.0pt; tab-stops: 949.75pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "rockwell" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">Sochi<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 8.0pt; margin-left: 14.2pt; margin-right: 9.9pt; margin-top: 12.0pt; tab-stops: 949.75pt; text-align: justify;">
<img alt="Plenary session of the 16th meeting of the Valdai International Discussion Club." src="http://static.kremlin.ru/media/events/photos/big/E0HP2aAcTARaQHcXeKACpD4DAkOUoAhi.jpg" height="594" width="840" /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 8.0pt; margin-left: 14.2pt; margin-right: 9.9pt; margin-top: 12.0pt; tab-stops: 949.75pt; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 8.0pt; margin-left: 14.2pt; margin-right: 9.9pt; margin-top: 12.0pt; tab-stops: 949.75pt; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "rockwell" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">Plenary session of the 16th meeting
of the Valdai International Discussion Club.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 8.0pt; margin-left: 14.2pt; margin-right: 9.9pt; margin-top: 12.0pt; tab-stops: 949.75pt; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "rockwell" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">The session was attended by President
of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev, King of Jordan Abdullah II, President
of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and President
of the Philippines Rodrigo Duterte.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 8.0pt; margin-left: 14.2pt; margin-right: 9.9pt; margin-top: 12.0pt; tab-stops: 949.75pt; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "rockwell" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">* * *<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 8.0pt; margin-left: 14.2pt; margin-right: 9.9pt; margin-top: 12.0pt; tab-stops: 949.75pt; text-align: justify;">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 12pt 9.9pt 8pt 14.2pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "rockwell" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">E</span><span style="color: #351c75;">xcerpts from the transcript
of the Valdai International Discussion Club session<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 12pt 9.9pt 8pt 14.2pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "rockwell" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><b><span style="color: #990000;">President of Russia Vladimir Putin:</span></b><span style="color: #351c75;"> Your
Majesty King Abdullah, Mr Aliyev, Mr Tokaev, Mr Duterte, friends, ladies
and gentlemen,<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 12pt 22.7pt 8pt 14.2pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "rockwell" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">I am pleased to welcome you all
in Sochi at the annual meeting of the Valdai Club.
According to tradition, on this platform, we try to put aside
current political problems, even diplomatic discussions, and strive
to discuss the long-term perspective in a historical,
cultural and philosophical context and to look into
the future and outline it.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 12pt 22.7pt 8pt 14.2pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "rockwell" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">This time, the hosts have come up with
a truly inexhaustible and, I would say, fascinating topic which is
the East and the role of Asia as the world’s
largest and most populated region. Relations between Russia
and the Asian states, which have always been of particular
importance to us, I believe, are of interest to everyone.
The nature of Russia’s relations with Asia is dictated not only
by today's realities, but by history as well.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 12pt 22.7pt 8pt 14.2pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "rockwell" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">India and China, Egypt and Iran, Turkey
and Japan, the countries of Central and Southeast Asia are
heirs to great ancient civilisations, which gave humankind unique
knowledge and technology, as well as discoveries
in medicine, mathematics, culture and the arts.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 12pt 22.7pt 8pt 14.2pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "rockwell" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">Asia has always aroused special feelings among
intellectuals and creative people, it seemed a little mysterious
and mystical, and was considered a source of spiritual
strength and wisdom, perhaps not always fully understood, but invariably
interesting.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 12pt 22.7pt 8pt 14.2pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "rockwell" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">In Russia, the bright colours
of the East inspired many of our writers, poets, artists
and musicians, specifically Pushkin, Rimsky-Korsakov, Arsenyev,
Vereshchagin, Kandinsky and Roerich. The Russian people, and not
only Russians, know these names.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 12pt 22.7pt 8pt 14.2pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "rockwell" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">Today, Asia, throughout its vast reach from
the Maghreb and the Middle East all the way to East
and Southeast Asia, is regaining its natural place in international
affairs, which is commensurate with its great heritage and today's
undoubtedly vast and growing potential.</span></span><br />
<a name='more'></a><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "rockwell" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 12pt 22.7pt 8pt 14.2pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "rockwell" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">The positions of the Asian states are
becoming stronger in all areas, but mainly in the economy.
The region already accounts for over a third
of the gross world product. Living standards are improving
at a higher pace than the global average. The most advanced
technology is being introduced. The unprecedented scale
of integration processes and globalisation are drawing both
individual countries and entire adjacent sub-regions to Asia.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 12pt 22.7pt 8pt 14.2pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "rockwell" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">While demonstrating impressive examples
of progress, the Asian nations still preserve their unique features
and traditions. They remember their roots and prove in their
forward progress that the principles of state sovereignty do not
contradict openness and globalisation, that sustainable development can be
based on independence and self-sufficiency rather than their
mandatory renunciation, and that growing national economic
and humanitarian potential requires political identity.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 12pt 22.7pt 8pt 14.2pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "rockwell" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">Naturally, having effectively and wisely used
the opportunities of globalisation and having become economic
leaders, the Asian states are striving to play a bigger role
in world politics. This is an absolutely natural process. They uphold
their own opinions on key international issues, treasure their
independence and hope that their objectively increasing influence will be
recognised. We believe this is only fair and meets the realities
of today and tomorrow.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 12pt 22.7pt 8pt 14.2pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "rockwell" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">Incidentally, at one time Asia’s awakening,
as it is called, and the national and cultural revival
of its states, played an enormous role
in the democratisation of international ties. Today, it is
obvious that global problems cannot be resolved without Asia. Of course,
it is possible to try to do this with momentum and based
on past experience, but the legitimacy, and most importantly,
the practical value of such approaches, which are presented
as global and universal, will be questionable.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 12pt 22.7pt 8pt 14.2pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "rockwell" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">The world has become multi-polar and, hence more
complicated largely owing to the Asian countries. But,
as I have said, multi-polarity as such is not a cure-all.
Nor does it mean that urgent problems will disappear by themselves.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 12pt 22.7pt 8pt 14.2pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "rockwell" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">The authors of the annual Valdai Club
report insist, and we have just heard this, that we have entered
an era with no world order whatsoever. This has been practically voiced
right now. Yes, such a scenario is indeed possible. But it is fraught with
many threats, we are all aware of that. I would like to hope
that however complicated the relations between countries, however
dangerous the legal lacunae might be, such as in nuclear
and missile weapons areas, the world order, based
on the key role of international law, will be transformed, but
it will remain. We will all be working to protect it. A different way
is obviously fraught with global calamities for practically all
of humanity.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 12pt 22.7pt 8pt 14.2pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "rockwell" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">The world system is undoubtedly multi-faceted
and complicated and unprecedentedly interconnected at that.
Everyone has their own objective interests that do not always coincide with
those of others, this is also evident. But there is a feeling
of common responsibility. Ultimately, I hope, no, actually, I do
not doubt that there is also common sense, a striving for security.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 12pt 22.7pt 8pt 14.2pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "rockwell" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">This is why we cannot do without a systemic world
order. But we also need both flexibility and, let me add, non-linearity, which
would not mean a rejection of the system but the capability
to arrange a complex process rooted in realities, which
presupposes the ability to consider various cultural and value
systems, the need to act together, dismissing stereotypes
and geopolitical clichés. This is the only way to effectively
solve the challenges on the global, regional, and national
levels.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 12pt 22.7pt 8pt 14.2pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "rockwell" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">We have such examples before our eyes. Those
of you who attended the 2015 Valdai Club meeting will apparently
remember that at virtually the very same time the decision was
taken on Russia’s operation in Syria. Let me be straightforward, not
everyone, including the experts in the audience back then,
believed it could bring a positive result. On the contrary, they
were very sceptical about it, and many of them asked questions about
why it was necessary. They asked if we understood what sort
of a hornets’ nest we would get into ,whereas some foreign partners,
I do not mean those experts present here, I mean just foreign
partners with whom we collaborate in the global arena, were also
trying to interfere, to resist.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 12pt 22.7pt 8pt 14.2pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "rockwell" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">But I would like to draw your attention
to the essence of what has been done, and above all,
of course, I mean what has been done for our country,
as I represent its interests. We defeated the terrorist
international that was actually winning on Syrian territory, and we
prevented the return, the infiltration of hundreds
and later, perhaps, thousands of armed cut-throats into our country
and neighbouring countries with whom we have a visa-free regime, our
borders are transparent.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 12pt 22.7pt 8pt 14.2pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "rockwell" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">Most of Syria was freed from terrorists within
several years, and the level of violence has drastically
decreased. In conjunction with our Astana format partners and with
the support of the UN, we managed to launch
an intra-Syrian political process and to establish close working
contacts with Iran, Turkey, Israel, Saudi Arabia, Jordan and other
countries of the Middle East, as well as the United
States. Colleagues, you will agree that it was difficult to even imagine
such a complicated diplomatic alignment with the participation
of very different states with very different emotions towards each other
even a few years ago. But now this is a fait accompli, and we
managed to do it.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 12pt 22.7pt 8pt 14.2pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "rockwell" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">We think the Syrian settlement can become
a model for resolving regional crises where diplomatic mechanisms
will be used in the vast majority of cases. The use
of force is an extreme and forced exception. Indeed, in Syria,
we were faced with an attempt to create a terrorist quasi-state
with an actual – I am saying this without any
exaggeration – an actual terrorist army.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 12pt 22.7pt 8pt 14.2pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "rockwell" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">Occasionally, many new and chronic problems
and crises look too tangled and even approaching them is
a problem. But, I repeat, now is the time
for outside-the-box steps and actions. In Syria, Russia
and its partners (of course, we could never have done this alone)
managed to do a lot while adhering to and following norms
of international law, respecting sovereignty and thinking primarily
about the life, safety and interests of the people.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 12pt 22.7pt 8pt 14.2pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "rockwell" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">I am convinced that these approaches can be used
to resolve other existing problems in the world, including
in Asia, such as for example, the situation
on the Korean Peninsula, which has long been in a clinch.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 12pt 22.7pt 8pt 14.2pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "rockwell" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">In this regard, notably, as soon
as the United States decided to have a direct conversation
with the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, without preliminary
formalities and conventions, abandoning the usual, sometimes very
rude, even insulting, rhetoric, the hope for a peaceful
settlement immediately appeared.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 12pt 22.7pt 8pt 14.2pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "rockwell" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">Of course, we understand and see that there
are still many unresolved problems and a long way to go. But
there is movement in the right direction. We must give credit
to President Trump’s courage and ability to take outside-the-box
steps. Indeed, for many decades, US presidents ignored the DPRK
and saw it as an outcast. Mr Trump was able to take
a historic step, overcome the “demarcation line” of misunderstanding
and alienation, meet with Kim Jong-un and begin the negotiating
process.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 12pt 22.7pt 8pt 14.2pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "rockwell" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">Let me repeat: the most complicated conflicts,
such as the Palestinian-Israeli and Afghani
or the situation around the Iran nuclear deal, can and must
be resolved on the principles of mutual cooperation, respect,
recognition of all the parties’ interests and rejection
of any kind of blinkers or philosophy of blocs.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 12pt 22.7pt 8pt 14.2pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "rockwell" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">In this context, let me remind you that this was
Russia’s logic this July, when it presented the concept of providing
collective security in the Persian Gulf area. I believe
the idea is still important considering the tense
and unpredictable situation there.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 12pt 22.7pt 8pt 14.2pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "rockwell" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">We suggest that the accumulated prejudices
and mutual pretences must be pushed aside, and a security
and cooperation organisation be created in the region almost
from scratch. In addition to Western countries, Russia, China,
the US, the EU, India and other interested countries could join
as observers.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 12pt 22.7pt 8pt 14.2pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "rockwell" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">Ladies and gentlemen, of course, economic
cooperation, which opens real prospects for sustainable long-term
development for everyone, is the basis of equal political
relations aimed at the future, including between Asian countries.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 12pt 22.7pt 8pt 14.2pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "rockwell" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">Let me use transport interconnection
as an example. It is impossible to develop trade and industrial
cooperation and establish mutual exchanges in any other sphere
without an up-to-date road, sea and railway infrastructure. We should
think together how to speed up the establishment of such
a Eurasian transportation framework, a real network
of latitudinal and longitudinal trading routes.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 12pt 22.7pt 8pt 14.2pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "rockwell" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">Of course, Russia is open to this joint work
and is already implementing several joint projects, such
as the North – South trading route from Europe via Russia
to the Caspian Region, Central Asia, Iran and India. Another
route, Europe – West China, will connect Russian Baltic ports with Yellow
Sea ports.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 12pt 22.7pt 8pt 14.2pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "rockwell" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">There is one more prospective route,
the Arctic – Siberia – Asia. The idea is to connect
ports along the Northern Sea Route with ports of the Pacific
and Indian oceans via roads in East Siberia and central Eurasia.
In order to implement this and add the missing links, we
intend to speed up the construction of railways around
the port in Sabetta (it is located in the north
of Russia, on the Yamal Peninsula), to accelerate
and complete the construction of the entire Northern
Latitudinal Railway project complex as well as the construction
of the Kuragino – Kyzyl railway (Kyzyl is located
in the Republic of Tyva in eastern Russia) to later
connect it to the railway network of Mongolia, China
and other countries in the region. We are ready to work
with all interested parties on this initiative, which is significant
for the whole of Eurasia.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 12pt 22.7pt 8pt 14.2pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "rockwell" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">It is obvious to us that diversity within
a nation is normal. It teaches both patience and tolerance
in the true meaning of these words, and the ability
to understand and accept different opinions, traditions and ways
of life rather than impose our model as an axiom. We believe our
experience can be useful for many of our partners<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 12pt 22.7pt 8pt 14.2pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "rockwell" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">With regard to the world in general,
since all nations are obviously different, uniformity and universalisation
are impossible by default. A system is required whereby different
values, ideas and traditions can co-exist, interact and mutually
enrich one another while retaining and highlighting their peculiarities
and differences<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 12pt 22.7pt 8pt 14.2pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "rockwell" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">There was a vision in 19<sup>th</sup> century
diplomacy… My colleagues here are good diplomats, we are
in a way celebrating MGIMO today, as our Foreign Minister has
prompted, because there are two MGIMO graduates among my colleagues –
the President of Kazakhstan and the President
of Azerbaijan, whereas two more colleagues – President Duterte
and the King of Jordan are professors emeriti of the university
[MGIMO], which has from the outset been the leading university
for training diplomatic staff in our country.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 12pt 22.7pt 8pt 14.2pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "rockwell" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">So, in the 19<sup>th</sup> century they
used to refer to a “Concert of Powers.” The time has
come to talk in terms of a global “concert”
of development models, interests, cultures and traditions where
the sound of each instrument is crucial, inextricable
and valuable, and for the music to be played
harmoniously rather than performed with discordant notes, a cacophony. It
is crucial to consider the opinions and interests of all
the participants in international life. Let me reiterate: truly
mutually respectful, pragmatic and consequently solid relations can only
built between independent and sovereign states<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 12pt 22.7pt 8pt 14.2pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "rockwell" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">Russia is sincerely committed to this approach
and pursues a positive agenda. We stand for strict compliance
with international law and enhancing mutual confidence and respect.
We are building interstate relations and communication on fair
and democratic foundations with an emphasis on the UN
Charter.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 12pt 22.7pt 8pt 14.2pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "rockwell" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">Our country is focused on stepping up security
and stability, on fighting international terrorism and other
threats and challenges. We act for the sake
of establishing – including in Asia – a system
of equal and indivisible security resting on far-ranging and collective
work.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 12pt 22.7pt 8pt 14.2pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "rockwell" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">Incidentally, the Russia-Africa Summit will be
held here, in Sochi, in three-weeks. We are prepared to propose
to our African colleagues and friends a broad agenda
of equal interaction covering many different areas –
the economy, energy, transport, education and the environment.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 12pt 22.7pt 8pt 14.2pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "rockwell" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">In conclusion, I would like to divert
from the main topic and tell you something, which, just
the same, is related to it. I would like to say that almost
20 years ago – shortly before the year 2000 – my article, Russia
at the Turn of the Millennium, was published.
The analysis of global affairs and development prospects it then
offered seems to me to have generally matched reality.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 12pt 22.7pt 8pt 14.2pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "rockwell" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">Indeed, in the 1990s, Russia lived through
one of the hardest periods in its history. In addition
to the deep political, economic and social crisis
in the country, we found ourselves exposed to aggression
by international terrorism. At the time, Russia drew close
to a very dangerous line and if it had crossed it, it would have
faced the worst thing for any nation and country, which is
the break-up and disintegration of the state.
The threat was in the air and the majority
of people were aware of it.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 12pt 22.7pt 8pt 14.2pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "rockwell" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">Of course, back then we could –
the threat was absolutely real – plunge into the abyss of a large-scale
civil war and be stripped of national unity and sovereignty,
ending up on the periphery of global politics. It was only
thanks to patriotism, bravery and the rare ability of the Russian
and other peoples living in the country to bear
the hardships and work hard so that Russia could move back from this
dangerous line.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 12pt 22.7pt 8pt 14.2pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "rockwell" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">Of course, there are things that could have been
done differently and better during these 20 years. But we have gained
unique experience, and I believe there is demand for it around
the world. Before we came into this room, my colleagues
and I discussed one of the most important issues
today – terrorism.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 12pt 22.7pt 8pt 14.2pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "rockwell" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">Indeed, we in Russia still have to address
plenty of issues. At the same time, due to political
stability and the efforts of the whole nation, Russia has
not only recovered and continues to grow stronger economically
and socially, it confidently ranks among the leading, authoritative
and responsible countries. Our country complies in full with its
obligations as one of the guardians of the existing
world order. I am sure this will continue in the future. This
will be even more effective if we work together.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 12pt 22.7pt 8pt 14.2pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "rockwell" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">Thank you very much for your attention.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "rockwell" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;"><br /></span></span>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "rockwell" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;"><...></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 12pt 22.7pt 8pt 14.2pt;">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; letter-spacing: -0.35pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;"><b>Moderator
of the plenary session and member of the Valdai
International Discussion Club Academic Council Vitaly Naumkin:</b> Mr President,
you spoke very vividly about Russia’s success in countering terrorism
in Syria. Now the war is almost over and the situation is
stabilising. But what is to be done next about the Syrian issue?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; letter-spacing: -0.35pt; line-height: 115%;"><b><span style="color: #990000;">Vladimir Putin:</span></b><span style="color: #351c75;"> We
have replied many times to this and similar questions.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; letter-spacing: -0.35pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">Large-scale military
operations are over. I am saying large-scale military operations because
local hotbeds of terrorism still exist. However, regardless
of the result military operations cannot achieve a final
settlement.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; letter-spacing: -0.35pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">Therefore,
for the time being, it is necessary to deal with issues
of political settlement and this is what we are persistently doing.
At any rate, we are creating the conditions that will make it
possible to resolve deep-rooted political issues by political means.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; letter-spacing: -0.35pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">We have done
a great deal for the formation of the Constitutional
Committee. Incidentally, the idea to establish it was voiced here
in Sochi, during a large-scale event that was attended both
by representatives of the Government and practically all
opposition forces.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; letter-spacing: -0.35pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">At that event
Syrians themselves agreed to set up the Constitutional Committee
in order to adopt a new Constitution or introduce
amendments to the existing one. This was followed
by a rather long period of the committee’s formation.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; letter-spacing: -0.35pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">I must say that
we worked very hard (in cooperation with our Iranian and Turkish
partners) to ensure the committee’s formation. Now we are looking
forward to the beginning of this constitutional process,
to the work of this committee in Geneva under the UN
aegis.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; letter-spacing: -0.35pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;"><…><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; letter-spacing: -0.35pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;"><b>Nandan Unnikrishnan:</b>
I am from India.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; letter-spacing: -0.35pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">Mr President,
the world is facing major challenges following the end
of unipolarity. Various new concepts arise during this transition
to a new world order, such as Eurasia, Greater Eurasia,
and so on.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; letter-spacing: -0.35pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">There is a concept
that spans the Indian Ocean and the Pacific, and it is
called Indo-Pacific. Many say that it was developed by the United
States to contain China, although Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi
recently said that this is not so and the Indian Indo-Pacific concept
is completely different. It is a completely open system, and any
country can join.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; letter-spacing: -0.35pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">What do you think
about this concept?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; letter-spacing: -0.35pt; line-height: 115%;"><b style="letter-spacing: -0.466667px;"><span style="color: #990000;">Vladimir Putin:</span></b><span style="color: #351c75;"> You
see, there are already different interpretations of this concept. May
I say a few words about our concept? Our concept is not meant
to create new blocs such as Europe or North Atlantic after World
War II.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; letter-spacing: -0.35pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">Today in Asia,
I think, ASEAN is the central organisation and there is
a structure for various organisations and platforms around this
central ASEAN organisation. There is ASEAN +1 and so on, such
as the meeting of ASEAN defence ministers.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; letter-spacing: -0.35pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">If such a network
structure of various organisations is created and they interact with
each other, it can be called anything. If an attempt is made
to create some kind of a bloc-based organisation,
I believe, first, this is un-Asian to begin with and is
at odds with the current state of affairs in Asia.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; letter-spacing: -0.35pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">Second, it’s unlikely
to be feasible, because I know the sentiment of many
of our friends in Asia, and they do not want to join any
blocs against anyone. They want to create a network
of cooperation in various areas, as I said today,
in order to, move forward together taking into account each other's
interests and seeking and finding compromises. They do not want
to be involved in confrontation between any states, and even
more so they do not want to be part of any blocs. This is
the first part.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; letter-spacing: -0.35pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">The second part
is about trying to contain China. I think this is impossible
by definition. Anyone trying to do so will realise it’s impossible,
and will certainly only hurt himself in the course of such
an attempt.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; letter-spacing: -0.35pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">In any case,
I consider this possible scenario to be destructive and harmful.
We should focus on joining efforts to create an environment
of friendly cooperation and to search for common security
systems. This is something we should work on together, including,
of course, India, which is one of the countries closest
to us in the world and especially in Asia.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; letter-spacing: -0.35pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;"><b>Galip
Dalay: </b>Hello, this is Galip Dalay. I would like to address my question
to Mr President Putin.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; letter-spacing: -0.35pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">In your speech
the Gulf security and the Syrian settlement feature prominently,
and recently Russia also advanced a framework
for the collective security in the Gulf.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; letter-spacing: -0.35pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">Bearing in mind
that one of the major root causes of the Gulf insecurity is
the Iran-Saudi rivalry, how is Russia planning to address this
question, particularly, given the fact that recently many of such
attempts and the second track have failed.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; letter-spacing: -0.35pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">And related
to this, are you imagining and envisioning any interconnection
between the reduction of tension in the Gulf
and the Syrian settlement? Thank you.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; letter-spacing: -0.35pt; line-height: 115%;"><b style="letter-spacing: -0.466667px;"><span style="color: #990000;">Vladimir Putin:</span></b><span style="color: #351c75;"> Let’s
start with the second part of your question. I think there is
this link because confrontation between the largest and most
influential countries in the region is bound to affect
the entire situation there, including Syria.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; letter-spacing: -0.35pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">I know that
the leaders of Saudi Arabia, which I am going to visit
soon, and the leaders of Iran (we are in constant contact
with our Iranian partners, and I met with the President
of Iran just a few days ago) wish peace and all the best
for the Syrian people.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; letter-spacing: -0.35pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">We urge them
to be guided by this noble motive and do everything they can
to avoid using Syrian territory as an arena
for confrontation. I am hoping that if and when our partners
realise this they will act under this approach. They will see that apart from
confrontation there is also an opportunity to cooperate
for the same common goals.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; letter-spacing: -0.35pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">However,
I believe there are also other motives for changing relations between
Saudi Arabia and Iran and going from confrontation
to cooperation because in both the first and second cases
these countries face common threats: radicalism, separatism and terrorism.
And they have common goals, and these are primarily development
goals.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; letter-spacing: -0.35pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">You asked how Russia
could overcome these differences. Russia cannot overcome them. This can only be
done by our friends both in Saudi Arabia and Iran. We can only
support this and offer different proposals for resolving
the problems. But it must be resolved by Saudi Arabia and Iran.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; letter-spacing: -0.35pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;"><b>Lang Jing:</b> Thank
you very much, Professor Dunkley.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; letter-spacing: -0.35pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">And I have
one question for President Putin.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; letter-spacing: -0.35pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">I came from
the East, and my question is related to what my Indian
colleague mentioned. Premier Shinzo Abe has been presenting the Japanese
concept of a free and open Indo-Pacific strategy, and the essence
of the strategy is the idea of connectivity. That is why
I am very glad to hear that, President Putin, you mentioned about
connectivity in your speech. So the Japanese approach is much more
focused on economic connectivity, slightly different from
the American approach. And Russia has been a major player
in the Pacific, and Russia has been enhancing its ties with
India. So it is natural that we are welcoming and waiting for Russia
in the Pacific strategy. Already France and the United
States, you have already presented their own version of Indo-Pacific
strategy. So, can you share you vision of Russian Indo-Pacific strategy?
Thank you.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; letter-spacing: -0.35pt; line-height: 115%;"><b style="letter-spacing: -0.466667px;"><span style="color: #990000;">Vladimir Putin:</span></b><span style="color: #351c75;"> You
said, even France has already done this. I don’t understand this remark.
Why “even”? France is a great country and a permanent member
of the Security Council. It thinks in global terms
and offers global solutions to global issues. There is nothing
surprising about this.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; letter-spacing: -0.35pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">As for Russia,
I will explain our position again. Look, Japan has presented
the Indo-Pacific development strategy. Russia and other states
actively develop contacts in the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation,
which has earned a very good reputation.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; letter-spacing: -0.35pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">It started with simple
goals like border delimitation with China after the Soviet Union.
Everything went very well, and so we went further. Now it has new members,
and many countries in the region want to join it.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; letter-spacing: -0.35pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">China’s One Belt One
Road initiative has already been mentioned here. We also talked about
the Eurasian Economic Union. They are very close to each other
in spirit and in objectives and we see that all this is
compatible and can be carried out.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; letter-spacing: -0.35pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">I think if we
pool the efforts of the already established agencies,
organisations and even concepts and create an integrated
network, we can arrive at what I have repeatedly said –
a large Eurasian partnership.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; letter-spacing: -0.35pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">Can all this be
instituted any time soon? Hardly. But it is quite possible to create
favourable conditions for cooperation. Later it will be possible
to draft organisational formats and mechanisms for common
actions and cooperation.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; letter-spacing: -0.35pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">But if we strive
for this democratic cooperation with consideration for each other’s
interests and respect for each other’s peculiarities, I believe
we will achieve the development result we all want.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; letter-spacing: -0.35pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;"><b>Sergei Luzyanin:
</b>Sergei Luzyanin, Institute of Far Eastern Studies, Russian Academy
of Sciences.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; letter-spacing: -0.35pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">Mr President,<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; letter-spacing: -0.35pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">We are all aware that
this year marks anniversaries for China and for us. It is 70
years since the founding of the People’s Republic of China,
and 70 years of diplomatic relations between our countries. We have
already congratulated our Chinese friends and partners
at the Valdai Club.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; letter-spacing: -0.35pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">Our partnership has
reached a very high level. So, a question. What opportunities that
are already being successfully implemented as part
of the partnership can benefit our two countries? What are
the areas for partnership?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; letter-spacing: -0.35pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">Perhaps, not all these
issues have been sorted out and cooperation has not yet reached its full
potential for objective reasons. I am talking about successes
and future potential. Thank you.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; letter-spacing: -0.35pt; line-height: 115%;"><b style="letter-spacing: -0.466667px;"><span style="color: #990000;">Vladimir Putin:</span></b><span style="color: #351c75;"> Successes are there for everyone to see. First, we enjoy
an unprecedentedly high level of trust and cooperation. This is
an allied relationship in the full sense
of a multifaceted strategic partnership. This is reflected
in the economy.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; letter-spacing: -0.35pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">We are increasing our
trade at a fast pace. As you may be aware, last year it reached
$108 billion, although we had only planned to reach this number two years
from now. Now, we will start moving to the $200 billion mark.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; letter-spacing: -0.35pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">The trade
structure is diversifying. Of course, energy accounts for over 70
percent of our exports, but this is natural. We have the product,
and China needs it. This does not mean that we do not engage in other
industries or other areas of economic cooperation.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; letter-spacing: -0.35pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">We have already built
four units of the Tianwan Nuclear Power Plant (which is part
of our high-tech cooperation) and are working on four more
units. This involves a major, simply huge amount of work.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; letter-spacing: -0.35pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">We are working
on a wide-body long-range aircraft and a heavy-duty
helicopter. This project will be completed, I have no doubt about it. We
are actively cooperating in outer space, and expanding our ties
in agriculture. We cannot even cover the needs of China
in soybeans. They are ready to buy from us as much as we
can produce, but we are not ready for it.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; letter-spacing: -0.35pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">Here is a partial
answer to your question: what else needs to be done? We could have
met their demand and, I am sorry for putting it bluntly, our farmers
could have made some money on this. But we cannot supply soybeans in such
quantity. There are not enough proper agricultural areas and related
investment has not been made.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; letter-spacing: -0.35pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">We will continue
to work together in outer space exploration and cooperate
in the military-technical sphere. I am probably not revealing
a big secret here, but it will transpire sooner or later anyway: we
are now helping our Chinese partners create a missile attack warning
system. This is very important and will drastically increase China’s
defence capability. Only the United States and Russia have such a system
now.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; letter-spacing: -0.35pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">We are very closely
and deeply involved in cultural cooperation. I will not list
everything that goes with this now.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; letter-spacing: -0.35pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">Region-to-region
cooperation is at a very high level as well. I am not
talking about joint infrastructure which is expanding, but the border
provinces of China and the adjacent Russian regions
in the Far East interact very well with each other. This is
an entire complex, a set of interaction projects.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; letter-spacing: -0.35pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">At the same
time, and I want to emphasise this specifically, our friendship
or joint work have never been used to oppose anyone. We always work
in a positive manner and in each other’s interests.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; letter-spacing: -0.35pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;"><b>Valdai Discussion Club
Research Director Fyodor Lukyanov:</b> We realised while we were preparing
for this event that, clearly, there would be more questions than it would
be possible to field, so we at the Valdai Club arranged some
questions into groups of the same category in advance.
I will only ask some of them to save time.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; letter-spacing: -0.35pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">You have talked many
times about this subject, but nonetheless, it looks like it remains
a major concern. This year a number of events that impact
nuclear stability occurred, sending mixed signals. On the one hand,
the United States has withdrawn from the INF Treaty, having sparked
debate on this issue. The United States has accused Russia.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; letter-spacing: -0.35pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">On the other
hand, after that, Mr Bolton, who was the main advocate of withdrawing
from this Treaty, lost his job. Probably, in so doing, President Trump
meant something else. Discussion on the START Treaty continues, and,
so far, it is unclear where it will lead.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; letter-spacing: -0.35pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">A year ago, you
and I sat on this stage and you used a very
emotionally-charged expression that in the event
of a nuclear war, perish the thought, the aggressors would
perish and we would go to paradise. Have we moved closer
to paradise during this year?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; letter-spacing: -0.35pt; line-height: 115%;"><b style="letter-spacing: -0.466667px;"><span style="color: #990000;">Vladimir Putin:</span></b><span style="color: #351c75;"> All of us are always close to God to the same
extent and He will decide where we deserve to be at the end
of our lives on Earth. But, of course, the situation has
not improved. It has worsened after the United States’ withdrawal from
the INF Treaty. This is clear to everyone. Now we are waiting
for the next move.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; letter-spacing: -0.35pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">Moreover,
I believe that the United States tested a ground-based
intermediate-range missile that was covered by this Treaty shortly after
it announced its decision to withdraw from it, indicating that
the United States had long since been working on it. Technology like
this can’t be developed in a couple of months.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; letter-spacing: -0.35pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">This means they had
been working at least several years on this missile.
As for the rest, they just looked for a pretext
to pull out and they found it. I don’t believe it was
a credible pretext because there were no grounds whatsoever to accuse
Russia of violating anything.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; letter-spacing: -0.35pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">On the contrary,
we were repeatedly told that the Aegis system could not be used
for launching land-based intermediate range missiles. The Aegis
system that is already deployed in Europe: in Romania and soon
to be deployed in Poland.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; letter-spacing: -0.35pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">We were told no, it is
not possible to use it for this purpose. And then – Bang!,
they declared that Aegis launchers were used to launch intermediate range
missiles. They could at least have waited a while longer. It’s clear
that we were being conned, or they were trying to con us.
And then they owned up to it.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; letter-spacing: -0.35pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">Well, so be it, that’s
not the point. The point is that the situation has not changed
for the better. In view of this escalation we said,
I said immediately, that we would be doing the same but we declare
from the outset that we would not deploy land-based intermediate range
missiles, if we have them, unless US-made systems appear first in those
regions.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; letter-spacing: -0.35pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">I said this about
five times and there was no response – nether the US has
responded so far nor has Europe, like they lost their hearing, can’t hear!
There are many specialists here, I don’t think you need to be told
something many times – I said this once, twice, five times. How many
more times should I say it? There is only silence, no reaction.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; letter-spacing: -0.35pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">Then, suddenly, we
heard from the US military that the first step in this direction
would be made in Asia. But this step concerns us too, because we need
to understand where in Asia? Will it reach Russian territory
or not?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; letter-spacing: -0.35pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">By the way,
you can tell what the underlying cause for their withdrawal
was – it was neither Russia nor our mythical violations
of the treaty. If they are set to deploy this in Asia, it’s
Asia that is the main reason for withdrawing from the Treaty.
I think the analysts see this, and this is an obvious fact
no matter how much it is played down in the media.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; letter-spacing: -0.35pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">We are discussing
Asian problems today. We will carefully watch the next steps: where
in Asia will they appear, who will be threatened? Is this good
or not? It’s very bad, because corresponding response measures are sure
to follow.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; letter-spacing: -0.35pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">Will this improve
the situation in Asia? No, it won’t. It will only aggravate
the situation, and create new threats. But I am really counting
on certain possibilities for settling this situation as well
before the final decisions have been taken.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; letter-spacing: -0.35pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;"><b>Mikhail Pogrebinsky:</b>
I am from Ukraine, and our country is going through troubled times.
I have a question for President Putin.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; letter-spacing: -0.35pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">This year was marked
by a big electoral cycle, we have had a “reset” of both
legislative and executive powers. The elections and polls reveal
that public opinion favours stability and a peaceful settlement
in the east of the country.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; letter-spacing: -0.35pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">The new
authorities are trying to take the first steps, somewhat cautiously,
towards a search for peace. But they are so timid that they raise
doubts about their resolve and ability to arrive
at the logical completion of the process.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; letter-spacing: -0.35pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">Do you see any
political forces in Ukraine – perhaps you can name them – that
can act as drivers of this process of political settlement?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; letter-spacing: -0.35pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">And a brief
one, a half-question. People watch Russian TV channels in Ukraine,
with various political talk shows enjoying special popularity
in the past. And viewers complain that on some channels
Ukraine is presented disparagingly. Apparently, Vladimir Solovyov’s popular
show has also been tempted by this. Do you think it is time to change
the editorial policy or line?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; letter-spacing: -0.35pt; line-height: 115%;"><b style="letter-spacing: -0.466667px;"><span style="color: #990000;">Vladimir Putin:</span></b><span style="color: #351c75;"> If you
believe that our television channels – it may sound odd but even
the state-run channels have an independent editorial policy –
present Ukraine in a disparaging way, I agree with you. If
that’s how it is, then it is wrong, we shouldn’t present our neighbour, our
closest neighbour, and without exaggeration a brotherly people,
in a disparaging way.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; letter-spacing: -0.35pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">This may concern
the policies of the incumbent authorities, not the country
or its people. If you see it this way, there is something wrong with our
programmes, they should highlight that.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; letter-spacing: -0.35pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">And now regarding
the new leader’s efforts for a settlement
in the southeast of the country. I do not know how
strong are those who are against a settlement, especially based
on the Minsk agreements. Thus the public’s interest
in a settlement is obvious.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; letter-spacing: -0.35pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">I think Mr
Zelensky won the election so convincingly primarily because of that
interest. People in Ukraine are waiting for this issue to be
resolved. And if he has enough political courage and strength
to complete it, I think he will assert himself as an honest
politician, brave and capable of pursuing the decisions made.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; letter-spacing: -0.35pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">I think he is
sincerely willing to do that, it is his sincere conviction, at least
his striving. It is hard for me to say if he is able to stand up
to those who oppose the process, but we do see some hesitation.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; letter-spacing: -0.35pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">It seems inevitable
that he will need to look for compromise, come to terms with
the whole nation, with all members of society regardless
of their point of view. However, he still has to follow up
on election promises he gave to the majority of the Ukrainian
people.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; letter-spacing: -0.35pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;"><b>Tatiana
Kastoueva-Jean:</b> Good afternoon, my name is Tatiana Kastoueva-Jean,
I am an analyst at the French Institute
of International Relations in Paris.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; letter-spacing: -0.35pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">Mr President,
I have a question for you. At the beginning
of your speech, you proposed outlining the shape
of the future and talking about it. One serious subject,
of course, is global warming, climate change.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; letter-spacing: -0.35pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">Russia recently
ratified the Paris Climate Agreement, and you know that this topic is
very important for President Emmanuel Macron. This is a priority
topic for him.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; letter-spacing: -0.35pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">By the way,
I think you and President Macron are starting a new phase
in our relations; it would also be interesting to talk about this.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; letter-spacing: -0.35pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">But I will return
to my question. In France and in Europe
in general, there is some basic consensus on climate change, although
recently this young girl Greta Thunberg added a lot of polarisation
even to this issue, where there was consensus on, in general.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; letter-spacing: -0.35pt; line-height: 115%;"><b style="letter-spacing: -0.466667px;"><span style="color: #990000;">Vladimir Putin: </span></b><span style="color: #351c75;">What did she do?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; letter-spacing: -0.35pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;"><b>Tatiana
Kastoueva-Jean:</b> She created further division to the debate.
As for Russia, it seems to me that there has always been such
a duality in relations, even in the doctrines, because
Russian Environmental Security Doctrine says the right things, while
the Economic Security Doctrine through 2025 says that green economic development
is a threat and has risks for the Russian economy,
and it is clear why: because oil and gas represent a very high
percent of exports.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; letter-spacing: -0.35pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">It’s the same
thing, the same duality in the reasons for explaining
climate change. Is it the result of human activity, or is it
part of the Earth’s global cycles?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; letter-spacing: -0.35pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">We see the same
duality in corporate relations. Is this a chance
for the future? We spoke today in the morning session about
how Russia could occupy a very interesting place in the new
global green economy. Or is this a risk, the loss of margins,
the loss of corporate profits?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; letter-spacing: -0.35pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">And the same
thing at the level of global rivalry (we also talked about this
at the Valdai Club session) that an environmental instrument can
also become an instrument for economic, commercial, and financial
war in the hands of strong players?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; letter-spacing: -0.35pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">Do you think that
Russia put an end to these doubts, hesitations and questions
by ratifying this agreement? Will a new socioeconomic development
paradigm emerge now at the domestic and external global levels?
Will this topic be a unifying measure, or the cause
of further division?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; letter-spacing: -0.35pt; line-height: 115%;"><b style="letter-spacing: -0.466667px;"><span style="color: #990000;">Vladimir Putin: </span></b><span style="color: #351c75;">As for the uniformity of approaches
and evaluations, we will probably never reach this. Indeed, experts
in various fields who somehow try to answer the question about
the causes of climate change do not give unambiguous answers
to the causes of climate change.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; letter-spacing: -0.35pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">There are different
opinions, I have heard them. Some say there is some global change
in space that affects the Earth, so from time to time huge
changes like this take place on our planet. I sailed along
the Lena River in our country and saw high banks with deposits
containing the remains of obviously ancient tropical mammals, which
lived in tropical seas. I am talking about the Lena River, its
stretch north of the Arctic Circle. It means back then
the climate there was like this. Well, were there any anthropogenic
emissions at the time? Of course, not. You see, there is no
answer.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; letter-spacing: -0.35pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">Just the same,
my position is that if the human race is responsible for climate
change, even in the slightest degree, and this climate change
has grave implications, and if we can do something to, at least, slow
down this process and avoid its negative consequences, we must spare no
effort. This is our position. Despite all disagreements, we will support the international
efforts to combat climate change.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; letter-spacing: -0.35pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">Indeed, we have
practically ratified the Paris Agreement and are committed
to implementing it. You said we hesitated or argued about it. There
will always be room for doubt or disputes. But look
at the obligations that we undertook and those undertaken
by our partners. We are committed to cutting greenhouse gas emissions
by 70 or 75 percent by 2050.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; letter-spacing: -0.35pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">By the way,
the European Union has undertaken to cut the same type
of gas emissions by 60 percent. We have approved a national
environmental programme. It sets forth in detail what we must do
and how we must do it complete with the deadlines. We have approved
12 federal programmes under the national project to work
to change the situation regarding the environment. Gas emissions
in 12 of the largest metropolises in our country, where
they affect people’s lives and have a negative impact
on the environment, must be reduced by 20 percent.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; letter-spacing: -0.35pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">We have adopted
a programme to deal with waste dumps – not only with primitive
rubbish dumps but with hazardous waste as well. We have adopted
a programme to extend protected nature areas by five million
square kilometres. We have a whole set of measures that we are not
just intending to carry out but we have already started to implement
and they have already been made law in our country. So, we are
determined to move, together with our partners, along this path that is
laid down in the Paris Agreement.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; letter-spacing: -0.35pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">As for the hydrocarbons,
I think it was yesterday that I said the structure of the Russian
energy sector is one of the world’s greenest. The nuclear power
and hydropower industries in our country account
for a third of the energy sector and gas accounts
for 50 percent of the remaining two-thirds.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; letter-spacing: -0.35pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">We have one
of the greenest energy sectors in the world plus
the capacity of our forests to absorb [waste carbon dioxide].
So, we understand the threats that everyone, including us, are exposed to.
The warming rate in Russia exceeds that in the rest
of the world by 2.5 percent. We are aware of this.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; letter-spacing: -0.35pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">And one more
thing: there are forests ablaze in one part of our country while
close to it there is flooding and there is also drought and so
on. We are well aware of this and we will do, jointly with
the whole world, with the humankind, whatever it takes
to preserve nature and the environment.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; letter-spacing: -0.35pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;"><b>Fyodor Lukyanov:</b> There
is a group of similar questions: Angela Stent and Jill Dougherty
would like to ask the President about this, and actually this
question can be addressed to all participants as well. The situation
in the United States is rather complicated at the moment,
and has become particularly so in the past week.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; letter-spacing: -0.35pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">It is hard
to understand what is happening there, with domestic policy issues clearly
dominating. Is it possible to build relations in such condition
at all? Or maybe we should wait?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; letter-spacing: -0.35pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">Another similar
question is from Professor Wang Wei from China. He asks you to share
experience with Chinese authorities as they do not understand how they
should act. Maybe you know some sort of secret – you, Mr President,
and all those present?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; letter-spacing: -0.35pt; line-height: 115%;"><b style="letter-spacing: -0.466667px;"><span style="color: #990000;">Vladimir Putin:</span></b><span style="color: #351c75;"> I do not think that Chinese need our advice. If they are saying they do
not understand something, this means they do not want you to know they
actually do. Maybe it is an advantage for them to make you think
they do not understand certain things.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; letter-spacing: -0.35pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">In fact,
I have very close and friendly relations with them, without
exaggeration; we have always said this, both in public and behind
the scenes. We have friendly relations with the Chinese leader, Mr Xi
Jinping. China pursues a global-level policy. They understand everything,
they know everything and are ready to respond to any scenario.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; letter-spacing: -0.35pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">As regards
the developments in the United States – how can we
cooperate with them when they are so engaged in their domestic political
affairs? Obviously, this is always the case during an election
campaign, and the United States is no exception. But this domestic
political race has got a little over the top. I do not think
this has ever occurred in the history of the United States
before.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; letter-spacing: -0.35pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">But life goes on,
and we should factor in the current domestic situation there.
But it is simply not possible to steer clear of such a global
power as the United States. We intend to do as much
as the US itself is ready for.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; letter-spacing: -0.35pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;"><…><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; letter-spacing: -0.35pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;"><b>Fyodor Lukyanov:</b> Here
is a question from Professor Pascal Boniface from France (I do not
see him here but he has sent the question). When recently addressing
diplomats, President Emmanuel Macron said that the so-called deep state,
or some hidden powers in the administration, prevent
the development of relations with Russia. He would like
to accelerate this process but they hinder it.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; letter-spacing: -0.35pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">The question is
why these hidden structures in France – and maybe somewhere
else – impede the development of these relations? And why
Russia, after all?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; letter-spacing: -0.35pt; line-height: 115%;"><b style="letter-spacing: -0.466667px;"><span style="color: #990000;">Vladimir Putin:</span></b><span style="color: #351c75;"> What
administration – the US or French?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; letter-spacing: -0.35pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;"><b>Fyodor Lukyanov:
</b>The French one.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; letter-spacing: -0.35pt; line-height: 115%;"><b style="letter-spacing: -0.466667px;"><span style="color: #990000;">Vladimir Putin:</span></b><span style="color: #351c75;">The French administration?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; letter-spacing: -0.35pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;"><b>Fyodor Lukyanov:</b> Yes.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; letter-spacing: -0.35pt; line-height: 115%;"><b style="letter-spacing: -0.466667px;"><span style="color: #990000;">Vladimir Putin:</span></b><span style="color: #351c75;"> But
who is the President of France – me or Mr Macron? He is
the person to put things right. Why ask me about this at all?
First, I have not heard what he said and I know nothing about
it. If some subordinate officials interfere with his work, he should just cut
them down to size, or replace them. Bring your supporters
and associates into your administration, and you will work
as a team and achieve efficient results.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; letter-spacing: -0.35pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;"><b>Fyodor
Lukyanov:</b> We have Professor Mohan here. He has a very good question
on your favourite topic, Mr President. Please pass the microphone
to Professor Mohan.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; letter-spacing: -0.35pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;"><b>C. Raja
Mohan:</b> President Putin,<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; letter-spacing: -0.35pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">Two years ago, you
said something about artificial intelligence, what it’s going to do
to world politics. You said the country that is going to have
the lead has the opportunity to become the new hegemon. How
do you look at it two years on the road? There’s one part.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; letter-spacing: -0.35pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">The second part
is – Where is Russia in this? If the US and China are
racing ahead, does Russia have a national policy where it can contribute
to these true partnerships with other countries? And then, looking at the longer-term
picture, is there a way Russia can contribute to the regulation
creating new norms in relation to the AI both
in the civil and military domains. After all, Russia did
in the 20<sup>th</sup> century in relation to nuclear
technologies, so your views on AI now, both in the civil
and military sense.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; letter-spacing: -0.35pt; line-height: 115%;"><b style="letter-spacing: -0.466667px;"><span style="color: #990000;">Vladimir Putin:</span></b><span style="color: #351c75;"> First about what I said two years ago. You know, I have
to admit I was only plagiarising. Those were not my own words
because experts around the world are saying that Artificial Intelligence
will completely reshape the world and our approaches to solving
pressing issues and problems of the future.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; letter-spacing: -0.35pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">Entire industries will
change; some will become obsolete and new ones will emerge. New jobs will
be required. Old professions will die out and we need to understand
how to address resulting social problems such as the redundant
workforce, etc.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; letter-spacing: -0.35pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">Healthcare will change
completely. Artificial Intelligence will affect countries’ defence capability
because those who have this technology will have an advantage that is
perhaps incomparable to nuclear weapons.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; letter-spacing: -0.35pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">What has changed?
The pace of change becoming faster. Can Russia make any kind
of contribution to the global efforts in developing
Artificial Intelligence or, for example, genetics? Of course, it can.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; letter-spacing: -0.35pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">Our software
developers are working everywhere in the world and working
successfully. Historically, we have always had strong mathematics
education – and the discipline at the root
of Artificial Intelligence is first and foremost mathematics. There
is technology but mathematics is still at the core.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; letter-spacing: -0.35pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">So what are we doing?
We have an entire state programme aimed at developing AI, just like
in China, the United States and some other countries. We are
building up our efforts. We believe that we must certainly not be slow
or lag behind, and we have every chance to excel in this
area.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; letter-spacing: -0.35pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">It would still be
the best thing if efforts of the humankind are consolidated; if
there are common rules for handling new technologies. Common rules
of communication in this area are extremely important
for the world to be stable.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; letter-spacing: -0.35pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;"><b>Fyodor
Lukyanov:</b> Another good question. Mr Alexander Rahr, could you please ask
it?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; letter-spacing: -0.35pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;"><b>Alexander
Rahr: </b>Mr President, there is an odd question here, but let us get
over to Europe. The European Parliament adopted a decision which
I think is not quite adequate – a resolution where Nazi Germany
would be set side by side with Communist Russia. And they insist that
both Stalin and Hitler started World War II together.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; letter-spacing: -0.35pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">I think it will
legitimise further NATO expansion, lead to a new schism, and, most
crucially, to misunderstanding among the youth and among
the people in Europe. What can be done to stop this?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; letter-spacing: -0.35pt; line-height: 115%;"><b style="letter-spacing: -0.466667px;"><span style="color: #990000;">Vladimir Putin:</span></b><span style="color: #351c75;"> I do not want to characterise the Stalin regime now.
You know, we all know about the repressions, camps, losses among our
people, our citizens during those repressions. This is a black page
in the history of our country.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; letter-spacing: -0.35pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">But saying that Stalin
started the war is utter cynicism. As if it was the Soviet Union
that attacked Germany at 4 am on June 22, and not
the German troops crossed the Soviet border, violating
the existing non-aggression treaty, attacked the Soviet Union unilaterally
without declaring war.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; letter-spacing: -0.35pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">Let us not forget
the sad outcome, the tragic outcome, tragic for the people
of the Soviet Union: 25–27 million dead (no one has been able
to make a final count to this day), and about ten million
dead in Germany. This is a tragedy.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; letter-spacing: -0.35pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">Do not forget that it
was the Soviet troops that stormed Berlin. This is regarding
the speculations about certain countries’ contribution
to the fight against Nazism.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; letter-spacing: -0.35pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">I just
said – the Soviet Union losses stand at 25–27 million,
the US losses amount to half a million, while the UK lost
350,000–400,000 altogether.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; letter-spacing: -0.35pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">All major German
troops (not all but the most combatant forces, both
in the number and quality) were accumulated
in the eastern front. For some reason there are attempts
to confuse, play down and misinterpret all that.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; letter-spacing: -0.35pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">I think
the threat is that the key thing may be lost in the process
of all these manipulations: people may begin to stop fearing
the recurrence of such tragedies. That is the point.
And in my view all of us, all sane people, – must
stand up to it.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; letter-spacing: -0.35pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;"><b>Vitaly Naumkin:</b>
Colleagues,<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; letter-spacing: -0.35pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">The President has
a very busy schedule, and I think that other leaders present
here do so too. I apologise for not giving everyone who raised their
hand an opportunity to ask a question.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; letter-spacing: -0.35pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">In conclusion, I would
like to ask the last one.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; letter-spacing: -0.35pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">During these four
days, we have discussed various issues related to the current state
of the world order, and made a firm conclusion that it is
undergoing a crisis and the future global order will be
established with an increasing role of Asian countries.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; letter-spacing: -0.35pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">How do you see this
future global order?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; letter-spacing: -0.35pt; line-height: 115%;"><b style="letter-spacing: -0.466667px;"><span style="color: #990000;">Vladimir Putin:</span></b><span style="color: #351c75;"> The existing system of international relations, international
institutions and structures took shape following WWII as its result.
The situation around the globe is changing drastically, both
in Europe and on the American continent, with new rapidly
growing and developing players, as well as in Africa, and,
of course, Asia.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; letter-spacing: -0.35pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">For the existing
system and its institutions to last, it has to correspond
to the realities of the ever-changing world. I believe
that we must not destroy what has been created in the past decades,
but should gradually transform it and adapt it to these realities,
with due consideration of the growing power and prospects
of Asia's development in general and certain Asian countries
in particular. They certainly have the right to and must
take the place they deserve in global politics and international
affairs.</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 12pt 22.7pt 8pt 14.2pt;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 12pt 22.7pt 8pt 14.2pt;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 8.0pt; margin-left: 14.2pt; margin-right: 9.9pt; margin-top: 12.0pt; tab-stops: 949.75pt; text-align: justify;">
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7433369209594824580.post-16137684613614967132019-09-09T14:58:00.001-07:002019-09-12T02:03:26.362-07:00PT -- VLADIMIR PUTIN na Sessão plenária do Fórum Económico Oriental <div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: #fff2cc; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px; margin: 12pt 26.1pt 8pt 1cm;">
<div class="Standard" style="margin-top: 12pt;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #351c75;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzYYTEHH-6NdPikBeUBsZghay1FMwyWB58rb0jsTM004KWu78fAi0SyTsLaFiRjuXFjQH-SLUmssGSDpZH6e5xF0bH9WgBC5s7y7lGXIHvRGGDWyoA_BnHAo69w4GmOf0mzeQPUD8bux7h/s1600/1+RUSSIAN+LOGO.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: #351c75;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzYYTEHH-6NdPikBeUBsZghay1FMwyWB58rb0jsTM004KWu78fAi0SyTsLaFiRjuXFjQH-SLUmssGSDpZH6e5xF0bH9WgBC5s7y7lGXIHvRGGDWyoA_BnHAo69w4GmOf0mzeQPUD8bux7h/s1600/1+RUSSIAN+LOGO.png" /></span></a></div>
<span style="color: #351c75;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12.0pt; text-align: justify;">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 12pt;">
<span style="color: #351c75; font-size: large;"><b><a href="http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/61451"><br /></a></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 12pt;">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 12pt;">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://tributetoapresident.blogspot.com/2019/09/plenary-session-of-eastern-economic.html"><br /></a></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<b><span style="font-family: "rockwell" , "serif"; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://tributetoapresident.blogspot.com/2019/09/plenary-session-of-eastern-economic.html">Sessão plenária do Fórum Económico Oriental</a></span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span style="font-family: "rockwell" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">5
de Setembro de 2019<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span style="font-family: "rockwell" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">13:20<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="Speech at the plenary session of the Eastern Economic Forum." src="http://static.kremlin.ru/media/events/photos/big2x/UC8tkwZM7kxrskkBGgBsXY0FFb4OzsNi.jpg" height="394" width="640" /></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span style="font-family: "rockwell" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">Ilha
Russky, Território do Primorye<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span style="font-family: "rockwell" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">Vladimir
Putin participou na sessão plenária do Fórum Económico Oriental.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span style="font-family: "rockwell" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">Foram enviados convites
para o fórum a Chefes de Estado e de Governo estrangeiros,
chefes de grandes empresas russas e estrangeiras, além de políticos e
especialistas.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span style="font-family: "rockwell" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">O
tema do fórum é <b>O Extremo Oriente -
Horizontes de Desenvolvimento</b>.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "rockwell" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">* * *<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<b><span style="font-family: "rockwell" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">Excertos da transcrição da
sessão plenária do Fórum Económico Oriental<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<b><span style="font-family: "rockwell" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #990000;">Presidente da Rússia, Vladimir
Putin:</span></span></b><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: "rockwell" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> Presidente Battulga, Primeiro Ministro Narendra Modi,
Primeiro Ministro Mahathir Bin Mohamad, Primeiro Ministro Shinzo Abe,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "rockwell" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">Senhoras e Senhores, Amigos,<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span style="font-family: "rockwell" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">Antes
de mais, gostaria de me dirigir aos nossos convidados estrangeiros, dirigentes
dos países representados neste Fórum e aos nossos parceiros estrangeiros na plateia.
Obrigado por mostrarem tanto respeito pela Rússia e pelo vosso interesse em
desenvolver relações entre os nossos países.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span style="font-family: "rockwell" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">Espero
e tenho a certeza de que o nosso trabalho durante este fórum, será muito produtivo e
gratificante para todos. Sinto-me feliz por receber todos vós, no Fórum Económico
do Leste.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span style="font-family: "rockwell" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">É
a quinta vez que Vladivostok, capital do Território Primorye e agora, de todo o
Distrito Federal do Extremo Oriente da Rússia, reúne os Chefes dos principais Estados
da Região da Ásia-Pacífico, os maiores investidores, os empresários, os representantes
do público e comunidades especializadas .<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span style="font-family: "rockwell" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">Este
ano, estamos a receber mais de 8.500 participantes de 65 países. Desde o
primeiro fórum, a representação aumentou mais do dobro. Acreditamos que é uma indicação convincente do interesse crescente pelo Extremo Oriente da Rússia e pelas
oportunidades de cooperação oferecidas por esta região verdadeiramente
colossal.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span style="font-family: "rockwell" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">O
poder e as vantagens competitivas do Extremo Oriente estão patenteadas nas
pessoas talentosas, trabalhadoras e enérgicas, na juventude educada e
ambiciosa, nos novos centros de pesquisa, no crescimento industrial e nas
indústrias do futuro.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span style="font-family: "rockwell" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">O
seu poder reside nos numerosos recursos naturais, no enorme potencial
logístico, como a Rota do Mar do Norte e noutras rotas da trans-Eurásia. Por último, mas não menos
importante, o seu poder traduz-se na proximidade das economias em rápido
desenvolvimento e da região mais dinâmica do mundo, a Região da Ásia-Pacífico.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span style="font-family: "rockwell" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">Não
surpreende que, ao esquematizarmos uma estratégia a longo prazo, para o
desenvolvimento do Extremo Oriente russo, em meados dos anos 2000, há 15 anos,
optámos pela abertura máxima da região e pela sua integração inerente nos sectores
económico, de transporte, espaço educacional e humanitário da APR (Asia-Pacific
Region) e, num esquema mais alargado, no mundo em geral. Demos prioridade à
promoção da cooperação internacional e transfronteiriça, bem como de parcerias
tecnológicas e de investimento, o que implica criar novas oportunidades,
principalmente para os cidadãos russos, para a sua vida e para o seu trabalho.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span style="color: #351c75;"><b><span style="font-family: "rockwell" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">De facto, foi um ponto de
viragem histórico e radical.</span></b><span style="font-family: "rockwell" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> Gostaria de recordar-vos que,
muitos territórios do Extremo Oriente, incluindo a cidade de Vladivostok, onde
estamos agora, eram usados principalmente para fins militares e tinham um
estatuto de acesso restrito, no início e em meados do século XX e, mais tarde,
durante a Guerra Fria.</span></span><br />
<a name='more'></a><span style="color: #351c75;"><span style="font-family: "rockwell" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span style="font-family: "rockwell" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">Claro
que esse estatuto teve um impacto no desenvolvimento dessas regiões. Falando
correctamente, não houve, praticamente,desenvolvimento no sentido social e
económico da palavra.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span style="font-family: "rockwell" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">Insistindo
neste ponto, a situação mudou radicalmente nos últimos anos e estamos
orgulhosos de que o Extremo Oriente russo se tenha tornado num modelo de
abertura para todo o país, num símbolo de inovação e determinação em eliminar
todos os tipos de barreiras aos contactos comerciais e humanos.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span style="font-family: "rockwell" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">Obviamente,
estamos cientes de que esse resultado dificilmente seria possível se não fosse
o esforço para melhorar uma atmosfera de confiança e cooperação construtiva na
APR (Região da Ásia-Pacífico) como um todo. Estamos empenhados em promover
estas tendências positivas a fim de tornar a região que partilhamos, segura e
estável.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span style="font-family: "rockwell" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">Obviamente,
estamos cientes de que este resultado dificilmente seria possível se não fosse
o esforço para melhorar uma atmosfera de confiança e cooperação construtiva na
APR (Região da Ásia-Pacífico) como um todo. Estamos interessados em promover
estas tendências positivas para tornar a região que compartilhamos, segura e
estável.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span style="font-family: "rockwell" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;"><b>As
nossas relações com a Índia, China, República da Coreia, Malásia, Mongólia,
Japão e outros países da Região da Ásia-Pacífico são baseadas em princípios de
respeito e de diálogo honesto.</b> Estou confiante de que estas relações estão a
mostrar uma grande promessa, condizente com o crescente papel que a Região da
Ásia-Pacífico deverá desempenhar nas próximas décadas. Penso que os nossos
estimados convidados estrangeiros aqui presentes, os nossos amigos, estão de
acordo com isto.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span style="font-family: "rockwell" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">Juntamente
com a abertura, outro princípio fundamental implícito nos nossos planos
ambiciosos para o desenvolvimento do Extremo Oriente russo é que eles são a
longo prazo e consistentes. Aumentaremos ainda mais os nossos esforços, ao
concentrar recursos e ao gerir esse trabalho administrativamente, passo a
passo. Quando atingirmos os nossos objectivos, estabeleceremos novas tarefas e
esforçar-nos-emos por alcançar mais.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span style="font-family: "rockwell" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">Nos
últimos quinze anos, criamos com sucesso condições para o Extremo Oriente
entrar no caminho de um crescimento mais rápido. E não são palavras ôcas - dar-vos-ei,
agora, alguns exemplos.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span style="font-family: "rockwell" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">Os
preparativos para a reunião dos dirigentes da APEC de 2012, em Vladivostok,
foram um bom começo. Investimos recursos significativos na modernização das
infraestruturas locais de transporte, negócios e educação e na melhoria da
capital da região como uma cidade moderna e dinâmica de desenvolvimento, uma
cidade para pessoas, como um dos principais centros académicos da Região da
Ásia-Pacífico.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span style="font-family: "rockwell" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">Sabemos,
com certeza que ainda há muito a ser feito, mas também muito já foi feito. E
então, baseados no que já foi feito e alcançado, lançaremos projectos avultados
de infraestruturas, transporte e indústria, além dos projectos de construção na
região e fora dela.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span style="font-family: "rockwell" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">Ao
mesmo tempo, juntamente com as etapas para melhorar o clima de negócios em toda
a Rússia, temos oferecido ferramentas de suporte completamente novas e
amplamente únicas para fazer negócios no Extremo Oriente e ser competitivos
globalmente.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span style="font-family: "rockwell" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">Gostaria
de informar os nossos colegas que planeiam investir no Extremo Oriente - podem
beneficiar destas oportunidades, portanto, considerem-nas novamente. Não são só
promessas - é uma prática que já está em
vigor e que funciona.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span style="color: #351c75;"><span style="font-family: "rockwell" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Assim
sendo, cerca de 20 territórios de desenvolvimento social e económico
prioritário foram estabelecidos em toda a região, com condições especiais para
o lançamento da produção, regimes fiscais especiais e medidas de apoio estatal.
Cerca de 369 empresas residentes inscreveram-se e assinaram contratos no valor
de quase 2,5 triliões de rublos e anunciaram a criação de mais de 60.000 novos
empregos. Essas empresas já investiram 344,8 biliões de rublos nos seus projectos
e criaram quase 20.000 empregos. </span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "rockwell" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Isto
já foi feito..<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span style="font-family: "rockwell" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">O
regime de porto livre de Vladivostok foi estendido a 22 municípios. O objectivo
é facilitar a integração das regiões do Extremo Oriente no espaço económico da
Região da Ásia-Pacífico e promover o desenvolvimento de empresas de alta
tecnologia.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span style="font-family: "rockwell" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">Cerca
de 1.404 empresas residentes optaram por aproveitar os benefícios oferecidos
pelo regime de porto livre e assinaram contratos no valor de quase 700 biliões
de rublos. Vão criar cerca de 68.000 empregos na área. Actualmente, 95,2 biliões
foram investidos e mais de 10.000 empregos foram criados. Este é um facto
consumado.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span style="font-family: "rockwell" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">No
geral, graças às medidas de apoio propostas, a partir de 2015, os investidores
contribuíram com 612 biliões de rublos para a economia da região, lançaram 242 fábricas
novas e criaram mais de 39.000 postos de trabalho.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span style="font-family: "rockwell" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;"><b>Como
resultado, o crescimento da produção industrial no Extremo Oriente, nos últimos
cinco anos, foi de quase 23% - quase três vezes maior do que em toda a Rússia.</b><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span style="color: #351c75;"><span style="font-family: "rockwell" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">A
Universidade Federal do Extremo Oriente está a desenvolver-se como um centro de
novas competências, intercâmbio de jovens e cooperação internacional,
experiências ambiciosas em educação, ciência e indústrias inovadoras na nova
era tecnológica. </span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "rockwell" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Este centro
acolhe, tradicionalmente, as nossas
reuniões.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span style="font-family: "rockwell" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">Durante
o ano académico anterior, a universidade recebeu 20.000 estudantes, incluindo
3.500 estrangeiros de 74 países. Nela ensinam mais de 200 professores
estrangeiros.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span style="font-family: "rockwell" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">Está
planeado desenvolver ainda mais a infraestrutura de pesquisa local, incluindo a
construção de uma instalação de mega-ciência. E podemos falar com confiança
sobre o futuro da Universidade, como um dos centros de apoio do espaço educacional comum da
Região da Ásia-Pacífico. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "rockwell" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">Amigos,<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span style="color: #351c75;"><span style="font-family: "rockwell" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Nos
Fóruns Económicos Orientais anteriores, concentramos a nossa atenção na
importância do Extremo Oriente para a Rússia, bem como nos planos para
desenvolver essa região, nas ferramentas para promover as actividades
comerciais e como as empresas podem beneficiar delas. </span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "rockwell" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Referi, brevemente, isso agora.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span style="font-family: "rockwell" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">No
entanto, compreendemos tudo muito bem e esta questão foi levantada no almoço de
trabalho que acabámos de ter com os nossos colegas, de que objectivos deste
tipo nunca serão alcançados sem pessoas, sem a sua energia, talento e
compromisso para alcançar resultados.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span style="font-family: "rockwell" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">Por
esse motivo, nas minhas considerações iniciais, concentrei a minha atenção no
desenvolvimento socio-económico e, mais especificamente, no programa de
desenvolvimento social da região.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span style="font-family: "rockwell" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">Creio
que seria interessante, não apenas para o público nacional, mas também para
nossos potenciais investidores e para as empresas que já trabalham aqui, pois o
que significa é que estamos empenhados em melhorar ainda mais o ambiente social
e político e atrair a força de trabalho
que a região necessita para se desenvolver.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span style="font-family: "rockwell" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">Ontem,
tive uma reunião com as autoridades das regiões do Extremo Oriente da Rússia
para discutir as metas para uma nova etapa no desenvolvimento do Extremo
Oriente. Nesta etapa, traduziremos as conquistas económicas da região nos
últimos anos, numa melhoria social, a fim de oferecer às pessoas uma melhor
qualidade de vida.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span style="font-family: "rockwell" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">O
que isto significa é que, temos de promover mudanças nas áreas da saúde, da educação,
da infraestrutura urbana e rural, que serão sentidas por milhões de pessoas. <b>É
importante ressaltar que as pessoas devem sentir essas mudanças o mais rápido possível,
e não num futuro distante ou só daqui a muitos anos.</b><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span style="font-family: "rockwell" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">Neste
contexto, deixem-me salientar que o fluxo migratório do Extremo Oriente da
Rússia reduziu para metade em relação a 2005. Precisamos reverter essa
tendência de uma vez por todas: em vez de deixar o Extremo Oriente, as pessoas
devem vir para aqui, trazendo a sua energia, a sua força e a sua iniciativa.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span style="font-family: "rockwell" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">Discutimos
este assunto durante o almoço de trabalho que acabamos de fazer e os nossos colegas
fizeram-me esta pergunta. Quantas pessoas chegam para se fixar e quantas estão a
sair desta região? É uma questão importante em termos das implicações morais e
éticas, bem como económicas, entre outras.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span style="font-family: "rockwell" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">Os
profissionais qualificados devem considerar esta região atractiva e, é claro,
também os jovens, pois são o nosso futuro, como todos sabemos.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span style="font-family: "rockwell" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">Além
do mais, o Extremo Oriente da Rússia é uma região muito jovem. Tem um enorme
potencial demográfico que precisa ser preservado e aumentado. Aqui, a taxa
agregada de nascimentos é superior à média nacional.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span style="font-family: "rockwell" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">Cerca
de 1,5 milhões dos 8,2 milhões de residentes do distrito federal são estudantes
de escolas, faculdades e universidades. Venceram em competições desportivas, nas olimpíadas e concursos académicos internacionais e nacionais.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span style="font-family: "rockwell" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">Por
exemplo, Kazan organizou recentemente uma Competição WorldSkills, onde Andrei
Meshkov, um formando do 9ºano de Ulan-Ude, ganhou uma medalha de ouro no
WorldSkills Russia Juniors na esfera da tecnologia da informação. Dou-lhe os
parabéns, mais uma vez, pela sua vitória.
(Aplausos) Em resumo, </span></span><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: "rockwell" , serif; font-size: 16px;">como já disse antes, </span><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: "rockwell" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">pessoas inteligentes, criativas e enérgicas que podem
alcançar os objectivos mais ambiciosos vivem aqui.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span style="font-family: "rockwell" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">Portanto,
a primeira prioridade da nova etapa no desenvolvimento do Extremo Oriente russo
é apoiar os jovens. Devemos fazer o nosso melhor para oferecer as mais amplas
oportunidades possíveis, para que possam receber educação, realizar o seu
potencial na vida e na profissão, criar famílias e ter filhos e contribuir para
o progresso da sua região natal, o Extremo Oriente Russo. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span style="font-family: "rockwell" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">Acima
de tudo, devemos aumentar drasticamente a construção de moradias modernas, que
devem ter preços o mais acessível que for possível. Neste contexto, como já
disse, discutimos este problema com os nossos colegas, as autoridades das
regiões.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span style="font-family: "rockwell" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">Concordo
que deve ser lançado na região, um programa especial de hipoteca para que os
jovens possam contrair empréstimos para
comprar apartamentos ou casas no Extremo Oriente, a uma taxa anual de 2%.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span style="font-family: "rockwell" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">Recentemente,
aprovamos uma taxa de hipoteca preferencial para a região de 5%, que está abaixo
da média do país. Mas, ontem, os nossos
colegas convenceram-me de que não é o bastante. Gostaria de alertar as
autoridades das outras regiões de que não podemos fazê-lo em todos os lugares.
Perderia todo o sentido, porque a ideia é atrair profissionais e pessoal
qualificado para o Extremo Oriente.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span style="font-family: "rockwell" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">Sugiro
que lancemos este programa este ano, com uma duração de cinco anos. Dir-vos-ei
porquê. Primeiro, precisaremos considerar cuidadosamente a quantidade e as
fontes de financiamento para o futuro, porque é um assunto a longo prazo.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span style="font-family: "rockwell" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">Devemos
aplicá-lo ao chamado mercado primário, ou seja, o mercado de novos edifícios
residenciais, bem como à construção de casas particulares para aqueles que participam
no programa do Extremo Oriente.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span style="font-family: "rockwell" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">Sugiro
que usemos fundos do programa nacional para o desenvolvimento do Extremo
Oriente da Rússia e do Fundo de Desenvolvimento do Extremo Oriente.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span style="font-family: "rockwell" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">O
sistema de saúde deve ser moderno e acessível. Em primeiro lugar, diz respeito
aos cuidados de saúde primária, mais próxima das pessoas, melhorando os
equipamentos e digitalizando serviços ambulatórios, hospitais e centros de
saúde rurais, maternidades e centros peri-natais e o desenvolvimento de aviões ambulâncias. Este conceito é especialmente importante para as extensões,
vastas e ilimitadas, do Extremo Oriente russo.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span style="font-family: "rockwell" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">Esse
trabalho já está a ser efectuado na Rússia, mas aqui, no Extremo Oriente,
precisamos criar um sistema verdadeiramente eficaz de assistência médica que
atenda e talvez até supere, os melhores padrões e práticas.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span style="font-family: "rockwell" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">Compreendo
que não pode ser feito da noite para o dia. Mas precisamos começar a trabalhar
hoje, para começar com projectos-piloto inovadores. De facto, é possível criar
um aglomerado médico no Distrito Federal do Extremo Oriente com um procedimento
de regulamentação especial, que permitiria abrir subdivisões e filiais de
clínicas estrangeiras sem formalidades excessivas, atrair os melhores
especialistas estrangeiros e usar produtos e métodos farmacêuticos que já
provaram a sua eficiência no estrangeiro.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span style="font-family: "rockwell" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">É
claro que esse aglomerado médico deve funcionar dentro da jurisdição russa e
todos os detalhes devem ser cuidadosamente elaborados pelas agências
governamentais envolvidas e, acima de tudo, pelo Ministério da Saúde.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span style="font-family: "rockwell" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">Disse
mais de uma vez que, para o Extremo Oriente, devemos propor políticas
especiais, mecanismos avançados e ferramentas flexíveis que tenham em conta as
especificidades desse vasto território e as necessidades das pessoas que moram
aqui.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span style="font-family: "rockwell" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">Aventuramo-nos
nessas experiências e inovações económicas e novas maneiras de atrair
investimentos e, como disse no início, obtivemos um resultado muito positivo. A
mesma abordagem deve ser usada no desenvolvimento dos serviços sociais e
públicos.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span style="color: #351c75;"><span style="font-family: "rockwell" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Peço
a todas as agências federais, a todos os nossos colegas que estão envolvidos no
desenvolvimento da região que estejam orientados, exactamente, por esta lógica,
pelos interesses do Extremo Oriente, o que significa, essencialmente, pelos
interesses da Rússia.</span> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span style="font-family: "rockwell" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">Criar
um novo complexo cultural, educacional e museológico aqui, em Vladivostok, no
Extremo Oriente da Rússia, será um passo
importante para consolidar o espaço educacional e cultural nacional.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span style="font-family: "rockwell" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">Ao
mesmo tempo, a rede de museus, bibliotecas, teatros, instituições culturais,
extra curriculares e profissionais precisa de actualizações significativas no
Extremo Oriente da Rússia. É necessário dar-lhes uma nova vida,
transformando-os em centros interessantes e actualizados, capazes de atrair
pessoas de todas as idades, incluindo crianças e adolescentes.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span style="font-family: "rockwell" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">Acabamos
de discutir este assunto, e penso que é a terceira vez que menciono a nossa
reunião preliminar: O Primeiro Ministro Shinzo Abe, disse que esta região tem
muito encanto e grande potencial turístico.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span style="font-family: "rockwell" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">Certamente,
a criação de um grande centro cultural e educacional nacional desse tipo que
incluiria filiais dos principais museus da Rússia, como a Galeria Tretyakov, o
Museu Hermitage, o Museu Russo e o Teatro Mariinsky, certamente tornará
Vladivostok muito mais atraente para os turistas.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span style="font-family: "rockwell" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">É
muito importante o desenvolvimento de ofertas culturais nas áreas rurais e nas
cidades. Neste contexto, deixem-me partilhar algumas números convosco. Das
1.834 comunidades no Extremo Oriente da Rússia, 1.614 têm uma população de
menos de 5.000 pessoas cada, enquanto as cidades e pequenas vilas podem estar
separadas por centenas de quilómetros. Precisamos ter a certeza que esta
situação seja levada em consideração. Esta questão também estava na agenda da
reunião de ontem com os governadores.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span style="font-family: "rockwell" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">Entre
outras coisas, precisamos de adaptar os programas nacionais de Médico Rural e
de Professor Rural ao Extremo Oriente da Rússia. Eles podem incluir a oferta de maiores
benefícios aos médicos, aos paramédicos e aos professores dispostos a mudar-se
para pequenas comunidades no Extremo Oriente. Proponho duplicar estas verbas
destinadas ao Extremo Oriente em comparação com as taxas nacionais existentes.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span style="font-family: "rockwell" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">Escusado
será dizer que precisamos ver longe. O futuro está nas mãos dos jovens e dos
estudantes de hoje que amam a sua região e querem morar e trabalhar aqui. Temos
de oferecer-lhes uma oportunidade de obter educação de qualidade,
independentemente do rendimento ou da situação financeira das suas famílias.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span style="font-family: "rockwell" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">Creio
que precisamos oferecer subsídios estatais mais direccionados às universidades
do Extremo Oriente em áreas onde os profissionais são escassos, para que os
jovens tenham as suas propinas cobertas pelo governo ou pelos seus potenciais
empregadores. Dessa forma, os alunos terão certeza de que conseguirão um
emprego, o que resolverá problemas relacionados com o emprego.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span style="font-family: "rockwell" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">É
claro que os jovens e as pessoas de todas as idades devem ter a possibilidade
de beneficiar da educação online, bem como da tele-medicina, de recursos de
informação e de serviços electrónicos, além de ter acesso a plataformas e
serviços digitais que abrem novos horizontes em termos de iniciar e gerir negócios.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span style="font-family: "rockwell" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">Gostaria
de recordar-vos que mais da metade de todos os utilizadores da Internet no
planeta, vive na região da Ásia-Pacífico. O Extremo Oriente da Rússia precisa
acompanhar a infraestrutura e os padrões digitais globais nesta esfera,
incluindo taxas de penetração de alta velocidade na Internet.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span style="font-family: "rockwell" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">Peço
ao governo que tenha em consideração este assunto, ao trabalhar no programa
nacional de Economia Digital da Rússia. Permitam-me reiterar que precisamos
criar um ambiente digital apropriado em termos dos desafios que enfrentamos actualmente
e da rápida mudança tecnológica em todo o mundo.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span style="font-family: "rockwell" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">Neste
contexto, o nosso segundo objectivo mais importante para o Extremo Oriente da
Rússia, é torná-lo um dos principais centros mundiais de alta tecnologia,
competências e novas indústrias, um centro de ocupações/empregos mais avançados
e de qualidade, para profissionais altamente qualificados.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span style="font-family: "rockwell" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">Estas
medidas devem beneficiar, principalmente, as pessoas que vivem no Extremo
Oriente, ou seja, os cidadãos russos que moram aqui, nesta região. Esta é a
nossa posição de princípio.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span style="font-family: "rockwell" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">O
potencial está aí. É aqui, na Ilha Russky, que está a ser criado um novo
aglomerado de inovação. Um agrupamento de indústria espacial está a surgir em
torno do Centro de Lançamento Espacial Vostochny. O fabrico de aviões, o
processamento de gás natural e a indústria química estão a desenvolver-se activamente
nesta região. A construção do estaleiro Zvezda está a prosseguir. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span style="font-family: "rockwell" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">É óbvio que planeamos concentrar a nossa atenção para aumentar o volume dos
produtos de valor acrescentado. É uma posição de princípio para a qual gostaria de chamar a atenção dos investidores
russos e internacionais, dos residentes de áreas prioritárias de
desenvolvimento e do Porto Livre de Vladivostok.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span style="font-family: "rockwell" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">Por
exemplo, aumentaremos os direitos de exportação de madeira triturada, mas, ao
mesmo tempo, estamos prontos para prestar assistência àqueles que desejam
investir no processamento de madeira e criar as condições mais favoráveis para
a exportação de produtos acabados, inclusive para os países em desenvolvimento
ou subdesenvolvidos.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span style="font-family: "rockwell" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">A
mesma lógica - preferências e apoio para aqueles que produzem produtos de valor
acrescentado - também será aplicada noutras esferas, incluindo os recursos
marinhos e as matérias-primas.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span style="font-family: "rockwell" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">A
conservação e o uso racional de nosso potencial de madeira são um assunto
importante. Planeamos discuti-lo a nível nacional, numa reunião do Conselho de
Estado.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span style="font-family: "rockwell" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">Reconhecemos
que a criação de um poderoso centro industrial e de pesquisa na região é um
projecto trabalhoso. Ao mesmo tempo, vemos que também é uma grande janela de
oportunidade. Neste contexto, devemos estabelecer grandes exigências em relação
à eficácia das medidas e decisões que propomos.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span style="font-family: "rockwell" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">Isto
diz respeito principalmente à economia do futuro e à assistência às equipas
jovens que estão a concretizar ideias e soluções inovadoras. <b>As pequenas empresas
lideradas por jovens, são a força motriz mais poderosa do progresso tecnológico
em todo o mundo.</b><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span style="font-family: "rockwell" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">Precisamos
mais do que apenas uma estrutura legal para garantir, não só a proliferação de
start-ups/pequenas empresas, mas também o seu desenvolvimento em empresas de
médio e grande porte. Obviamente, precisamos de regulamentos, mas também
devemos criar instrumentos financeiros eficientes.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span style="font-family: "rockwell" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">Neste
sentido, sugiro que seja estabelecido no Extremo Oriente um fundo de risco
especial. Ontem, discutimos esta ideia; dou-lhe o meu apoio. Peço ao governo que
formule propostas práticas a este respeito, principalmente, porque as fontes de
financiamento estão disponíveis.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span style="font-family: "rockwell" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">Finalmente,
o nosso terceiro objectivo estratégico também é bastante ousado. Está em
sintonia com a agenda ambiental global, com os desafios que enfrentam não apenas
a Rússia, bem como todo o planeta.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span style="font-family: "rockwell" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">Refiro-me
ao desenvolvimento do Extremo Oriente da Rússia como um centro global da
natureza e de turismo, um campo de testes internacional para descobrir maneiras
de resolver uma questão que é importante para todos nós: como assegurar a
harmonia entre a actividade económica e o turismo verde, entre tornar a
natureza acessível ao público e preservar ecossistemas únicos.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span style="font-family: "rockwell" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">A
maravilhosa beleza natural do Extremo Oriente da Rússia já atrai centenas de
milhares de turistas. Em 2016, 5,2 milhões de pessoas visitaram a região,
incluindo 750.000 estrangeiros. No ano passado, o total de visitas aumentou
para 7 milhões, incluindo cerca de um milhão de estrangeiros.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span style="color: #351c75;"><span style="font-family: "rockwell" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">As
belezas naturais do Extremo Oriente da Rússia incluem o Lago Baikal, a Reserva
Kronotsky em Kamchatka, o Parque Nacional Alkhanai no Território Trans-Baikal e
outros lugares. </span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "rockwell" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Existem alguns
deles nesta região.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span style="font-family: "rockwell" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">Há
um total de 64 territórios naturais que beneficiam do estatuto de protecção
federal. Permitam-me observar que já emiti uma instrução para investigar e
registar os limites de todas as reservas, parques nacionais e outras áreas
protegidas. Peço que esses esforços sejam acelerados, principalmente no Extremo
Oriente.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span style="font-family: "rockwell" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">Ao
mesmo tempo, precisamos ser mais activos no lançamento de parcerias
público-privadas no turismo. Precisamos convidar investidores responsáveis e
oferecer-lhes incentivos especiais, sujeitos a rigorosa observação dos padrões
e regras do turismo sustentável.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span style="font-family: "rockwell" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">Obviamente,
precisamos de serviços avançados de informações que ofereçam às pessoas acesso
conveniente a qualquer informação que possam precisar: quando e para onde
viajar, que rota turística escolher. Os estrangeiros devem poder solicitar
vistos, utilizando este serviço.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span style="font-family: "rockwell" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">Aliás,
foi aqui em Vladivostok que os vistos electrónicos foram introduzidos pela
primeira vez, simplificando substancialmente as formalidades pelas quais os turistas
e os empresários estrangeiros precisam passar. Mais de 140.000 vistos deste tipo
foram emitidos nos últimos dois anos.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span style="font-family: "rockwell" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">Todos
os objectivos de desenvolvimento que estamos a discutir, bem como, sobretudo, os
novos padrões de vida modernos, que exigem um nível de mobilidade
fundamentalmente novo. Para o Extremo Oriente, isto implica, acima de tudo, uma
rede desenvolvida de transporte aéreo e de compra de bilhetes de avião, que
seja acessível na região, bem como na Sibéria, na Rússia central e no estrangeiro.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span style="font-family: "rockwell" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">Até
2024, modernizaremos 40 aeroportos no Extremo Oriente. Empregaremos as capacidades
das fábricas de aviões do Extremo Oriente em Ulan-Ude, Komsomolsk-on-Amur e
Arsenyev para expandir a rede de voos domésticos e renovar o conjunto de aviões
e helicópteros regionais e locais.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span style="font-family: "rockwell" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">Gostaria
de acrescentar que a segurança e o conforto são os requisitos mais importantes
quando se trata de transportadoras aéreas em todo o mundo. Para as companhias aéreas que operam no Extremo
Oriente, os b</span></span><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: "rockwell" , serif; font-size: 16px;">ilhetes acessíveis devem ser mais uma prioridade</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span style="font-family: "rockwell" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">Creio
que seria lógico que as companhias aéreas que desejarem aumentar as suas
operações no Extremo Oriente e seguirem uma política de preços responsável e
razoável, tivessem o direito preferencial de efectuar voos noutras regiões mais
lucrativas.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span style="font-family: "rockwell" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">Debatemos,
ontem, este assunto com o Ministro dos Transportes. Espero que ele me esteja a
ouvir, hoje. Em geral, este sistema já está a ser aplicado, mas precisamos
reforçá-lo. Considero que este método não é comercialmente eficaz, mas
justificado nesta região. No entanto, devemos discutir formas de formalizá-lo.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span style="font-family: "rockwell" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">Amigos,<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span style="font-family: "rockwell" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">Temos
objectivos de desenvolvimento muito ambiciosos no Extremo Oriente, e a
realização progressiva desses objectivos envolve parcerias e a união de esforços.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span style="font-family: "rockwell" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">Estamos
prontos para esta cooperação e estamos abertos a todos os interessados nela.
Acreditamos no futuro da nossa cooperação e no futuro do Extremo Oriente russo.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span style="font-family: "rockwell" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">Para
sermos bem sucedidos nesta região, assim como em todo o nosso enorme país, na
totalidade, precisamos de uma sociedade consolidada, da contribuição e do
envolvimento de todos que estejam dispostos a contribuir com as suas
capacidades, com a sua energia e com o seu conhecimento para o objectivo comum.
Esta é a nossa maneira de pensar e significa que todos os nossos planos e os nossos
sonhos mais ousados se tornarão realidade.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span style="font-family: "rockwell" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">Gostaria
de desejar a todos os convidados e participantes do fórum que sejam bem-sucedidos e tudo
de bom.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "rockwell" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">Obrigado.</span><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "rockwell" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;"><br /></span></span>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "rockwell" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;"><…><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span style="color: #351c75;"><b><span style="font-family: "rockwell" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Moderador da sessão plenária,
Sergei Brilyov: </span></b><span style="font-family: "rockwell" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Senhor Presidente, gostaria de especificar um
ponto. Numa frase do seu discurso, mencionou entidades de desenvolvimento como
o Centro de Lançamento Espacial Vostochny, a fábrica de Komsomolsk-on-Amur
(embora formalmente antiga, agora fabrica o avião mais sofisticado), o
estaleiro Zvezda e áreas de desenvolvimento prioritário (PDAs). Espera que haja
investimentos estrangeiros em instalações como Zvezda, o centro espacial e a
fábrica de aviões?<b><o:p></o:p></b></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<b><span style="font-family: "rockwell" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #990000;">Vladimir
Putin:</span></span></b><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: "rockwell" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> Claro que sim.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span style="font-family: "rockwell" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">Já
houve esse investimento na fábrica de aviões. Conhecemos os nossos caças Sukhoi
Su-30, Su-34 ++, Su-35 e agora caças da quinta geração Su-57, e o mundo inteiro
também os conhece. Fabricamos em conjunto aviões comerciais Sukhoi Superjet com
parceiros italianos e franceses. Estamos a trabalhar aí e estamos abertos a esta
cooperação. Embora não tenhamos nada a esconder, ainda há uma coisa.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span style="color: #351c75;"><b><span style="font-family: "rockwell" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Sergei
Brilyov: </span></b><span style="font-family: "rockwell" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">É, precisamente, o que quero dizer.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<b><span style="font-family: "rockwell" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;"><span style="color: #990000;">Vladimir Putin: </span></span></b><span style="color: #351c75;"><span style="font-family: "rockwell" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Escondemos com
segurança, o que ainda devemos manter em segredo. Ao mesmo tempo, há todas as
oportunidades para acordos de co-produção modernos e económicos.<b><o:p></o:p></b></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span style="font-family: "rockwell" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">O
centro de lançamento espacial não é um centro militar de lançamento espacial.
Agora estamos a decidir quem deve construir os próximos estágios. Para ser
sincero, este centro de lançamento espacial deve lidar principalmente com
lançamentos civis. Portanto, não acreditamos apenas que podemos trabalhar lá em
conjunto com parceiros estrangeiros, mas estamos interessados nisso e, claro
que os envolveremos nessa cooperação.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span style="font-family: "rockwell" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">A
Rússia e Índia concretizam projectos conjuntos de exploração espacial;
trabalhamos activamente nesses programas com a República Popular da China; em
princípio, mantemos uma boa cooperação com a Agência Espacial Europeia, e
esperamos que esse processo continue a desenvolver-se e também cooperamos com
os Estados Unidos. As múltiplas naves espaciais que lançamos no interesse dos
nossos parceiros estrangeiros, incluindo os Estados Unidos. Existem planos para
lançar muitas delas no Centro de Lançamento Espacial Vostochny. Portanto, não
vejo nenhuma direcção única que possa estar fora dos limites dos nossos
parceiros estrangeiros. Pelo contrário, estamos interessados em atraí-los; o
mesmo também diz respeito à instalação da Zvezda, que mencionou.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span style="font-family: "rockwell" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">Só
ontem é que o Primeiro Ministro Modi e eu visitamos Zvezda. A instalação
construirá navios modernos de grande
capacidade para operações na plataforma continental, na zona do Ártico e para o
transporte de gás natural liquefeito, produtos petrolíferos e outras remessas.
O Primeiro Ministro e eu tivemos um debate ontem e procuraremos oportunidades
para um trabalho conjunto. Muito possivelmente, os navios individuais serão
parcialmente construídos na Rússia. Tais acordos internacionais de produção
conjunta estão a desenvolver-se em todo o mundo. A Rússia construirá partes das
embarcações e os estaleiros indianos completá-las-ão.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span style="font-family: "rockwell" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">A
nossa famosa empresa líder Rosneft, proprietária de uma grande refinaria na
Índia, comprou recentemente uma participação de controlo nela. E a sua área de
responsabilidade inclui um grande porto indiano. Portanto, temos muitas áreas
de cooperação interdependentes. Não há assuntos fechados; pelo contrário,
estamos interessados em atrair os nossos parceiros.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span style="font-family: "rockwell" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;"><…><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<b><span style="font-family: "rockwell" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;"><span style="color: #990000;">Vladimir Putin:</span></span></b><span style="color: #351c75;"><span style="font-family: "rockwell" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> (respondendo a uma pergunta sobre as Ilhas Kuril):
Quando há vários anos estive no Japão, falei em público sobre a História desses
territórios. Houve uma época em que a Rússia tinha motivos legais para
considerar as ilhas como suas e entregou-as voluntariamente ao Japão, por decisão
do imperador russo, como símbolo de amizade. Em seguida, seguiram-se os
trágicos eventos de 1905, a guerra russo-japonesa e a situação em Sakhalin. E
depois a Segunda Guerra Mundial. É uma história complicada com várias partes.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "rockwell" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span style="font-family: "rockwell" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">Mas
há também o factor humanitário. Não posso deixar de concordar com Shinzo [Abe]
que, até que esses problemas estejam resolvidos, devemos fazer todo o possível
para que aqueles que, de alguma forma, tenham ligações com esses territórios,
não se sintam vítimas das ocorrências geopolíticas passadas. Baseados nestas
considerações humanitárias, não apenas fizemos concessões para essas pessoas,
respondendo aos desejos do Primeiro Ministro do Japão, mas fizemo-lo de maneira
exclusiva. Poucas pessoas conhecem ou compreendem a essência dessa
exclusividade. Significa que não só damos aos cidadãos japoneses a oportunidade
de visitar as ilhas, mas também suspendemos os requisitos de visto para essas
visitas. Esta solução tem um componente político, porque as autoridades
japonesas recusam-se a emitir vistos para visitar estas ilhas. Estamos cientes
deste problema delicado e decidimos fazer esta concessão.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span style="color: #351c75;"><span style="font-family: "rockwell" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Obviamente,
parece-nos estranho que o Japão negue vistos não a certos indivíduos, mas a
todos os que vivem na Crimeia. </span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "rockwell" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Onde
fica o Japão e onde fica a Crimeia?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span style="font-family: "rockwell" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">Aceitamos
com entendimento a frase - que se deve confiar no Japão - e nós acreditamos
nela. Este pedido é realmente muito
gentil e positivo. Mas temos muitas perguntas sobre o tratado de paz e,
infelizmente, elas dizem respeito mais do que só às nossas relações bilaterais.
<b>Também existem questões militares, de
defesa e de segurança quando precisamos respeitar as posições de outros países,
bem como as obrigações do Japão para com outros países, incluindo os Estados
Unidos. Esse país não possui só palavras gentis, mas também um ditado que
remonta às décadas de 1920 ou 1930: ‘Pode-se conseguir mais com uma palavra
gentil e uma arma na mão do que com uma palavra gentil sozinha’. Compreendemos
esse ditado, conhecemo-lo e devemos tê-lo em conta.</b><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span style="font-family: "rockwell" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">É
que, ao responder à sua pergunta, quero dizer que parece um problema simples,
mas é um problema que herdamos do passado. No entanto, nós - Shinzo e eu –
queremos, realmente, resolvê-lo. Não importa o quão difícil possa ser,
prosseguiremos a partir da Declaração de 1956, como disse o Primeiro Ministro,
para uma solução abrangente de todos os nossos problemas, e trabalharemos em
direcção a um tratado de paz.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span style="font-family: "rockwell" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;"><…><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span style="color: #351c75;"><b><span style="font-family: "rockwell" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Sergei
Brilyov:</span></b><span style="font-family: "rockwell" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> Não posso deixar de salientar que os investidores
ucranianos estão hoje aqui connosco. O Sr. Medvedchuk é um investidor. Senhor
Presidente, quando será o intercâmbio [dos prisioneiros entre a Rússia e a
Ucrânia]?</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "rockwell" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<b><span style="font-family: "rockwell" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;"><span style="color: #990000;">Vladimir Putin:</span></span></b><b style="color: #351c75;"><span style="font-family: "rockwell" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span></b><span style="font-family: "rockwell" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">Penso que o Sr. Medvedchuk me vai atormentar com esse assunto agora. Sei
que ele está particularmente preocupado com várias pessoas que estão na prisão,
na Federação Russa. Na verdade, tivemos que tomar decisões muito difíceis em
relação a pessoas específicas, a essas pessoas específicas. Mas, por razões
humanitárias, chegamos à fase final das negociações em andamento, inclusive com
as autoridades oficiais. Então, penso que os resultados serão anunciados num
futuro próximo. [</span><span style="color: #660000;">Nota – a troca de prisioneiros foi efectuada no dia 7 de Setembro
de 2019 </span><a href="https://nowarnonato.blogspot.com/2019/09/historical-humanitarian-action-prisoner.html" style="color: #351c75;">https://nowarnonato.blogspot.com/2019/09/historical-humanitarian-action-prisoner.html</a><span style="color: #351c75;">]<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span style="color: #351c75;"><b><span style="font-family: "rockwell" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Sergei
Brilyov:</span></b> <span style="font-family: "rockwell" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">As perspectivas de trocas e negociações futuras com a
Ucrânia são uma espécie de bússola, se assim posso dizer, nas relações com esses
países, por exemplo, os países do G7. Senhor Presidente, o que acontecerá
depois da troca? O que acontecerá a seguir na pista ucraniana, entre a Rússia e
a Ucrânia?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<b><span style="font-family: "rockwell" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;"><span style="color: #990000;">Vladimir Putin:</span></span></b><span style="color: #351c75;"><span style="font-family: "rockwell" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> Penso que, sob uma perspectiva histórica - acredito que
acontecerá inevitavelmente - as relações bilaterais voltarão ao normal, porque
somos duas partes do mesmo povo eslavo. Mencionei esse facto muitas vezes.
Quanto ao futuro próximo, dependerá em grande parte, da liderança ucraniana
actual.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span style="color: #351c75;"><b><span style="font-family: "rockwell" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Sergei
Brilyov:</span></b><span style="font-family: "rockwell" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> Podemos esperar algo até ao final desta semana, ou seria
melhor não mencionar datas?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<b><span style="font-family: "rockwell" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;"><span style="color: #990000;">Vladimir Putin:</span></span></b><span style="color: #351c75;"><span style="font-family: "rockwell" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> Já disse que estamos a finalizar as negociações sobre
as trocas. Penso que estamos a falar de uma troca avultada e de alto perfil. E
poderia ser um bom passo em direcção à normalização.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "rockwell" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "rockwell" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;"><…><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span style="color: #351c75;"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "rockwell" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Sergei Brilyov: </span></b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "rockwell" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Se o convidarem, vai, Snr. </span><span style="font-family: "rockwell" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Presidente?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<b><span style="font-family: "rockwell" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;"><span style="color: #990000;">Vladimir Putin:</span></span></b><span style="color: #351c75;"><span style="font-family: "rockwell" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> Aonde?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span style="color: #351c75;"><b><span style="font-family: "rockwell" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Sergei
Brilyov:</span></b><span style="font-family: "rockwell" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> Ao G8. A próxima reunião é nos Estados Unidos, tanto
quanto sei. Trump estará no meio de uma campanha de reeleição.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<b><span style="font-family: "rockwell" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;"><span style="color: #990000;">Vladimir Putin:</span></span></b><span style="color: #351c75;"> <span style="font-family: "rockwell" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">A certa altura, a reunião do G8 deveria
ter sido realizada na Rússia.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span style="color: #351c75;"><b><span style="font-family: "rockwell" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Sergei
Brilyov:</span></b><span style="font-family: "rockwell" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> Em Sochi, sim.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<b><span style="font-family: "rockwell" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;"><span style="color: #990000;">Vladimir Putin:</span></span></b><span style="color: #351c75;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "rockwell" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><b><span style="font-family: "rockwell" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Estamos
abertos. Se os nossos parceiros quiserem visitar-nos, teremos o maior prazer em
vê-los. (Aplausos.) Não fomos nós que adiamos; foram os nossos parceiros. Se
eles querem restaurar o G8, deixem que eles o façam. Mas penso que hoje todos
compreendem, e o Presidente Macron disse, publicamente, há pouco tempo, que a
hegemonia ocidental está a acabar. Não consigo imaginar nenhuma organização
internacional eficaz sem a Índia ou a China. </span></b><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "rockwell" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">(Aplausos.)<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span style="color: #351c75;"><b><span style="font-family: "rockwell" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Qualquer formato pode ser
benéfico, porque envolve sempre uma troca positiva de opinião, mesmo quando as
conversações são tensas; pelo que percebi, foi o que aconteceu no G7 desta vez,
mas ainda assim foi útil. </span></b><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "rockwell" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Portanto, não rejeitamos nenhum formato de cooperação.<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span style="color: #351c75;"><b><span style="font-family: "rockwell" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Sergei
Brilyov:</span></b><span style="font-family: "rockwell" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> Senhor Presidente, recentemente houve contatos com
Trump e agora ouvimos novamente essa ideia sobre o G8. Por onde devemos começar?
Há um amontoado de todo tipo de coisas que se acumularam nas nossas relações
nos últimos anos.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span style="font-family: "rockwell" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">Examinei
as estatísticas. No ano passado, 40 cidadãos russos, apenas indivíduos
particulares, foram presos a pedido dos Estados Unidos em países terceiros. Só
no último ano! Janeiro de 2019: cidadão Makarenko. Não sei quais são as
acusações contra ele. Mas o próprio facto ... Acabei de ver: Korshunov [detido]
em Nápoles, ele poderia ser da United Engine Corporation.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span style="font-family: "rockwell" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">Será
fácil ignorar estes casos? Em geral, como podemos retomar o diálogo neste
contexto?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<b><span style="font-family: "rockwell" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;"><span style="color: #990000;">Vladimir Putin:</span></span></b><span style="color: #351c75;"><b><span style="font-family: "rockwell" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span></b><span style="font-family: "rockwell" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">É uma péssima prática que complica as nossas
relações interestatais. Não estou a gracejar ou a ser irónico. Frequentemente,
não vemos motivos para acções hostis desse tipo. Além do mais, tenho todos os
motivos para pensar que, ocasionalmente, isto está ligado à rivalidade.
Provavelmente existem alguns aspectos criminais, mas são nossas agências da
Polícia que devem cooperar nesses casos. Deveríamos assinar instrumentos e
acordos interestatais relevantes, sobre como agir nesses casos. Aliás, alguns
desses instrumentos já existem.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "rockwell" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span style="color: #351c75;"><b><span style="font-family: "rockwell" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Sergei
Brilyov: </span></b><span style="font-family: "rockwell" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Penso que temos um
acordo de 1999 sobre assstência jurídica, não temos? </span><span style="font-family: "rockwell" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<b><span style="font-family: "rockwell" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;"><span style="color: #990000;">Vladimir Putin:</span></span></b><span style="color: #351c75;"><b><span style="font-family: "rockwell" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span></b><span style="font-family: "rockwell" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Existem alguns instrumentos, mas, de facto,
eles não funcionam. Podem ser reactivados.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span style="font-family: "rockwell" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">Mas,
em parte, está ligado à rivalidade, por exemplo, na esfera de construção de
aviões. Já disse que estávamos prestes a lançar um avião muito bom, um avião
comercial de médio curso muito bom e competitivo, o MS-21. É claramente um
rival do Boeing 737. Mas eles aumentaram e referiram os componentes das suas
asas na lista de sanções. Isto não tem nada a ver com defesa. Completamente
nada!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span style="font-family: "rockwell" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">Fabricá-las-emos
na Rússia. Só que a cooperação seria mais objectiva e estávamos prontos a comprar
materiais americanos relevantes, assim como eles compram grande parte de nosso
titânio e usam o nosso titânio para fabricar os seus Boeings. Fá-lo-emos de
qualquer maneira. Levará tempo: pensamos que seriam cerca de dois anos, mas
provavelmente será necessário um prazo mais curto - dezoito meses. Este avião
já está a voar. E vamos desenvolver esses materiais. E, em alguns aspectos,
talvez seja bom, porque teremos materiais próprios e não dependeremos de
ninguém nesse sentido.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span style="font-family: "rockwell" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">Agora,
vamos falar sobre a pessoa concreta que mencionou, que fabrica motores e tem um
emprego na Engine Corporation. Como devemos reagir às acusações e sugestões de
que ele estava a roubar certos segredos? Ouvimos as mesmas acusações contra a República
Popular da China. Não sabemos o que está a acontecer lá. Penso que também é, sobretudo,
ficção, mas neste caso em particular, temos a certeza.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span style="font-family: "rockwell" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">Esta
United Engine Corporation/Empresa Unida de Motores desenvolveu um novo motor
russo. O processo levou muito tempo; este é o nosso primeiro produto de alta
tecnologia nos últimos 28 anos. Foi desenvolvido pela nossa Empresa de Motores
e fábricas específicas com muito boas competências, pessoal qualificado e
potencial científico de classe mundial. Claro que, assinamos um contrato de
consultoria com uma empresa italiana. É uma prática internacional absolutamente
natural. É um compromisso comercial aberto com parceiros europeus.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span style="font-family: "rockwell" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">Hoje,
os nossos amigos americanos alegam que certos americanos se juntaram a esta
empresa e roubaram algo. Se o fizeram, não precisamos de nada do que roubaram,
porque fizemos tudo isso com as nossas próprias mãos e as nossas cabeças, as cabeças
dos nossos especialistas. As consultas e o trabalho conjunto sobre produtos
modernos de alta tecnologia são uma actividade absolutamente natural, aberta e
pública.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span style="color: #351c75;"><span style="font-family: "rockwell" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Por
esta razão é que penso que, neste caso, estamos definitivamente diante de
tentativas de concorrência desleal. O que não está a melhorar as nossas
relações. </span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "rockwell" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">(Aplausos.) </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<b style="font-family: rockwell, serif; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="color: #351c75;">Parte 2</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "rockwell" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12.0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "rockwell" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;"><b><span style="font-family: "rockwell" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Sergei
Brilyov:</span></b><span style="font-family: "rockwell" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span> <span style="font-family: "rockwell" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Em 27 de Agosto, muitas agências de
notícias internacionais, incluindo a France Presse, relataram as próximas
entregas dos sistemas de defesa aérea dos EUA ao Japão.</span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "rockwell" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12.0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "rockwell" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "rockwell" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">Esse
acontecimento pode mudar a cena dos mísseis na Ásia, dada a extinção do Tratado
INF e as especificações dos lançadores instalados<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>na Roménia e na Polónia, sobre os quais até
as pessoas comuns conhecem. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Gostaria de
recordar aos que se esqueceram desse facto que, apesar do Tratado
Gorbachev-Reagan dizer respeito apenas à Europa, a União Soviética também
destruiu essas armas na Ásia.<o:p></o:p></b></span></span></span></div>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "rockwell" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
</span>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12.0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "rockwell" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "rockwell" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">Senhor
Presidente, tenho duas perguntas para si. Se alguém quiser oferecer os seus
comentários, ficaríamos agradecidos. A primeira pergunta diz respeito à sua
visão de um possível mecanismo de controlo ou redução de mísseis, na Ásia, e se
precisaremos do mesmo, especialmente à luz da instalação de mísseis americanos.
Segundo, como influenciará as nossas conversações com o Japão?<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "rockwell" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
</span>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12.0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "rockwell" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><b><span style="font-family: "rockwell" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #990000;">Vladimir
Putin</span><span style="color: #351c75;">: </span></span></b><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: "rockwell" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">A nossa posição em relação à retirada dos EUA
do Tratado INF é bem conhecida. Não há necessidade de repeti-la novamente. Não
apreciamos essa decisão; além do mais, acreditamos que é um passo
contraproducente que está a destruir o sistema internacional de controlo e
segurança de armas.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "rockwell" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12.0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "rockwell" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">Afirmamos
publicamente, depois dos americanos terem testado os seus mísseis (<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">também produziremos esses mísseis</i>) que
não instalaremos os nossos mísseis nas regiões que não possuam esses mísseis
dos EUA, com base no solo.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12.0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "rockwell" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">Não
estamos satisfeitos com a declaração do Chefe do Pentágono sobre os planos de
instalar esses mísseis dos EUA no Japão e na Coreia do Sul. Estamos preocupados
e alarmados. Na verdade, é por este motivo que debati este assunto com o
Primeiro Ministro, muitas vezes, antes dos americanos fabricarem tais mísseis.
Se eles forem instalados no Japão ou na Coreia do Sul, sabemos que será feito
sob o pretexto de neutralizar as ameaças vindas da Coreia do Norte. No entanto,
também criará problemas consideráveis para nós, porque esses mísseis
provavelmente serão capazes de cobrir grande parte do território da Rússia, em
particular, o Extremo Oriente russo.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12.0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "rockwell" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">Gostaria
de recordar-vos que temos duas grandes bases navais de navios de superfície
aqui, em Vladivostok, bem como uma base de submarinos nucleares estratégicos,
em Kamchatka. É um assunto muito sério. E claro que não podemos fechar os
olhos. Este assunto também fará parte das nossas conversações com o Japão e com
a Coreia do Sul. Ainda não sabemos como os nossos parceiros japoneses e
sul-coreanos reagirão. Não discutimos hoje este assunto com o Sr. Primeiro Ministro.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12.0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "rockwell" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">A
propósito, salientamos mais de uma vez, que os lançadores MK 41 podem ser
usados não só para lançar anti-mísseis de defesa aérea, mas também para disparar
mísseis de ataque. Os americanos continuaram a dizer que não é assim. E agora <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>lançaram o novo míssil do MK 41 VLS. Por
outras palavras, esses lançadores fazem parte de sistemas de mísseis de ataque
e estávamos certos, como em muitos outros casos também. O que significa que
eles estavam a tentar enganar-nos. Não temos ilusões a este respeito, mas
teremos de responder adequadamente a esta situação.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12.0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "rockwell" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;"><…><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12.0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #351c75;"><b><span style="font-family: "rockwell" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Sergei
Brilyov:</span></b><span style="font-family: "rockwell" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span> <span style="font-family: "rockwell" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Senhor Presidente, alguns jovens foram
para as ruas nos últimos sábados. São os seus jovens?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12.0pt; text-align: justify;">
<b style="font-family: rockwell, serif; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "rockwell" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;"><span style="color: #990000;">Vladimir Putin</span></span></b><span style="color: #351c75;"><b><span style="font-family: "rockwell" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">:</span></b><span style="font-family: "rockwell" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> Creio que todos nós e em especial os jovens, devem
gastar a sua energia em processos construtivos.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12.0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "rockwell" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">Quando
as pessoas exprimem as suas opiniões, também durante os protestos - e já
observei esse facto - creio que têm o direito de fazê-lo. Às vezes gera resultados
positivos, porque as pessoas discutem com as autoridades e conduzem-nas na direcção
certa, para que abordem os problemas das pessoas com mais eficiência. Mas devem
agir de forma positiva e devem ser guiadas pelos interesses do país e do povo,
e não pelos seus próprios interesses mercenários e de grupo, e agir de acordo
com os regulamentos e leis estabelecidos. Sempre adoptei esse ponto de vista e
continuo a exprimi-lo, e as situações e os acontecimentos no mundo e nos países
vizinhos, mostram que essa abordagem está correcta.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12.0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "rockwell" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">Quanto
a “a favor” ou “contra si”, estou convencido de que são pessoas e, é claro,
existem muitos tipos diversos de pessoas, mas principalmente, pessoas de mente
positiva que desejam que o país se desenvolva e contribuam para o seu desenvolvimento.
A única coisa é que eles precisam encontrar o seu lugar na vida. E as
autoridades precisam fazer todo o possível para que eles encontrem o seu lugar
na vida e sejam capazes de aplicar os seus conhecimentos e talentos para o
desenvolvimento construtivo do país.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12.0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "rockwell" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">Os
jovens são sempre impulsivos e activos, o que é bom. Repito: tudo isto deve
estar em conformidade com a legislação vigente. Mas estou confiante de que
muitas dessas pessoas envolvidas em actividades políticas serão muito
requisitadas, no futuro, em termos de carreira profissional e, igualmente, de
carreira política.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12.0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #351c75;"><b><span style="font-family: "rockwell" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Sergei
Brilyov:</span></b><span style="font-family: "rockwell" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> Senhor Presidente, recordo-me da experiência da minha
geração. Tenho 47 anos e fui aluno do ensino médio no final dos anos 80. No
início dos anos 90, os meus amigos e eu começamos a participar em comícios.
Lembro-me claramente de uma grande manifestação contra o Artigo 6 da Constituição
Soviética em Moscovo. Todos nós, estudantes da época, participamos. Esse artigo
implicava que o Partido Comunista da União Soviética era o núcleo do sistema
político do país.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "rockwell" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12.0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "rockwell" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">Tinhamos
precisamente essas considerações em mente, quando participávamos na
manifestação. Quando chegamos ao Boulevard Zubovsky, onde ocorreu o comício,
vimos centenas de milhares de pessoas ou quase um milhão de pessoas lá. De
repente, alguém gritou da tribuna: “O Politburo deve renunciar! Os que são a
favor levantem as mãos. ”Pareceu indelicado não levantar a mão, e todos
começaram a fazê-lo, embora, inicialmente, a manifestação tivesse um propósito
diferente.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12.0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "rockwell" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">Em
alguns casos, é muito fácil enganar os jovens. Não será, talvez, melhor
tratá-los com mais gentileza em algumas situações?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12.0pt; text-align: justify;">
<b style="font-family: rockwell, serif; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "rockwell" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;"><span style="color: #990000;">Vladimir Putin</span></span></b><span style="color: #351c75;"><b><span style="font-family: "rockwell" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">: </span></b><span style="font-family: "rockwell" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Devemos tratar a todos da mesma maneira, de
acordo com a lei.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12.0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #351c75;"><b><span style="font-family: "rockwell" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Sergei
Brilyov:</span></b><span style="font-family: "rockwell" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span> <span style="font-family: "rockwell" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Quanto a questões de segurança, ainda
temos algumas coisas a debater, e o mesmo aplica-se a questões políticas. Ao
olhar para a plateia, há alguns momentos, notei mais uma vez o Sr. Medvedchuk,
o que me recordou a declaração do Presidente Zelensky de que o partido Para a Vida
beneficia de financiamento estrangeiro. Senhor Presidente, conhece esta declaração?
O que pensa dela?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12.0pt; text-align: justify;">
<b style="font-family: rockwell, serif; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "rockwell" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;"><span style="color: #990000;">Vladimir Putin</span></span></b><span style="color: #351c75;"><b><span style="font-family: "rockwell" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">: </span></b><span style="font-family: "rockwell" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> Não, não vi essa afimação. Mas se,
realmente, foi feita, significa que as autoridades actuais de Kiev estão a
correr o risco de cair na mesma armadilha que a liderança ucraniana anterior,
como foi o caso do Presidente anterior, quero dizer, do antigo Presidente, o Sr.
Poroshenko. Portanto, se as autoridades actuais forem atrás da oposição, nada
de bom resultará. Tanto quanto compreendo, esta é a oposição parlamentar que tem
a confiança de um número considerável de eleitores que manifestaram o seu apoio
durante uma eleição democrática. Por esse motivo, seria estranho ver qualquer
expressão de força. Essas pessoas não estão a invadir praças ou a exigir o
impossível. Trabalham dentro da estrutura da Constituição ucraniana e das leis
aplicáveis. Em minha opinião, qualquer tentativa de impedi-las de usufruir os
seus direitos constitucionais seria um erro grave.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12.0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "rockwell" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;"><…><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12.0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #351c75;"><b><span style="font-family: "rockwell" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Sergei
Brilyov:</span></b><span style="font-family: "rockwell" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> Senhor Presidente, o que se passa sobre a presença
das forças armadas e da marinha russas nesta região [o Estreito de Ormuz]? Foi considerável,
na era soviética.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12.0pt; text-align: justify;">
<b style="font-family: rockwell, serif; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "rockwell" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;"><span style="color: #990000;">Vladimir Putin</span></span></b><span style="color: #351c75;"><b><span style="font-family: "rockwell" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">:</span></b><span style="font-family: "rockwell" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> Poderíamos facilmente fazê-lo, considerando o
progresso no desenvolvimento das Forças Armadas e da Marinha da Rússia. A
questão é se iniciativas desse tipo são eficientes, se facilitam o
estabelecimento e se melhoram a segurança na região, inclusive no Estreito de
Ormuz.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "rockwell" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12.0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "rockwell" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">Há
alguns anos, a Rússia apresentou uma iniciativa para estabelecer um mecanismo
internacional com o envolvimento de quase todos os países interessados da
região, bem como daqueles que estão interessados no funcionamento normal dessas
rotas, que incluiriam a Rússia, os países asiáticos e os Estados Unidos. No
futuro, poderíamos até estabelecer uma organização internacional especializada
para lidar com assuntos desse tipo. Acualmente, estamos a debater essa proposta
com os nossos colegas, inclusive com os nossos parceiros chineses e outros.
Vamos esperar e ver aonde isso nos leva. A Rússia está, indubitavelmente, interessada
em promover o desanuviamento e impedir qualquer nova escalada, para que todas
as partes envolvidas contribuam para acalmar essa situação e resolver os
problemas, inclusive os relacionados ao programa nuclear iraniano, de acordo
com os instrumentos internacionais existentes, aprovados pelas resoluções
correspondentes das Nações Unidas.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12.0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #351c75;"><b><span style="font-family: "rockwell" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Sergei
Brilyov:</span></b><span style="font-family: "rockwell" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> Eis a minha última pergunta sobre segurança.
Curiosamente, ocorreu uma mudança notável em que a NATO tem agora três
potências nucleares - Estados Unidos, Grã-Bretanha e França - enquanto a
Organização da Cooperação de Shangai já possui quatro - Rússia, China, Índia e
Paquistão. Obviamente, muito depende dos acordos Rússia-EUA, inclusive na
esfera da estabilidade estratégica. O que pensa, Senhor Presidente? No seu
Discurso perante a Assembléia Federal de 2017, foram apresentados novos tipos
de armas de alta tecnologia, em particular, supersónicas.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "rockwell" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12.0pt; text-align: justify;">
<b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "rockwell" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #990000;">Vladimir Putin</span><span style="color: #351c75;">: </span></span></b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #351c75; font-family: "rockwell" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Hipersónicas.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12.0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #351c75;"><b><span style="font-family: "rockwell" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Sergei
Brilyov:</span></b><span style="font-family: "rockwell" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span> <span style="font-family: "rockwell" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Podem fazer parte de um acordo mais
alargado com os americanos?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12.0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #351c75;"><b><span style="font-family: "rockwell" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Vladimir
Putin: </span></b><span style="font-family: "rockwell" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> Sim, funcionam de acordo com a ideia
inicial <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>que as ferramentas existentes e,
de facto, só uma delas - START-3 que foi concluída entre a Rússia e os Estados
Unidos - ainda está em vigor ... Os Estados Unidos apresentaram uma nova ideia
em que desejam envolver a China nesse trabalho conjunto, mas os chineses
responderam razoavelmente que o potencial nuclear chinês é muito menor que o da
Rússia ou dos Estados Unidos, e não sabem ao certo o que exactamente devem
reduzir uma vez que têm menos transportadores e menos ogivas. </span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "rockwell" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">O raciocínio deles faz sentido.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12.0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "rockwell" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">Mas
não vamos esquecer que os Estados Unidos nem sequer aderiram ao tratado de
proibição de testes nucleares.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12.0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #351c75;"><b><span style="font-family: "rockwell" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Sergei
Brilyov: </span></b><span style="font-family: "rockwell" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Não está ratificado.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12.0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #351c75;"><b><span style="font-family: "rockwell" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Vladimir
Putin:</span></b><span style="font-family: "rockwell" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> Não ratificado quer dizer não aderido.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12.0pt; text-align: justify;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "rockwell" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">Fala-se em instalar armas no
Espaço. São desafios muito sérios que a Humanidade tem de enfrentar. Imagine,
haverá algum tipo de arma, talvez nuclear, pairando o tempo todo <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>numa órbita geoestacionária sobre a cabeça de
cada um de nós, significando também sobre a cabeça de cada um deles. O tempo de
voo será muito curto e o equipamento de defesa será muito complexo. De facto,
isso pode mudar drasticamente a situação de segurança em todo o mundo.<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12.0pt; text-align: justify;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "rockwell" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">Até ao momento, os nossos
parceiros americanos permaneceram em silêncio em relação às nossas propostas de
manter contactos na esfera do desarmamento e conter a corrida armamentista. De
facto, não há nada de novo. Muito recentemente, <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>reunimos com os nossos parceiros americanos em
Osaka e também levantamos a questão sobre como podemos incluir as nossas armas
mais recentes, incluindo sistemas de mísseis de ataque hipersónico, num acordo
geral. Quero dizer que nenhum outro país, incluindo os Estados Unidos, possui
essas armas.<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12.0pt; text-align: justify;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "rockwell" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #990000;">Disse a Donald:
“Se quiser, podemos vendê-lo a si e, assim, equilibrar tudo de uma só vez.”
Verdade seja dita, eles dizem que em breve começarão a fazê-las sozinhos.
Talvez façam. Mas por que motivo gastar dinheiro quando já o gastamos e podemos
obter algo deles sem comprometer a nossa segurança, mas com o objectivo de
criar uma situação de equilíbrio?<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12.0pt; text-align: justify;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "rockwell" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #990000;">Podemos discutir
como e o que podemos contar, tendo em mente o número de transportadores e
ogivas. Esta pergunta é especial. De qualquer forma, a Rússia está pronta para
esse diálogo e debate. Mas até agora não recebemos uma resposta clara dos
americanos.</span><span style="color: #351c75;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12.0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "rockwell" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;"><…><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12.0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #351c75;"><b><span style="font-family: "rockwell" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Sergei
Brilyov: </span></b><span style="font-family: "rockwell" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Senhor Presidente, veja como estamos todos de
acordo, quando se trata de protecção do ambiente. Talvez este seja o assunto
mais promissor do nordeste da Ásia ou da Ásia em geral.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "rockwell" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12.0pt; text-align: justify;">
<b style="font-family: rockwell, serif; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "rockwell" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;"><span style="color: #990000;">Vladimir Putin</span></span></b><span style="color: #351c75;"><b><span style="font-family: "rockwell" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">:</span></b><span style="font-family: "rockwell" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> A ecologia está intimamente ligada à energia. É do
que todos estamos a falar. A Rússia não é a menos afectada pelo aquecimento
global. Já falei sobre esse facto, na cimeira do G20. Em minha opinião, de
acordo com os nossos dados e o que os especialistas internacionais estão a
dizer, o aquecimento global aqui ( na Rússia) está a acontecer 2,5 vezes mais
rápido do que no resto do mundo. Esta situação coloca alguns problemas para
nós, principalmente no norte, onde os edifícios são construídos no permafrost
(subsolo permanentemente congelado dos pólos e das regiões subpolares). Nesse
sentido, o que devemos fazer e como devemos fazê-lo? Esta é a pergunta que deve
ser feita.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12.0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "rockwell" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">Apoiamos
todos os esforços internacionais neste campo. Apoiamos os acordos de Paris e
assumimos compromissos bastante sérios - para reduzir as emissões de 70% a 75%
a partir do ano base de 1990. Aliás, os países da UE assumiram obrigações mais
modestas desde aquele ano. Eles prometem reduzir as emissões até 60%.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12.0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #351c75;"><span style="font-family: "rockwell" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Os
automóveis eléctricos já foram discutidos. Pela primeira vez na História
recente, as organizações internacionais viram um declínio agudo nas suas
vendas. Existem certas razões para que tal aconteça. Mas neste país os
problemas ambientais não estão ligados apenas ao aquecimento global. Também se
devem ao uso de combustível a gás, um grande número de automóveis nas grandes
cidades exige-o e o uso de diferentes tipos de combustível, incluindo o carvão,
no sector dos serviços públicos. Todas essas questões estão reflectidas no
programa que elaboramos para melhorar a situação ambiental do país. </span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "rockwell" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Este é um dos problemas.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12.0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "rockwell" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">Ao
mesmo tempo, gostaria de salientar que, à escala global, a estrutura da
indústria energética russa é uma das mais “verdes” do mundo. A energia hidroeléctrica
e a energia nuclear representam mais de um terço da nossa indústria de energia;
o gás corresponde a mais de 50% e o gás é conhecido como o combustível mais
ecológico de todos os hidrocarbonetos. E ainda somos um país rico em
hidrocarbonetos. Esta é a nossa vantagem competitiva e devemos usá-la ao
máximo.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12.0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #351c75;"><span style="font-family: "rockwell" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Mas,
é claro, não devemos desviar-nos da tendência principal, não devemos ignorar o
que vai acontecer amanhã. Pelo contrário, devemos estar actualizados e lidar com
fontes de energia alternativas modernas, incluindo a economia do hidrogénio. </span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "rockwell" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Estamos a fazê-lo.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12.0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "rockwell" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">Nos
últimos anos, colocamos ao serviço 800 megawatts de fontes de energia
renovável. Estamos a trabalhar neste sentido. Até 2024, planeamos
disponibilizar entre 4,2 e 4,7 gigawatts de fontes alternativas de energia.
Acabamos de assinar um acordo com a Fortum, os nossos parceiros finlandeses,
sobre um excelente parque eólico. Também estamos a funcionar com a energia
solar. De modo geral, acreditamos que essa tendência é absolutamente correcta e
faremos tudo o que pudermos para concretizar os nossos planos de protecção ao
meio ambiente.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12.0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "rockwell" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #666666;"><i>Tradutora: Maria Luísa de Vasconcellos</i></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12.0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "rockwell" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #666666;"><i>Email: luisavasconcellos2012@gmail.com</i></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<b><span style="color: #351c75;"></span></b></span></div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7433369209594824580.post-47991738681180748872019-09-07T13:44:00.001-07:002019-09-08T23:41:10.411-07:00Plenary session of the Eastern Economic Forum September 5, 2019<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: #fff2cc; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px; margin: 12pt 26.1pt 8pt 1cm;">
<div class="Standard" style="margin-top: 12pt;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #351c75;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzYYTEHH-6NdPikBeUBsZghay1FMwyWB58rb0jsTM004KWu78fAi0SyTsLaFiRjuXFjQH-SLUmssGSDpZH6e5xF0bH9WgBC5s7y7lGXIHvRGGDWyoA_BnHAo69w4GmOf0mzeQPUD8bux7h/s1600/1+RUSSIAN+LOGO.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: #351c75;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzYYTEHH-6NdPikBeUBsZghay1FMwyWB58rb0jsTM004KWu78fAi0SyTsLaFiRjuXFjQH-SLUmssGSDpZH6e5xF0bH9WgBC5s7y7lGXIHvRGGDWyoA_BnHAo69w4GmOf0mzeQPUD8bux7h/s1600/1+RUSSIAN+LOGO.png" /></span></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12.0pt; text-align: justify;">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 12pt;">
<span style="color: #351c75; font-size: large;"><b><a href="http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/61451"><br /></a></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 12pt;">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 12pt;">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "rockwell" , serif; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/61451">Plenary session of the Eastern Economic Forum</a></span></b><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "rockwell" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">September 5, 2019<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "rockwell" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">13:20<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<br />
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "rockwell" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;"><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/7i1zYAa8L1Q" width="640"></iframe></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "rockwell" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">Russky Island, Primorye Territory<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "rockwell" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">Vladimir Putin attended
the plenary session of the Eastern Economic Forum.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "rockwell" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">Invitations to the forum
have been sent to foreign heads of state and government,
the heads of major Russian and foreign companies, as well
as leading politicians and experts.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "rockwell" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">The theme
of the forum is The Far East – Development Horizons.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "rockwell" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">* * *<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "rockwell" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;"><b>Excerpts from transcript
of plenary session of the Eastern Economic Forum</b><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "rockwell" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;"><b><span style="color: #990000;">President of Russia Vladimir
Putin: </span></b><span style="color: #351c75;">President Battulga, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Prime Minister
Mahathir Bin Mohamad, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe,<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "rockwell" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">Ladies and gentlemen, friends,<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "rockwell" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">First of all, I would
like to address our foreign guests, both leaders
of the countries represented here and our foreign partners
in the audience. Thank you for showing so much respect
for Russia, and for your interest in developing relations
between our countries.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "rockwell" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">I hope, I am certain that
our work during this forum will be most productive and rewarding
for everybody here. I am happy to welcome you all
to the Eastern Economic Forum.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "rockwell" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">It is the fifth time that
Vladivostok, the capital of Primorye Territory and now
of the entire Far Eastern Federal District of Russia, has
brought together heads of major Asia-Pacific states, the largest
investors, business people, representatives of the public and expert
communities.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "rockwell" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">This year we are hosting over 8,500
participants from 65 countries. Since the first forum, representation has
increased more than twofold. We believe this is a convincing indication
of the growing interest in the Russian Far East
and the cooperation opportunities offered by this truly colossal
region.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "rockwell" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">The power and competitive
advantages of the Far East lie in its talented, hard-working
and energetic people, educated and ambitious youth, in new
centres of research, industrial growth, and industries
of the future.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "rockwell" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">Its power is in rich natural
resources, enormous logistics potential such as the Northern Sea
Route and other trans-Eurasian routes. Last but not least, its power is
in its proximity to rapidly-developing economies and the world’s
most dynamic region, the Asia-Pacific.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "rockwell" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">It is hardly surprising that, while
mapping out a long-term strategy for the development
of the Russian Far East in the mid-2000s, some 15 years
ago, we opted for the region’s maximal openness and its close
integration in the economic, transport, educational
and humanitarian space of the APR and, in a greater
scheme of things, the world at large. We made it our priority
to promote international and cross-border cooperation as well
as investment and technological partnerships, which implies creating
new opportunities, primarily for Russian citizens, their life
and work.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "rockwell" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;"><b>In fact, this was
a radical, historic turning point.</b> Let me remind you that many Far Eastern
territories, including the city of Vladivostok, where we are now,
were mostly used for military purposes and had an off-limits
status in the early 20<sup>th</sup> century,
in the middle of the 20<sup>th</sup> century,
and later during the Cold War.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "rockwell" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">This certainly had an impact
on the development of these regions. Properly speaking, there
was practically no development in the social and economic sense
of the word.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "rockwell" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">To reiterate,
the situation has changed radically over the past years and we
are proud that the Russian Far East has become a symbol
of openness for the whole country, a symbol
of innovation and resolve in lifting all sorts of barriers
to business and human contacts.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "rockwell" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">Of course, we are aware that
this result would have hardly been possible were it not
for the effort to enhance an atmosphere of trust
and constructive cooperation in the APR as a whole. We
are interested in promoting these positive trends to make
the region we share safe and stable.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "rockwell" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">Our relations with India, China,
the Republic of Korea, Malaysia, Mongolia, Japan and other APR
countries are based on the principles of respect and honest
dialogue. I am confident that these relations are showing great promise
concordant with the growing role that the Asia Pacific Region is due
to play in the coming decades. I think that our esteemed
foreign guests present here, our friends, agree with this.</span></span><br />
<a name='more'></a><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "rockwell" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "rockwell" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">Along with openness, another key
principle underlying our ambitious plans for the development
of the Russian Far East is that they are long-term
and consistent. We will be enhancing our efforts further, concentrating
resources and managing this work administratively, step by step. Once
we achieve our goals, we set ourselves new tasks, and strive
to achieve more.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "rockwell" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">Over the past fifteen years,
we have successfully created conditions for the Far East
to enter the path of faster growth. And these are not empty
words – I will now give you some examples of this.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "rockwell" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">Preparations for the 2012
APEC leaders’ meeting in Vladivostok was a good start. We invested
significant resources then in modernising the local transport,
business, and educational infrastructure, and in improving
the capital of the region as a modern, dynamically
developing city, a city for people, as one
of the major academic centres of the Asia-Pacific region.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "rockwell" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">We are certainly aware that much
still remains to be done, but a lot has been done, too.
And then, based on what has already been done and achieved, we
will launch large infrastructure, transport and industry projects
as well as construction projects in the region
and beyond.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "rockwell" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">At the same time, along
with steps to improve the business climate everywhere in Russia,
we have offered completely new and largely unique support tools
for doing business in the Far East and being globally
competitive.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "rockwell" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">I would like to inform
our colleagues who plan to invest in the Far East – you are
welcome to benefit from these opportunities, so please look at them
again. These are not just promises – this is a practice that is
already in place, and it works.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "rockwell" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">Thus, as many as 20
territories of priority social and economic development have been
established around the region, with special conditions for launching
production, special tax regimes and state support measures. As many
as 369 resident companies have registered there, signed contracts worth
nearly 2.5 trillion rubles and announced the creation of more than
60,000 new jobs. These businesses have already invested 344.8 billion rubles
in their projects and created nearly 20,000 jobs. This has already
been done.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "rockwell" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">The Vladivostok free port
regime has been extended to 22 municipalities. Its goal is
to facilitate integration of the Far Eastern regions into
the Asia-Pacific economic space and promote the development
of high-tech enterprises.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "rockwell" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">As many as 1,404 resident
companies chose to take advantage of the benefits offered
by the free port regime and signed contracts worth almost 700
billion rubles. They are going to create about 68,000 jobs
in the area. As of today, 95.2 billion have been invested
and over 10,000 jobs created. This is a fait accompli.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "rockwell" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">Overall, thanks
to the proposed support measures, starting from 2015, investors have
contributed 612 billion rubles to the region’s economy, launched 242
new plants, and created more than 39,000 jobs.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "rockwell" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">As a result, industrial
production growth in the Far East over the past five years has
amounted to almost 23 percent – almost three times greater than across
Russia.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "rockwell" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">Far Eastern Federal University is
developing as a centre of new competencies, youth exchanges
and international cooperation, ambitious experiments in education,
science and innovative industries in the new technological era.
This centre traditionally hosts our meetings.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "rockwell" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">During the previous academic
year, the university welcomed 20,000 students, including 3,500 foreigners
from 74 countries. More than 200 foreign professors teach here.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "rockwell" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">It is planned to further
develop the local research infrastructure, including the construction
of a megascience facility. And we can confidently talk about
the university’s future as one of the supporting centres
of the common APR education space.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "rockwell" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">Friends,<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "rockwell" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">At the preceding Eastern
Economic Forums we focused on the significance of the Far
East for Russia, as well as on plans to develop this
region, tools for promoting business activity and how businesses can
benefit from them. I briefly spoke about this just now.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "rockwell" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">However, we understand all too
well, and this question has been raised at the working lunch
that we just had with our colleagues, that goals of this kind will never
be attained without people, their energy, their talent plus their commitment
to achieving results.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "rockwell" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">For this reason,
in my opening remarks today I will focus my attention
on socioeconomic development and, more specifically,
on the social development programme for the region.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "rockwell" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">I believe that this would be
interesting not only for the domestic audience, but also for our
prospective investors and the companies that already work here, since
what this means is that we are committed to further improving
the social and political environment and attracting
the workforce the region needs in order to develop.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "rockwell" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">Yesterday I had a meeting
with the heads of Russia’s Far Eastern regions to discuss
the goals for a new stage in the development
of the Far East. This stage will be about translating
the region’s economic achievements over the past years into
a social breakthrough in order to offer people a better
quality of life.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "rockwell" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">What this means is that we have
to promote change in healthcare, education, urban and rural
infrastructure that will be felt by millions of people. Importantly,
people must feel these changes as soon as possible rather than
in some kind of a distant future or in many years.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "rockwell" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">In this context, let me note
that the migration outflow from Russia’s Far East has halved compared
to 2005. We need to reverse this trend once and for all:
instead of leaving the Far East, people must head here bringing their
energy, force and initiative.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "rockwell" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">We discussed this
at the working lunch we just had, and our colleagues asked me
this question. Is there an inflow, and how many people are leaving
the region? This is a major question in terms of its moral
and ethical, as well as economic implications, among other
things.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "rockwell" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">Qualified professionals must find
this region attractive and, of course, young people as well,
as they are our future, as we all well know.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "rockwell" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">Moreover, Russia’s Far East is
a very young region. It has an enormous demographic potential that
has to be preserved and augmented. The aggregate birth rate here
is higher than the national average.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "rockwell" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">Nearly 1.5 million out
of the 8.2 million residents of the federal district are
school, college and university students. They have won in sports
competitions and international and national academic Olympiads
and contests.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "rockwell" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">For example, Kazan has
recently hosted a WorldSkills Competition, where Andrei Meshkov,
a 9th-former from Ulan-Ude, won a gold medal at WorldSkills
Russia Juniors in the sphere of information technology.
I congratulate him on his victory once again. (Applause) In short,
clever, creative and energetic people who can achieve the most
ambitious goals live here, as I have said before.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "rockwell" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">Therefore, the first priority
of the new stage in the development
of the Russian Far East is to support young people. We must do
our best to offer the broadest opportunities possible to them,
so that they can receive education, realise their potential in life
and their profession, create families and have children,
and contribute to the progress of their home region,
the Russian Far East.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "rockwell" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">First of all, we must
dramatically increase the construction of modern housing, which must
be as affordable as possible. In this context,
as I have said, we discussed this issue with our colleagues,
the heads of regions.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "rockwell" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">I agree that a special
mortgage programme should be launched in the region, so that young
people can borrow money to purchase flats or houses
in the Far East at an annual rate of 2 percent.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "rockwell" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">We have recently approved
a preferential mortgage rate for the region of 5 percent,
which is lower than the country’s average. But our colleagues convinced me
yesterday that this is not enough. I would like to warn the heads
of the other regions that we cannot do this everywhere. This would
lose all meaning because the idea is to attract educated
professionals and skilled personnel to the Far East.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "rockwell" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">I suggest that we launch this
programme this year for the duration of five years. I will
tell you why. First, we will need to carefully consider the amount
and sources of funding for the future, because this is
a long-term matter.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "rockwell" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">We must apply it
to the so-called primary market, that is, the market of new
residential buildings, as well as to the construction
of private homes by those who are taking part in the Far
Eastern Hectare programme.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "rockwell" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">I suggest that we use funds
from the national programme for the development of Russia’s
Far East and the Far East Development Fund.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "rockwell" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">The healthcare system should
be modern and affordable. First of all, this concerns primary care,
which is closest to people, upgrading equipment and digitising
outpatient clinics, hospitals and rural health centres, maternity
hospitals and perinatal centres, and the development
of ambulance aviation. This is especially important for the vast
and boundless expanses of the Russian Far East.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "rockwell" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">This work is already underway
around Russia, but here, in the Far East, we must create a truly
effective system of medical care that would meet, and perhaps even
surpass the best standards and practices.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "rockwell" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">I understand that this cannot
be done overnight. But we need to start working today, to start with
breakthrough pilot projects. Indeed, it is possible to create
a medical cluster in the Far Eastern Federal District with
a special regulation procedure, which would make it possible to open
subdivisions and branches of foreign clinics without excessive
formalities, attract the best foreign specialists, and use
pharmaceuticals and methods that have already proved their effectiveness
abroad.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "rockwell" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">This cluster should of course
function within the Russian jurisdiction, and all the details
should be carefully worked out by the Government agencies concerned,
and, above all, with the Ministry of Healthcare, of course.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "rockwell" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">I have said more than once
that for the Far East, we must propose special policies, advanced
mechanisms and flexible tools that take into account the specifics
of this vast territory, and the needs of the people
who live here.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "rockwell" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">We have ventured into such
experiments and economic innovations, and new ways to attract
investment and, as I said at the beginning, have obtained
a very positive result. The same approach should be used
in the development of social and public services.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "rockwell" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">I ask all federal agencies,
all our colleagues who are involved in the development
of the region to be guided by just such logic,
by the interests of the Far East, which essentially means
the interests of Russia.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "rockwell" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">Creating a new cultural,
educational and museum complex here in Vladivostok, Russia’s Far
East, should be a major step toward consolidating the national
educational and cultural space.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "rockwell" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">At the same time,
the network of museums, libraries, theatres, cultural,
extracurricular and vocational institutions is in need
of significant upgrades across Russia’s Far East. We need to breathe
new life into them by transforming them into interesting
and up-to-date centres capable of attracting people of all ages,
including children and teenagers.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "rockwell" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">We have just discussed this matter,
and I think that this is the third time that I am
mentioning our preliminary meeting: Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said that this
region has a lot of appeal and great tourist potential.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "rockwell" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">Of course, the creation
of a major national cultural and educational centre of this
kind that would include branches of Russia’s leading museums, such
as the Tretyakov Gallery, the Hermitage Museum, the Russian
Museum, and the Mariinsky Theatre, will certainly make Vladivostok
much more appealing for tourists.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "rockwell" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">Developing cultural offerings
in rural areas and towns is especially important. Let me share some
figures with you in this connection. Of the 1,834 communities
in Russia’s Far East, 1,614 have a population of less than 5,000
people each, while towns and villages can be hundreds of kilometres
apart. We need to make sure that this is taken into consideration. This
was also on the agenda of yesterday’s meeting with governors.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "rockwell" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">Among other things, we need
to adapt the Rural Doctor and the Rural Teacher national
programmes to Russia’s Far East. This could include offering doctors,
paramedics and teachers willing to relocate to small communities
in the Far East greater benefits. I propose doubling these
allocations for the Far East compared to the existing
national rates.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "rockwell" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">It goes without saying that we need
to be forward-looking. The future is in the hands
of today’s youngsters and school students who love their region
and want to live and work here. We need to offer them
an opportunity to get quality education regardless
of the income or financial situation of their families.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "rockwell" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">I believe that we need
to offer more targeted and state grants at Far Eastern
universities in areas where professionals are in very short supply,
so that the young people have their tuition fees covered
by the government, or by their potential employers. This
way, students will know for sure that they will get a job, which
solves employment-related problems.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "rockwell" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">Of course, young people
and people of all ages must have the ability to benefit
from online education, as well as telemedicine, information resources
and e-services, and access to digital platforms and services
that open up new horizons in terms of starting and running
businesses.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "rockwell" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">I would like to remind
you that more than half of all internet users on the planet live
in the Asia-Pacific region. Russia’s Far East has to keep up
with the global digital infrastructure and standards in this
sphere, including high-speed internet penetration rates.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "rockwell" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">I ask the Government
to take this into consideration when working on the Digital
Economy of Russia national programme. Let me reiterate that we need
to create an appropriate digital environment in terms of the challenges
we currently face and the fast technological change around
the world.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "rockwell" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">In this context, our second
most important objective for Russia’s Far East is to make it one
of the world’s top centres for high-technology, competences
and new industries, a centre of the most advanced
and quality jobs for high-skill professionals.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "rockwell" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">This must primarily benefit people
living in the Far East, meaning the Russian nationals who live
here, in this region. This is our position of principle.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "rockwell" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">The potential is there. It is
here, on Russky Island, that a new innovation cluster is being
created. A space industry cluster is emerging around the Vostochny
Space Launch Centre. Aircraft manufacturing, natural gas processing
and chemistry are all actively developing in the region.
The construction of the Zvezda shipyard is underway.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "rockwell" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">Of course, we plan
to focus on increasing the volume of value-added products.
It is a position of principle to which I would like
to draw the attention of Russian and international investors,
residents of priority development areas and the Free Port
of Vladivostok.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "rockwell" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">For example, we will raise
export duties on round timber, but at the same time, we are
ready to provide assistance to those who are willing to invest
in timber processing, and create the most favourable conditions
for the export of finished products, including to third
countries.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "rockwell" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">The same logic –
preferences and support for those who produce value-added
products – will be also applied in other spheres, including marine
resources and raw materials.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "rockwell" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">The conservation
and rational use of our timber potential is an important topic.
We plan to discuss it at the nation-wide level
at a meeting of the State Council.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "rockwell" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">We understand that
the creation of a powerful research and industrial centre
in the region is a challenging project. At the same
time, we see that it is also a very large window of opportunity.
In this context, we must set high requirements regarding
the effectiveness of the measures and decisions we propose.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "rockwell" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">This concerns primarily
the economy of the future and assistance
to the young teams that are implementing breakthrough ideas
and solutions. Start-ups led by young people are the most
powerful driving force of technological progress around the world.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "rockwell" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">We need more than just a legal
framework to ensure not only the proliferation of start-ups but
also their development into medium-sized and then into large companies.
Of course, we need regulations, but we must also create effective
financial instruments.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "rockwell" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">In this connection,
I suggest that a special venture fund be established
in the Far East. We discussed this idea yesterday; I support it.
I ask the Government to formulate practical proposals regarding
this, especially since the sources of funding are available.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "rockwell" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">Finally, our third strategic
objective is also quite bold. It is in step with the global
environmental agenda, the challenges facing not only Russia, but also
the entire planet.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "rockwell" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">I am referring
to developing Russia’s Far East as a global nature
and tourism centre, an international testing ground for working
out ways to tackle a question that matters to all of us:
how to ensure harmony between economic activity and green tourism,
between making nature accessible to the public and preserving
unique ecosystems.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "rockwell" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">The marvellous natural beauty
of Russia’s Far East already attracts hundreds of thousands
of tourists. In 2016, 5.2 million people visited the region,
including 750,000 foreigners. Last year total visits rose to 7 million,
including about one million foreigners.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "rockwell" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">The natural beauties
of Russia’s Far East include Lake Baikal, the Kronotsky Reserve
in Kamchatka, Alkhanai National Park in the Trans-Baikal
Territory, and other places. There are quite a few of them
in this region.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "rockwell" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">There are a total of 64
natural territories that benefit from federal protection status. Let me note
that I have already issued an instruction to trace
and register the boundaries of all reserves, national parks
and other protected areas. I ask that these efforts be accelerated,
first and foremost in the Far East.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "rockwell" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">At the same time, we need
to be more active in launching public-private partnerships
in tourism. We need to invite responsible investors and offer
them special incentives, subject to strict observation
of the standards and rules of sustainable tourism.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "rockwell" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">Of course, we need advanced
information services offering people convenient access to any information
they may need: when and where to travel, what tourist route
to pick. Foreigners should be able to apply for visas using this
service.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "rockwell" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">Incidentally, it is here
in Vladivostok that e-visas were first introduced, substantially
streamlining the formalities that foreign tourists and businesspeople
have to go through. More than 140,000 visas of this kind have been
issued over the past two years.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "rockwell" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">All the development goals we
are discussing as well as, most importantly, new modern standards
of living call for a fundamentally new level of mobility.
For the Far East, this implies above all a developed network
of air transportation and affordable tickets within the region
as well as to Siberia, central Russia and abroad.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "rockwell" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">By 2024, we will have
modernised 40 airports in the Far East. We will employ
the capacities of the Far Eastern aircraft manufacturing plants
in Ulan-Ude, Komsomolsk-on-Amur and Arsenyev to expand
the network of domestic flights and renew the pool
of regional and local aircraft and helicopters.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "rockwell" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">I would like to add that
safety and comfort are the most important things when it comes
to air carriers around the world. One more priority for airlines
operating in the Far East must be affordable tickets.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "rockwell" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">I believe it would be logical
if the airlines that are willing to increase their operations
in the Far East and to pursue a responsible
and reasonable pricing policy were offered a preferential right
to make flights in other, more profitable regions.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "rockwell" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">We discussed this with
the Transport Minister yesterday. I do hope that he is listening
to me today. In general, this system is already being applied, but we
need to reinforce it. I understand that this is not
a commercially effective method, but it is justified in this region.
However, we must discuss ways of formalising it.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "rockwell" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">Friends,<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "rockwell" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">We have very ambitious development
goals in the Far East, and the attainment of these
goals involves partnership and the pooling of efforts.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "rockwell" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">We are ready for such
cooperation, and we are open to everyone who is interested
in it. We believe in the future of our cooperation
and the future of the Russian Far East.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "rockwell" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">To succeed in this
region, just as across our huge country as a whole, we need
a consolidated society, the contribution and the involvement
of everyone who is willing to contribute their skills, their energy
and their knowledge to the common goal. This is our mindset,
and this means that all our plans and the most daring
of our dreams will definitely become reality.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "rockwell" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">I would like to wish all
forum guests and participants every success and all the very
best.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "rockwell" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">Thank you.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "rockwell" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;"><…><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "rockwell" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;"><b>Plenary session moderator Sergei
Brilyov:</b> Mr President, I would like to specify one thing.
In one sentence of your speech, you mentioned such gems
of development as the Vostochny Space Launch Centre,
the plant in Komsomolsk-on-Amur (although it is formally old, it now
manufactures the most sophisticated aircraft), the Zvezda shipyard
and priority development areas (PDAs). Do you expect foreign investment
in such facilities as Zvezda, the space centre
and the aircraft plant as well?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "rockwell" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;"><b><span style="color: #990000;">Vladimir
Putin:</span></b><span style="color: #351c75;"> Of course.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "rockwell" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">There has already been such
investment in the aircraft plant. We know our Sukhoi Su-30, Su-34++,
Su-35 fighters and now Su-57 fifth-generation fighters,
and the entire world also knows them. We jointly manufacture Sukhoi
Superjet airliners with Italian and French partners. We are working there,
and we are open to such cooperation. Although we have nothing
to hide, there is still one thing.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "rockwell" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;"><b>Sergei Brilyov: </b>This is exactly
what I mean.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "rockwell" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;"><b><span style="color: #990000;">Vladimir Putin: </span></b><span style="color: #351c75;">We securely
conceal what we are still supposed to keep under wraps.
At the same time, there is every opportunity for modern
and cost-effective co-production arrangements.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "rockwell" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">The space launch centre is not
a military space launch centre. We are now deciding who should build its
next stages. To be honest, this space launch centre should primarily
handle civilian launches. Therefore we don’t merely believe that we can work
there together with foreign partners, but we are interested in this,
and we will certainly involve them in this cooperation.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "rockwell" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">Russia and India implement
joint space exploration projects, we work actively on these programmes
with the People’s Republic of China; in principle, we maintain
good cooperation with the European Space Agency, and we hope that
this process will continue to develop, and we also cooperate with
the United States. The many spacecraft that we launch
in the interests of our foreign partners, including the United
States. There are plans to launch many of them from
the Vostochny Space Launch Centre. Therefore I don’t see any single
direction that might be off limits to our foreign partners.
On the contrary, we are interested in attracting them; this also
concerns the Zvezda facility that you mentioned.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "rockwell" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">Prime Minister Modi
and I visited Zvezda only yesterday. The facility will build
modern large-capacity ships for operations on the continental
shelf, in the Arctic zone and for carrying liquefied
natural gas, petroleum products and other consignments. The Prime
Minister and I had a discussion yesterday, and we will
search for opportunities for joint work. Quite possibly, individual
vessels will be partially built in Russia. Such international
co-production arrangements are flourishing all over the world. Russia will
build parts of vessels, and Indian shipyards will complete them.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "rockwell" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">Our famous leading company Rosneft
that owns a major refinery in India has recently bought
a controlling stake in it. And its area of responsibility
includes a major Indian port. Therefore we have many interdependent areas
of cooperation. There are no closed subjects; on the contrary,
we are interested in attracting our partners.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "rockwell" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;"><…><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "rockwell" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;"><b><span style="color: #990000;">Vladimir Putin</span></b><span style="color: #351c75;"> (replying
to a question about the Kuril Islands): When I was
in Japan several years ago, I spoke in public about
the history of these territories. There was a time when Russia
had legal grounds to consider the islands its property, and it
turned them over to Japan voluntarily, by decision
of the Russian emperor, as a token of friendship. Next
followed the tragic events of 1905, the Russo-Japanese war
and the situation in Sakhalin. And then WWII. It is
a complicated story with numerous parts.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "rockwell" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">But there is also
the humanitarian factor. I cannot but agree with Shinzo [Abe] that
until these problems are settled we must do everything possible so that those
who have connections with these territories in any way do not feel like
the victims of the past geopolitical events. Based on these
humanitarian considerations, we have not just made concessions for these
people, responding to the wishes of the Prime Minister
of Japan, but we have done so in an exclusive manner. Few people
know about or understand the essence of this exclusiveness. It
means that we not only give Japanese citizens an opportunity to visit
the islands, but we have also lifted visa requirements for such
visits. This solution has a political component, because the Japanese
authorities refuse to issue visas to visit these islands. We are
aware of this sensitive problem and have decided to make this
concession.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "rockwell" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">Of course, it looks strange
to us that Japan denies visas not to certain individuals but
to everyone who lives in Crimea. Where is Japan and where is
Crimea?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "rockwell" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">We accept with understanding
the phrase that one should believe in Japan, and we do believe
in it. This is truly a very kind and positive request. But we
have masses of questions regarding the peace treaty, and, unfortunately,
they concern more than just our bilateral relations. There are also military,
defence and security matters when we have to respect
the positions of other countries as well as Japan’s
obligations to other countries, including the United States. That
country has not only kind words but also a saying that dates back
to the 1920s or 1930s: You can get much further with a kind
word and a gun than you can with a kind word alone. We
understand this, we know about this, and we must take this into account.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "rockwell" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">It is just that when replying
to your question I want to say that this looks like
a simple problem, but it is a problem we inherited from
the past. However, we – Shinzo and me – really want
to settle it. No matter how difficult it may be, we will proceed from
the 1956 Declaration, as Mr Prime Minister has said, toward
a comprehensive settlement of all our problems, and we will be
working towards a peace treaty.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "rockwell" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;"><…><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "rockwell" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;"><b>Sergei Brilyov:</b> I cannot help
pointing out that Ukrainian investors are here with us today. Mr Medvedchuk is
an investor. Mr President, when will the exchange [between Russia
and Ukraine] happen?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "rockwell" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;"><b><span style="color: #990000;">Vladimir Putin: </span></b><span style="color: #351c75;">I think Mr
Medvedchuk will torment me with it now. I know he is particularly
concerned about several people that are in prison in the Russian
Federation. We in fact had to make very difficult decisions regarding
specific people, these specific people. But, on humanitarian grounds, we
have made it to the final stage in the ongoing
negotiations, including with the official authorities. So I think
the results will be announced in the near future.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "rockwell" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;"><b>Sergei Brilyov:</b> The prospects
of exchanges and further negotiations with Ukraine are a kind
of compass, if I may say so, in relations with those countries,
say, the G7 countries. Mr President, what will happen next, after
the exchange? What will happen next on the Ukrainian track,
between Russia and Ukraine?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "rockwell" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;"><b style="font-family: rockwell, serif;"><span style="color: #990000;">Vladimir Putin:</span></b>I think that
from a historical perspective – I believe this will happen
inevitably – bilateral relations will return to normal, because we
are two parts of the same Slavic people. I have spoken about
this many times. As for the near future, this will largely
depend on the current Ukrainian leadership.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "rockwell" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;"><b>Sergei Brilyov:</b> Can we expect
anything by the end of this week, or would it be better not
to mention any dates?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "rockwell" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;"><b>Vladimir Putin:</b> I have already
said that we are finalising our negotiations on exchanges. I think
that we are talking about a large and high-profile exchange.
And it could be a good step forward towards normalisation.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "rockwell" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;"><…><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "rockwell" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;"><b>Sergei Brilyov: </b>If they invite you,
will you go, Mr President?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "rockwell" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;"><b style="font-family: rockwell, serif;"><span style="color: #990000;">Vladimir Putin:</span></b> Where to?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "rockwell" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;"><b>Sergei Brilyov:</b>
To the G8. The next meeting is in the [United] States,
as far as I know. Mr Trump will be in the midst
of a re-election campaign though.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "rockwell" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;"><b style="font-family: rockwell, serif;"><span style="color: #990000;">Vladimir Putin:</span></b> At one point,
the G8 meeting was to have been held in Russia.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "rockwell" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;"><b>Sergei Brilyov:</b> In Sochi, yes.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "rockwell" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;"><b style="font-family: rockwell, serif;"><span style="color: #990000;">Vladimir Putin:</span></b> We are open. If our
partners want to visit, we will be happy to see them. (Applause.) It
was not us who postponed it; it was our partners. If they want to restore
the G8, let them do it. But I think everyone understands today,
and President Macron recently said publicly that the Western hegemony
is ending. I cannot imagine any effective international organisation
without India or China. (Applause.)<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "rockwell" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">Any format can be of benefit,
because it always involves a positive exchange of opinion, even when
conversations are tense; as I understand it, this is what happened
at the G7 this time, but it was still useful. So we do not reject any
format of cooperation.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "rockwell" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;"><b>Sergei Brilyov:</b> Mr President,
there were contacts with Mr Trump recently, and now we again hear this
idea about the G8. Where shall we start? There is a backlog
of all sorts of things that has built up in our relations over
the past years.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "rockwell" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">I looked through
the statistics. Last year, 40 Russian citizens, just private individuals,
were arrested at the request of the United States
in third countries. During the last year alone! January 2019: citizen
Makarenko. I do not know what the charges are against him. But
the very fact… I have just seen: Korshunov [detained] in Naples,
he could be from the United Engine Corporation.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "rockwell" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">Is it easy to ignore this?
In general, how can we resume dialogue against this background?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "rockwell" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;"><b style="font-family: rockwell, serif;"><span style="color: #990000;">Vladimir Putin: </span></b>These is
a very bad practice that complicates our interstate relations. I am
not joking or being ironic. Often, we do not see any grounds
for unfriendly actions of this sort. Moreover, I have every
reason to think that occasionally this is linked to rivalry. There
are probably some criminal aspects, but it is our law enforcement agencies that
should cooperate on this. We should sign relevant interstate instruments
and agreements on how to act in such cases. Incidentally,
some of these instruments are already in existence.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "rockwell" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;"><b>Sergei Brilyov: </b>I think we
have a 1999 agreement on legal assistance, don’t we?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "rockwell" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;"><b style="font-family: rockwell, serif;"><span style="color: #990000;">Vladimir Putin: </span></b>There are some
instruments, but, in fact, they do not work. They could be reactivated.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "rockwell" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">But, in part, this is linked
to rivalry, for example, in the aircraft building sphere.
I have already said that we were about to launch a very good
aircraft, a very good, competitive medium-haul airliner, the MS-21.
It is clearly a rival to the Boeing 737. But they upped
and entered its wing items on the sanctions list. This is
totally unrelated to defence. Totally!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "rockwell" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">We will manufacture these
in Russia. It is just that cooperation would be more
to the point and we were ready to buy the relevant
American materials, just as they buy a lot of our titanium
and use our titanium to manufacture their Boeings. We will do this
anyway. It will take time: we thought it would be about two years, but probably
a shorter timeframe will be required – eighteen months. This aircraft
is already flying. And we will develop these materials.
And in some respects this is perhaps a good thing because we
will have materials of our own and will depend on no one
in this regard.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "rockwell" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">Now let us talk about
the concrete person you have mentioned, who manufactures engines
and has a job with the Engine Corporation. How should we react
to the charges and hints to the effect that he was
stealing certain secrets? We have heard the same accusations brought
against the People’s Republic of China. We do not know what is going
on there. I think that it is also fiction – mainly – but
in this particular case we know it for sure.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "rockwell" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">This United Engine Corporation has
developed a new Russian engine. The process took a long time;
this is our first hi-tech product in the last 28 years. It was
developed by our Engine Corporation and specific plants with very
good competences, qualified personnel, and world-class scientific
potential. Of course, we have signed a consultancy contract with
an Italian firm. This is an absolutely natural international
practice. This is an open commercial engagement with European partners.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "rockwell" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">Today, our American friends are
claiming that certain Americans allegedly joined this firm and stole
something. If they did so, we do not need anything from what they have stolen,
because we have done all that with our own hands and our heads,
the heads of our specialists. Consultations and joint work
on modern hi-tech products are an absolutely natural, open
and public activity.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "rockwell" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">This is why I think that in this
case we are definitely up against attempts at unfair competition. This is
not improving our relations. (Applause.)<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "rockwell" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;"><b>Sergei
Brilyov:</b> On August 27, many international news agencies,
including France Presse, reported the upcoming deliveries of US air defence
systems to Japan.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "rockwell" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">This can change the missile
scene in Asia, given the demise of the INF Treaty
and the specifications of the launchers deployed
in Romania and Poland, about which even ordinary people know.
I would like to remind those who may have forgotten this that,
although the Gorbachev-Reagan treaty only concerned Europe,
the Soviet Union also destroyed such weapons in Asia.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "rockwell" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">Mr President, I have two
questions for you. If anyone would like to offer their comments, we
would be grateful. The first question concerns your vision
of a possible missile control or reduction mechanism
for Asia, and whether we will need it, especially in light
of the deployment of US missiles. Second, how will this
influence our talks with Japan?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "rockwell" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;"><b style="font-family: rockwell, serif;"><span style="color: #990000;">Vladimir Putin: </span></b>Our position
regarding the US withdrawal from the INF Treaty is well known. There
is no need to repeat it again. We do not appreciate that decision;
moreover, we believe that it is a counterproductive step that is
undermining the international system of arms control
and security.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "rockwell" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">We have stated publicly after
the Americans tested their missile (we will produce such missiles
as well) that we will not deploy our missiles in the regions
that do not have such US ground-launched missiles.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "rockwell" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">We are not happy with
the Pentagon chief’s statement regarding US plans to deploy these
missiles in Japan and South Korea. We are worried and alarmed.
Actually, this is why I discussed this subject with the Prime
Minister many times before the Americans manufactured such missiles. If
they are deployed in Japan or South Korean, we know that this will be
done under the pretext of neutralising the threats coming from
North Korea. However, this will also create considerable problems for us,
because these missiles will be most likely able to cover a large part
of Russia’s territory, in particular in the Russian Far
East.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "rockwell" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">I would like to remind
you that we have two large naval bases of surface ships here
in Vladivostok, as well as a base of strategic nuclear
submarines on Kamchatka. This is a very serious business. And we
certainly cannot turn a blind eye to it. This will also be
a part of our talks with Japan and South Korea. We do not know
yet how our Japanese and South Korean partners will react. We did not
discuss this matter with Mr Prime Minister today.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "rockwell" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">By the way, we pointed
out more than once that the MK 41 launchers can be used not only
to launch air defence anti-missiles but also to fire strike missiles.
The Americans kept saying that this is not so. And then they have
launched the new missile from the MK 41 VLS. In other words,
these launchers are part of strike missile systems, and we were
right, just like in many other cases too. This means that they were trying
to deceive us. We have no illusions regarding this, but we will have
to respond appropriately to this.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "rockwell" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;"><…><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "rockwell" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;"><b>Sergei Brilyov:</b> Mr President,
some young people have been taking to the streets
in the past few Saturdays, for example. Are they your young
people?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "rockwell" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;"><b style="font-family: rockwell, serif;"><span style="color: #990000;">Vladimir Putin:</span></b> I believe
that all of us, and especially young people, should spend their
energy on constructive processes.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "rockwell" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">When people express their views,
also during protests, and I have already noted this, I believe
that they have the right to do so. And this sometimes yields
positive results because people shake up the authorities and lead
them in the right direction, so that they address people’s problems
more effectively. But they should act positively, and they should be
guided by the interests of the country
and the people, rather than their own narrow mercenary and group
interests, and act in line with the established regulations
and laws. I have always adhered to this viewpoint,
and I continue to voice it, and situations
and developments in the world and in neighbouring
countries show that this approach is correct.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "rockwell" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">As for “for you”
or “against you,” I am convinced that these are people, and,
of course, there are many different kinds of people among them, but
mostly positive-minded people who want the country to develop
and to contribute to its development. The only thing is
that they need to find their place in life.
And the authorities have to do everything possible for them
to find their place in life and to be able to apply
their knowledge and talents for the country’s constructive
development.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "rockwell" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">Young people are always impulsive
and active, and this is good. I repeat: all this should comply
with current legislation. But I am confident that many of those
people who are engaged in political activities will be in high demand
in the future, in terms of their careers and politics,
too.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "rockwell" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;"><b>Sergei Brilyov:</b> Mr President,
I remember the experience of my generation. I am 47
years old, and I was a high-school student in the late
1980s. In the early 1990s, my friends and I started
attending rallies. I recall vividly a major rally against Article 6
of the Soviet Constitution in Moscow. All of us who were
students at the time also took part. That article implied that
the Communist Party of the Soviet Union was the nucleus
of the country’s political system.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "rockwell" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">We had precisely these considerations
in mind while taking part in the rally. When we reached Zubovsky
Boulevard, where the rally took place, we saw hundreds of thousands
of people or almost a million people there. All
of a sudden, someone yelled from the rostrum:
“The Politburo must resign! Those in favour, raise your hands.” It
seemed impolite not to raise one’s hand, and everyone started doing
it, although the rally had a different purpose initially.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "rockwell" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">In some cases, it is very easy
to mislead young people. Perhaps it would be better to treat them
more gently in some situations?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "rockwell" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;"><b style="font-family: rockwell, serif;"><span style="color: #990000;">Vladimir Putin: </span></b>We should
treat everyone in one and the same manner, in line with
the law.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "rockwell" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;"><b>Sergei Brilyov:</b>
As for security matters, we have still a few things
to discuss, and the same applies to political matters.
Taking a look into the audience just a few moments ago
I noticed Mr Medvedchuk once again, which reminded me of President
Zelensky’s statement that the For Life party benefits from foreign
funding. Mr President, are you aware of this statement? What do you think
about it?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "rockwell" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;"><b style="font-family: rockwell, serif;"><span style="color: #990000;">Vladimir Putin: </span></b> No, I have not
seen this statement. But if it was actually made, it means that
the current authorities in Kiev are risking to run into the same
trap as the preceding Ukrainian leadership, as was the case
for the previous president, I mean former president, Mr
Poroshenko. So if the current authorities go after the opposition, no
good will come out of it. As far as I understand, this is
the parliamentary opposition that has the trust
of a considerable number of voters who expressed their support
during a democratic election. For this reason, it would be strange
to see any tightening of screws. They are not invading squares
or demanding the impossible. They work within the framework
of the Ukrainian Constitution and applicable laws.
In my opinion any attempts to prevent them from enjoying their
constitutional rights would be a grave mistake.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "rockwell" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;"><…><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "rockwell" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;"><b>Sergei Brilyov:</b> Mr President, what
about the presence of Russia’s military and navy in this
region [the Strait of Hormuz]? It was quite substantial back
in the Soviet days.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "rockwell" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;"><b style="font-family: rockwell, serif;"><span style="color: #990000;">Vladimir Putin:</span></b> We could easily do
this, considering the progress in the development
of Russia’s Armed Forces and Navy. The question is whether
initiatives of this kind are effective, facilitate settlement
and improve the security in the region, including
in the Strait of Hormuz.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "rockwell" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">A few years ago Russia came
forward with an initiative to establish an international
mechanism with involvement of almost all the interested countries
of the region, as well as those who are interested
in the normal operation of these routes, which would include
Russia, Asian countries and the United States.
In the future, we could even establish a specialised international
organisation for dealing with matters of this kind. We are currently
discussing this proposal with our colleagues, including with our Chinese
partners, as well as others. Let us wait and see where it takes
us. Russia is undoubtedly interested in promoting detente
and preventing any further escalation so that all the parties
involved contribute to calming down this situation and resolving
the problems, including those related to the Iranian nuclear
programme, in keeping with the existing international instruments
approved by the corresponding resolutions of the United
Nations.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "rockwell" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;"><b>Sergei Brilyov:</b> Here is
my last question about security. Interestingly, a notable change has
taken place where NATO has now three nuclear powers – the United
States, Great Britain and France – whereas the Shanghai
Cooperation Organisation has already four, Russia, China, India
and Pakistan. Of course, much depends on Russia-US agreements,
including in the sphere of strategic stability. What do you
think, Mr President? In your 2017 Address to the Federal
Assembly, new types of high-tech weapons, in particular, supersonic,
were presented.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "rockwell" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;"><b style="font-family: rockwell, serif;"><span style="color: #990000;">Vladimir Putin: </span></b>Hypersonic.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "rockwell" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;"><b>Sergei Brilyov:</b> Can they be part
of a bigger deal with the Americans?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "rockwell" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;"><b style="font-family: rockwell, serif;"><span style="color: #990000;">Vladimir Putin: </span></b> Yes, we operate
on the premise that the existing tools, in fact, only one
of them – START-3 which was concluded between Russia
and the United States – is still in force… The United
States has put forward a new idea where it wants to involve China
in this joint work, but the Chinese responded quite reasonably that
the Chinese nuclear potential is much lower than that of Russia
or the United States, and they are not sure what exactly they
should reduce if they already have fewer carriers and warheads. Their
reasoning makes sense.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "rockwell" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">But let's not forget that
the United States has not even joined the nuclear test ban treaty.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "rockwell" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;"><b>Sergei Brilyov: </b>It has not ratified
it.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "rockwell" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;"><b style="font-family: rockwell, serif;"><span style="color: #990000;">Vladimir Putin:</span></b> Not ratified means
hasn’t joined.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "rockwell" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">There is talk about deploying
weapons in space. These are very serious challenges that humanity may
face. Imagine, there will be some kind of a weapon, maybe nuclear,
hovering at all times on a geostationary orbit over
the head of each of us, meaning each of them as well.
The flight time will be very short, and the defence equipment
will be very complex. Indeed, this can drastically change the security
situation around the world.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "rockwell" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">So far, our American partners have
remained silent with regard to our proposals to maintain contacts
in the sphere of disarmament and containing the arms race.
In fact, there is nothing new here. Most recently, we met with our US
partners in Osaka, and also raised the question about how we can
include our latest weapons, including hypersonic strike missile systems,
in a general agreement. I mean no other country, including
the United States, has such weapons.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "rockwell" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #990000;"><b>I told Donald: “If you want,
we can sell it to you and thus balance out everything in one
go.” Truth be told, they are saying they will soon start making it themselves.
Perhaps, they will. But why spend money when we have already spent it
and can get something from them without jeopardising our security, but
with an eye towards creating a situation of balance?<o:p></o:p></b></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "rockwell" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;"><b><span style="color: #990000;">We can discuss how and what we
can count keeping in mind the number of carriers
and warheads. This is a special question. In any case, Russia is
ready for this dialogue and this discussion. But so far we have not
received a clear answer from the Americans.</span></b><span style="color: #351c75;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "rockwell" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;"><…><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "rockwell" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;"><b>Sergei Brilyov: </b>Mr President, just
look how we see eye to eye here when it comes to environmental
protection. Maybe, this is the most promising subject in Northeastern
Asia or Asia in general.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "rockwell" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;"><b style="font-family: rockwell, serif;"><span style="color: #990000;">Vladimir Putin:</span></b> Ecology is very
closely linked with energy. This is what we are all talking about here. Russia
is not the least affected by global warming. I have already
spoken about this at the G20 summit. In my opinion
according to our data and what international experts are saying,
global warming here is taking place 2.5 times faster than
in the world as a whole. This poses certain problems
for us, primarily in the north where buildings are built
on permafrost. Regarding this, what should we do and how should we do
it? This is the question.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span style="color: #351c75;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "rockwell" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">We support all international
efforts in this field. We backed the Paris agreements
and assumed fairly serious commitments – to reduce emissions
by 70–75 percent from the base year, 1990. Incidentally, the EU
countries have taken more modest obligations since that year. </span><span style="font-family: "rockwell" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">They
promise to reduce emissions by 60 percent.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "rockwell" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">Electric cars have now been
discussed. For the first time in recent history international
organisations saw an acute decline in their sales. There are certain
reasons for this. But in this country environmental problems are not
linked with global warming alone. They are also due to the use
of gas fuel, a large number of cars in big cities require
this and the use of different types of fuel, including
coal, in the utilities sector. All these matters are reflected
in the programme that we have drafted to improve
the environmental situation in the country. This is one
of the problems.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "rockwell" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">At the same time
I would like to note that on a global scale
the structure of the Russian energy industry is one
of the “greenest” in the world. The hydropower
and nuclear energy account for over one third of our power
industry; gas amounts to more than 50 percent of it and gas is
known to be the most environmentally friendly fuel of all
hydrocarbons. And we are still a country that is rich
in hydrocarbons. This is our competitive advantage and we should use
it to the utmost.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "rockwell" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">But, of course, we should not
sidetrack from the main trend, we should not ignore what is going
to happen tomorrow. On the contrary, we must be up to date
and deal with modern alternative energy sources, including
the hydrogen economy. We are doing this.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "rockwell" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;">Over a period
of the past few years we put 800 megawatts of renewable energy
sources into service. We are working on this. By 2024 we plan
on making 4.2–4.7 gigawatts of alternative energy sources available.
We have just signed an agreement with Fortum, our Finnish partners,
concerning an excellent wind farm. We are also dealing with solar power.
By and large we believe that this trend is absolutely correct
and we will do everything we can to implement our plans regarding
environmental protection.</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-top: 12pt;">
<br /></div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0