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Old August 12th, 2017 #561
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Speech at a Meeting to Mark the Tenth Anniversary of the Security Council



June 5, 2002 - 00:02 - Moscow





Vladimir Putin:

Distinguished colleagues,

Today we are marking a jubilee of a key constitutional body, the Security Council.

Its creation 10 years ago was both necessary and timely. This has been vindicated by the past years which saw the Security Council being directly involved in dealing with complicated events and problems.

The tasks facing the Security Council have been laid down under the law. It has to deal both with strategic and current tasks and to act not only as a panel of experts and analysts, but also as a drafter of doctrinal and fundamental documents.

And I must say that the Security Council has not only kept abreast of the times, but has often worked ahead of the times. It has held practically all the key spheres of the life of the nation within its purview.

The past decades have seen cardinal changes both in Russia and in the world at large, changes that have proved to be so complicated that they could not have been coped with by means of customary and traditional methods alone.

It is likewise obvious that it is impossible in present-day conditions to ensure security only by force of arms. New technologies, notably information technologies, are rapidly spreading throughout the world. Unfortunately, they can serve not only progress, but the spread of international terrorism, drug trafficking and international crime.

In this context, no country can guarantee its security by relying solely on the potential of its own forces. That is why Russia needs to be fully integrated into an international cooperation in the security field.

But we must be able to firmly uphold our own positions. We must be ready to protect our national interests not only in today’s world, but in the world of tomorrow.

However, we have still not managed to curb crime and corruption and are not doing enough to prevent drug trafficking and extremism. We are not providing the necessary protection for businesses and, most importantly, for the interests and rights of our citizens. The solution of all these problems hinges on ensuring national security.

Whatever we do we must remember that the main goal of the work of the state and the state apparatus is to ensure a full and happy life for the country and the people.

The Security Council, which is vested with broad powers, is in a position to mobilise additional intellect, information and other resources to that end.

Present in this hall are the people who have created the Security Council “from the foundations”, who have worked out the legal and the organisational principles of its activities. The Security Council and its working bodies employ only the best specialists who are deeply dedicated to the work that they have been entrusted with. I would like to thank all of you for your bold initiatives and for your competent and painstaking work.

Once again I congratulate you on the jubilee and wish you success in the challenging business of ensuring the security of our country.





The source of information - http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/transcripts/21627
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Where should they dig the Very Deep Pit?
Piglet said that the best place would be somewhere where a Heffalump was, just before he fell into it, only about a foot farther on.
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Old August 12th, 2017 #562
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Speech at the Heads of State Meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization



June 7, 2002 - 00:01 - Saint Petersburg





President Vladimir Putin:

I wish to thank you for the high assessment of the foreign policy initiatives, efforts and practice of Russian activity on the international scene in the last few years.

We regard our present meeting and work within the framework of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization as a natural extension, continuation and integral part of the common efforts by the international community to prevent conflicts and threats of today. We all know and often speak of the fact that they bear a global character and cannot be solved without the broad involvement of key players in the international arena, both on the Western and on the Asian tracks.

It was very important for us to hear your opinion on the priorities of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization.

I want to thank in your presence your colleagues who had keenly and intensely worked for a year on the basic statutory documents of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization.

Allow me on behalf of the Russian leadership also to say a few words on the substance of our present meeting.

A year ago we together proclaimed the establishment of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization in the home town of President Jiang Zemin, in Shanghai. Today we are to make a qualitative step forward in the matter of embodying this joint undertaking and to approve a Charter of the Shanghai Organization as its basic statutory document. I think we have the right to say: it has turned out to be a document of high quality, laying a solid foundation of the Organization. The Charter defines the main goals and objectives of the Shanghai Organization, as well as the mechanisms really enabling the bodies and structures of the SCO to work effectively and our ministries and agencies to coordinate. In addition, the creation of a regional antiterrorist structure as a permanent body of the SCO is provided for. The special agreement, which had been prepared towards our present meeting, gives an idea of the specific aspects of its formation and activities. Its signing will be a weighty contribution of all the SCO member states to the creation of a global system of counteraction against terrorism.

I would like to express my appreciation to the Chinese partners for the invitation to house the secretariat of the Shanghai Organization for Cooperation in China's capital of Beijing, as well as to our Kyrgyz friends for the consent to receive the headquarters of the antiterrorist structure in Bishkek.

I think it is necessary, without putting if off, to already embark on preparatory measures for their deployment now. In the morning we discussed the various schemes for practical realization. I think that they are all acceptable. We have every reason to believe that this will be done.

There also seems to be a need for us to organize practical cooperation with respect to the suppression of illicit drug trafficking, as already mentioned here. I would add to this the illegal trade in arms, and other kinds of transnational crime. Let this be a new priority assignment for the Bishkek group, and the directors of law enforcement agencies and special services of the six states.

Furthermore, we should build up the efforts to implement the Shanghai Convention on the Combating of Terrorism, Separatism and Extremism, which we signed in June last year. The year since Shanghai has shown the good dynamics in multilateral cooperation under SCO auspices in various fields, including that between the defense ministries, border services, and agencies responsible for the elimination of emergency situations.

I would like to dwell on certain other, important, to my mind, and perhaps even key aspects as well.

First, the meeting of heads of government of the six countries in Almaty on September 14, 2001 (as already mentioned by our Honorable Colleague President Nazarbayev today) set forth the chief guidelines as to the development of the international situation in the world. I would mention both the Conference of September 14, 2001, and the meeting held just now within the framework of the Conference on Interaction and Confidence Building Measures in Asia. It seems to me that we should adopt the spirit of Almaty also in the framework of the work of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization.

Secondly, the SCO is already being spoken of as an international structure with high potential, which is capable of giving an answer to the challenge of our times. I think we should endorse the initiative of the heads of the foreign affairs agencies for organizing a mechanism of foreign policy coordination.

Thirdly, an important humanitarian component has appeared in our Organization over the past year. And the colleagues have already mentioned it. I hold that we should think how better to use the considerable potential available here. I feel good possibilities are there for organizing cooperation in the environmental field, in education and in public health.

I am convinced that we must continue to move forward at the speed we have already picked up and which suits our entire association. Only such an approach will ensure our Organization stability, effectiveness and attractiveness.

And two more, to my mind, very important points. The momentum-gathering Shanghai Cooperation Organization is being closely watched in the world. We bear special responsibility for security and stability in Central Asia. It will be worthwhile to adopt the accomplishments, as I already said, of the recent meeting within the framework of the Conference on Interaction and Confidence Building Measures in Asia, and perhaps even use the documents which were produced there, for bolstering our efforts within the framework of the SCO.

The formation of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization occurs in rapidly evolving conditions when the world community faces responsibility to find the answers to new challenges and threats to security. This can be achieved only on lines of multilateral and equitable cooperation.

The SCO agrees to this — I already said about it. This is an open association, without any things left unsaid about its activity. In the final political document of our meeting — the Declaration — our common vision of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization is reflected, along with the indication of specific guidelines for its long- and immediate-term development.

The Declaration also sets forth our common positions on a number of pressing international problems. I consider this one more demonstration of the openness of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization.

The tasks which the Organization is called upon to solve as a regional association cannot be viewed outside the context of major events in the contemporary world. That's why each of the colleagues who spoke gave a brief, but, I would say, very precise, in-depth analysis of the situation on the international scene. And the effectiveness of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization is inseparably connected with the processes and trends occurring in the global dimension.

I consider it fundamentally important that the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, with its geographical reach from the Baltic Sea to the Pacific Ocean, should play an active and initiative-laden role in these processes.

Esteemed colleagues, the development of affairs in the world confirms that the strategic decision on the establishment of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization was absolutely justified and correct. It meets the long-term, basic interests of all our six states.

Over the past year we have done very big work. But the Shanghai Organization has, perhaps, an even longer and more difficult road ahead.

The Russian Federation is ready and will help to ensure in every possible way that the Organization be an effective instrument and play an independent, weighty and constructive role in international affairs.

I thank you for your attention, esteemed colleagues. We are finishing our work. I want once more to thank all the Heads of State for their fruitful and keen participation in the debate. Our common mind-set is obvious — to strengthen the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, to enhance the effectiveness of its mechanisms and to impart to the activities of the Organization a concrete working character.





The source of information - http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/transcripts/21628






Press Statement at Conclusion of Shanghai Cooperation Organization Heads of State Meeting



June 7, 2002 - 00:02 - Saint Petersburg





President Vladimir Putin:

A very important step has been taken today, in our view, along the road of strengthening mutual understanding and constructive cooperation between the six member states of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization.

The year since the Shanghai Summit has convincingly borne it out: we are all interested in the deepening and consolidation of interaction in the fields of mutual concern.

We are prepared to find points of contact with due respect for the opinion of each state. And our association already, we know this firmly, evokes a growing interest in the world now.

The documents signed today are of system-forming importance for the formation of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization and the further development of cooperation in various fields among our countries. These documents give a real idea what our organization will be and how it will show itself in the present-day international situation.

I want to stress that the SCO is neither a bloc, nor a closed community. Its goals, principles, objectives and mechanisms of interaction are absolutely transparent. We are fully aware of the complexity of the tasks we have set ourselves, and understand that a lot more has to be done in order to really launch the mechanisms of interaction. The Russian Federation will make the necessary efforts for the successful accomplishment of these tasks and early transformation of the SCO into a dynamic and effective organization. I want to express the confidence that this interaction will be one of the key elements in the cause of promoting stability and security in Central Asia, in Asia as a whole and in the world. There are no countries with which the Shanghai Organization could not cooperate in some or other forms. There are no themes on which the Shanghai Cooperation Organization could not foster and develop such interaction.

I want to note that for a year our experts had been intensely working on all the documents which have been signed today, and this work had been completed successfully.

Thank you for your attention.

In conclusion I want once more to cordially thank all the colleagues for the joint productive work. And the members of the press — for the patience, for the close attention to the progress in this work and for the objective coverage of the results achieved.

All the best.





The source of information - http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/transcripts/21629
__________________
Where should they dig the Very Deep Pit?
Piglet said that the best place would be somewhere where a Heffalump was, just before he fell into it, only about a foot farther on.
(c) Alan Alexander Miln
 
Old August 12th, 2017 #563
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Joint News Conference with Kazakh President Nursultan Nazarbayev



June 7, 2002 - 00:03 - St Petersburg





Question:

What is your opinion of the documents you have just signed?



Vladimir Putin:

We have a very high opinion of these accords. In fact, they lay a solid foundation for long-term cooperation in the energy sector, which is one of the key spheres of both our economies. On the one hand, they provide a sequel, as it were, to our agreement on the Caspian, but they also have a significance of their own.

We believe that the agreement fully corresponds to the interests of Kazakhstan and Russia. To Kazakhstan because it guarantees the pumping of Kazakh oil considering its growing output. That is good for us too because it consolidates Russia’s status as a transit country. Moreover, I can say that the plans that Russia has to develop the transport infrastructure will now be made with due account of the reserves and needs of Kazakhstan. In that sense Kazakhstan is becoming our main partner in determining the priorities in the development of the Russian infrastructure.

Let me explain. The agreements signed today deal above all with existing routes in southern Russia. But we have agreed with our Kazakh colleagues that Kazakhstan’s needs will also be taken into account when building the second part of the Baltic transportation system here in the Leningrad Region and in pursuing our projects with our partners in Greece and Bulgaria. That summarises the oil situation.

The second and no less important agreement is a milestone, especially for Russia. I am referring to the creation of a gas enterprise. I see this as a follow-up to the agreement and statement on cooperation in the gas sphere made by the four heads of state in Almaty some time ago. It means the implementation of that statement on a bilateral basis.

For Russia it signifies a qualitative policy change in this sphere. You know and experts certainly know that in recent years Russia has been relying mainly on its own potential. It has not always been easy for our partners to use Russian pipeline systems to sell their commodities in the CIS and west European markets.

In the relations with Kazakhstan we are moving to a different format of cooperation. Kazakhstan is becoming a major and full-scale participant in that process and in that business. That fully meets the interests of the Russian Federation because it guarantees the necessary volume in the long-term perspective. It is also in the interests of Kazakhstan because it is able to promote its products in external markets. We are talking about a fairly large volume, 3.5 billion cubic metres of gas, but we proceed from Kazakhstan’s potential to develop its gas sector and we set the target at 30–50 billion.



Nursultan Nazarbayev:

Mr Putin has practically said it all. I can just add some specifics. During two months we have achieved colossal agreements in the sphere of economic relations between Kazakhstan and Russia, more than we have achieved during the 10 years of independence. I don’t think any other CIS countries have such agreements. First, we have finally resolved the issue of dividing the Caspian seabed on the basis of a median line equidistant from its shores. They cover three fields which are being divided on a 50–50 basis. It is a long-term contractual job. Today the relevant agencies have signed an agreement on the transportation of 15 million metric tons of oil annually through Russian pipelines over 15 years with a possible extension if neither side has any questions.

Three or four years ago when there were suggestions that Kazakhstan wanted to abandon Russia in favour of the Baku-Ceyhan pipeline, I told journalists: “Why doesn’t Russia want to pump Kazakh oil through its pipelines?” Now that issue has been addressed.

The second question is the creation of a joint enterprise by Gazprom and Kazakhgaz. At present we are talking about the Karachaganaksk field with reserves of 3–4 billion cubic metres. But in 8–10 years’ time when Kazakhstan brings its oil output to over 100 million metric tons, accompanying gas will reach a volume of more than 80 billion cubic metres. If that gas goes via Russia as a continental state, it is good for Kazakhstan because it will give it access to the world gas markets. And Russia will earn dividends from transporting gas and oil through its territory. We are about to sign an agreement on the Ekibastuz hydroelectric power plant GRES-2, a 50–50 joint venture. Next we will sign an agreement on the transmission of power to external markets. Rather than exporting trainloads of coal we stand to gain much more by selling electricity, and it is very good for the environment. In the fourth quarter we hope to achieve agreements on railway transport. Thus, our agreements elevate the economic relations between Kazakhstan and Russia to a new level. Trade and economics provide the basis of relations in all the other areas. Proof of that is the creation of the EurAsEC during Vladimir Putin’s presidency. Today we have finally decided the issue of the Shanghai Organisation. In other words, the economic and political component of our relations is elevated to an entirely new level.



Vladimir Putin:

I would like to emphasise a point to confirm what our colleague, the President of Kazakhstan, has just said. I want to make things absolutely clear so that there are no doubts left.

The level of interaction and the quality of partnership between Russia and Kazakhstan are acquiring an unprecedented character. It is exerting and will exert far-reaching influence on the interaction of the two states in the long term. And on our position in Europe and the world. What we are signing today will without any doubt have far reaching consequences for the energy policy in Europe at a minimum, and I think actually in the whole world.



Question:

Are there plans to expand the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation? Will we see new members admitted to this organisation in the short term and what requirements should they meet in order to qualify for being members of the SCO?



Vladimir Putin:

The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation is not a bloc and it is not a closed bloc. Theoretically, anything is possible. At present the issue of expansion is not on the immediate agenda because we have just created the current organisation and have signed the statutory documents. It should start working first before the members of the organisation will be ready for its expansion.

As regards the requirements for possible new members, they are known. They are set forth in the founding documents. All those who share the principles spelled out in the Charter are eligible to become members. I repeat, the issue is not currently on the agenda.



Question:

Mr Putin, who proposed the idea of holding the SCO meeting in St Petersburg?



Vladimir Putin:

We met in Shanghai a year ago and during an informal talk Chinese President Jiang Zemin recalled that the next summit was to be hosted by Russia. He said it would not be a bad idea to hold it in St Petersburg, and I happily agreed.



Question:

Mr Putin, what do you consider the priority areas in the work of the SCO?



Vladimir Putin:

We discussed all the priorities today. The media had a chance to follow our work closely. I can repeat that the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation is a multi-purpose structure which concentrates on political and economic issues. We have also discussed humanitarian aspects, public health, education and culture. Coordination of law-enforcement activities in fighting crime, including across borders and terrorism, will get its due share of attention.



Nursultan Nazarbayev:

The documents are transparent, they will be published and you will be able to see them. The first component is security, including the fight against terrorism and drug trafficking. The second component is trade and economic cooperation. And the third is cultural cooperation.

As regards accession to the organisation there are three institutions: the institution of observers, the institution of attendees and full members. The CIS and EurAsEC do not have it, and it will not be easy to gain admission.

The state wishing to join must have observer status and accept all the terms, because it is a more rigorous organisation which acts under more rigorous agreements. There is even a provision whereby members can expel a member by a consensus for systematically failing to comply with the Shanghai Organisation agreements. That is an important point.



Question:

Mr Putin, what other measures is Russia going to take to prevent the conflict in Pakistan and can Pakistan ever become an SCO member?



Vladimir Putin:

You probably meant to ask what efforts can Russia exert to end the conflict between Pakistan and India, and not in Pakistan?



Journalist:

Yes, of course, I am sorry.



Vladimir Putin:

I spoke about it in Almaty. We are in contact with our partners in Europe and North America. We are in constant dialogue with Pakistan and with the Indian leadership. As you know, I have invited President Musharraf to visit Moscow and we are working out the date of the visit through the Foreign Ministry. I am due to pay an official visit to New Delhi this year. Obviously, in both cases the situation between India and Pakistan will be an item on the agenda.

However, I think the main responsibility for scaling down the confrontation rests with the two states. And if we recognise that the roots of the conflict are connected with terrorism, we must call on the leadership of Pakistan above all to put an end to the terrorist activities that are launched from its territory against India, in Kashmir, and to do everything to make society in Pakistan transparent, democratic, predictable and understandable.

I have grounds to believe, especially after the last meeting with President Musharraf, that he personally is committed to working along these lines. I very much hope that it will be done in practice.

And there has been an important signal from President Musharraf. He said he was ready to consider extraditing international terrorists who are not citizens of Pakistan, who commit crimes on the territory of India if they are arrested in Pakistan and their guilt is proved. I think that is a show of goodwill and I hope that these signals too will be heard.



Question:

Can you see the SCO gradually replacing, in the security field, the structures that exist within the CIS? Can a non-Asian country, for example, the US, seek to join this SCO?



Vladimir Putin:

Of course, anything can be imagined. Such talented people as media representatives can imagine things we have never even dreamt about. But what you have said is not our target. The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation and we, the leaders of the states which have founded it, do not set the goal of replacing or ousting anyone. It can and must complement the existing mechanisms of conflict resolution and create a favourable atmosphere in various parts of the world. Considering the geography of our countries, its prime concern is problems in Asia. I very much hope that the corresponding CIS structures would complement all these efforts.

As regards references to certain foreign policy moves on the part of the Russian Federation and its partners, including the United States, they were mentioned in the overall context of what is happening in the world. We do not know that the United States intends to seriously consider joining the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation, although we do not rule it out. Our Foreign Minister briefs his counterpart, Secretary Powell, on the work of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation. I repeatedly said this to President Bush. He knows about it. And you can simply take my word for it, our partners in Europe and in the United States support our efforts in Asia. It is not by chance that when they learnt that I was going to attend the event in Almaty, which was mentioned by the President of Kazakhstan, they reacted very positively. Everybody hoped that I would convey to the leaders of Pakistan and India the concern of all our partners, within the Russia-NATO Council and bilaterally, in particular of our American partners. If we proceed in such a cooperative manner, supporting each other, we will be able to create a new framework of security in the world. I think we are on the right track.



Question:

Mr Putin, what do you think about yesterday’s decision by the US Administration to recognise Russia as a market economy?



Vladimir Putin:

Naturally, I welcome that decision. It was long overdue, but it took President Bush to show political will for the decision to be taken. Of course we discussed it during the President’s visit to the Russian Federation. I hope that the atmosphere of the visit and the results had something to do with the final decision. The American leaders have become convinced that in Russia they have a reliable partner. They have looked at the realities in our country and took the decision you have referred to.

I repeat, the decision was long overdue and non-recognition of the market status of the Russian economy was not in the interests of the world economy or in the interests of the American economy in my opinion. Why? Because the lack of such a status made it possible to interpret any commercial deal struck by Russian commercial entities in an arbitrary fashion. It meant that our foreign partners faced some objective obstacles in investing in the Russian economy because the fate of goods produced in Russia was uncertain.

Those who know need not be told, but I can explain it for the benefit of the general public. If a country does not have a market economy status, other countries, and I am referring in particular to the United States, can initiate so-called anti-dumping investigations without hearing the other side’s opinion in a practically extrajudicial procedure. This has resulted in blocking the movement of $1.5 billion worth of goods.

But I repeat, it is not only the question of the $1.5 billion. It sends a strong signal to the world business community that the Russian economy is ready for full-scale work and that one can fully cooperate with it. It is a very important decision and we welcome it.



Question:

Mr Putin, last year and the year before last you held very large news conferences attended by 500–600 journalists. Is anything similar planned for this year?



Vladimir Putin:

How many journalists are present here?



Journalist:

230.



Vladimir Putin:

Perhaps that is enough. But if you still have some questions that the media would like me to give more detailed coverage of, I am ready. You can arrange it through the Presidential Executive Office and through the press secretary. If there is a perceived need, we can repeat that event this year.

Today marks the 50th anniversary of the Moscow University journalism department. Are there any graduates of the journalism department here? Let us congratulate all the journalists. I would like to congratulate them and in recognition award the last two questions to its graduates.



Question:

Mr Nazarbayev, did I understand you correctly that you have effectively discarded the CIS? You have said: “Thank God, the CIS existed.”



Nursultan Nazarbayev:

What I said was, thank God that the CIS exists and that it has fulfilled its role in its time. However critical we may be, it continues to play its role. And the integration associations at various levels are not an alternative to the CIS. What’s wrong with the CIS? The presidents meet and have a good time together (laughter), we talk and sometimes have spirited arguments and calm each other down. Everybody has his say. After all, there must be a place where you can voice your concerns and get them off your chest. And gradually, as you see, more tight associations are emerging within the CIS and in the end something will “pan out”.



Vladimir Putin:

I think it was Zoshchenko who wrote: they say that a word is not a bird, once it is out you can’t catch it. Well, with us they chase it down, catch it and jail it. I think you have almost succeeded in catching my friend and colleague at his word, but I don’t think Mr Nazarbayev meant to say that the CIS is dead. I wouldn’t say so.



Nursultan Nazarbayev:

The CIS was created in Almaty on December 21, 1991. I am an ardent supporter of all the integration processes, and it is not just politics. I still believe that integration in our region must prevail for our own good. And that will happen in the end. I think it will happen through EurAsEC.



Question:

To return to the SCO. Talks are underway on the fringes with India about its possible accession to the SCO. Some time ago, three years, I think, seers predicted that western hegemony would be overcome and balanced out and that peace and tranquillity would prevail in the world when an eastern alliance of Russia, China and India was created. Have you heard anything about such forecasts?



Vladimir Putin:

I listen to Mr Nazarbayev and I do not pay much heed to such forecasts. I try to hear my colleagues. I try to hear the deputies of the State Duma and the people of the Russian Federation. As for the forecasts you have mentioned, perhaps some people should heed them, but I must tell you that I am not a believer of such an approach. To speak about hegemony means automatically to engage somebody in a confrontation. We speak about a multi-polar world. We want to see a diverse world. A world where the states respect each other and one another’s legitimate interests, make certain compromises and further their national interests through interaction and not by confrontation. This is the goal we are working towards and these are the tasks we are setting in creating EurAsEC and the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation. I have the impression that we are managing to agree on basic things. I think it will continue to be that way.

As for India, it is true that India has shown an interest in the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation and it is feeling out, and I am using words carefully, the possibility of getting to know the activities of that organisation more closely through the Foreign Ministry. We take a positive view of that. Mr Nazarbayev has said that the SCO envisages different degrees of cooperation. It is for us to jointly decide to what degree we would like to work with our partners which are not members of the organisation today.

Thank you very much. All the best to you.





The source of information - http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/transcripts/21631






Concluding Remarks at a Meeting of the Heads of State and Government of the Council of the Baltic Sea States



June 10, 2002 - 00:00 - St Petersburg





Vladimir Putin:

Good afternoon.

First of all, I would like to express my hope that you are all satisfied with the Russian chairmanship and with the way Prime Minister Mikhail Mikhailovich Kasyanov has been handling the job. I think Russia as a whole and our Prime Minister have done everything to demonstrate how we cherish our cooperation in the framework of the Council of the Baltic Sea States and thereby to stress that Russia intends to continue constructive cooperation with all its Baltic Sea neighbours.

The Council has a large agenda and judging from the speeches by our colleagues every issue is important and significant. It was not our intention to put the Kaliningrad Region problem at the top of our discussion. But because practically everyone has paid special attention to it, I would like to thank you for doing it because it is indeed a very important issue for us. And I think the issue is important for all of us, but especially for the Baltic Sea region. We are aware that it is above all a problem in the relations between the Russian Federation and the European Union. But the Kaliningrad Region is situated in the Baltic Sea region and, of course, the situation in this part of Europe will depend greatly on how that problem is solved.

Although the issue concerns both the European Union and Russia, the positions of the countries, in particular of the Council of the Baltic Sea States, and the positions of their leaders would be decisive. I have to ask you for a favour, a very simple favour: to look into this problem personally, and not through the eyes of the members of your staffs, and look at the essence of the decisions that are being proposed. I am sure that decisions can be achieved. They exist. But the simplest solution would be to introduce an arrangement that existed in former times between West Berlin and the rest of the Federal Republic of Germany. It was introduced in the mid-1970s. Even then, at the height of the Cold War, solutions were found. Of course, it may not be the best solution because it takes us back to the times of the Cold War, but the proposed alternative we hear about today is even worse than the decisions arrived at in the mid-1970s. They are worse because they may in effect split up the sovereign territory of the Russian Federation. I am absolutely convinced that if we find solutions (I repeat, they exist and they can be implemented given the goodwill), development of this westernmost part of the Russian Federation, the Kaliningrad Region, will result in that enclave outstripping the rest of the Russian territory in terms of cooperation and rapprochement with Europe. It is bound to be that way, but we would never agree to the territory of the Russian Federation being split up. To begin with, the visa regime should be the same for all the citizens of the Russian Federation in whatever part of Russia they live, both for Kaliningrad and Khabarovsk.

We are aware of the complexities connected with the visa regime and the Schengen zone and we do not seek (and I would like to stress it) any special arrangements or special preferences. We respect the policy pursued by the EU. But we ask you to respect our legitimate interests. That can well be achieved given the political will. Judging from the discussion today the political will is there, for which I would like to thank you.

Thank you for your attention.





The source of information - http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/transcripts/21637
__________________
Where should they dig the Very Deep Pit?
Piglet said that the best place would be somewhere where a Heffalump was, just before he fell into it, only about a foot farther on.
(c) Alan Alexander Miln
 
Old August 12th, 2017 #564
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Remarks at a Meeting with Delegates to the All-Russia Conference “The Media Industry: Reforms”



June 18, 2002 - 00:00 - The Kremlin, Moscow





Vladimir Putin:

Good afternoon, dear friends,

The Minister has told you that a conference is due to be held tomorrow, quite a representative conference – more than 800 people from practically all the country’s regions, from Vladivostok to Kaliningrad. That of course attests to an awareness of corporate interests and an attempt to determine and formulate a common position, especially in the relations with the state. I sincerely wish you success in your work.

For many years the media industry has been mainly about politics and the clash of interests, and this is not at all surprising. I would say that it is commonplace in all countries. In this country the situation was somewhat peculiar in that the media was not an independent business, a profitable business in the full sense of that word, but was used as a weapon to gain political advantages in the course of competition in other, far more profitable sectors of the economy. I am absolutely convinced that you agree with me, I don’t know what you will say out loud, but it is so.

Today the information business is entering a qualitatively new stage of its development. One can see it even by looking at the issues that, as Mikhail Yuryevich Lesin has told me, will be raised at the conference tomorrow. We are talking about turning the media industry into a modern market sector of the national economy — a sector that does not only have its own potential for growth but can drive advanced technologies and production in other spheres. Of course as I have said publicly more than once, it is impossible for the citizens to exercise their constitutional right to obtain truthful information without an economically independent media.

I think few of your colleagues, including those present here, have managed in recent years to make their work truly profitable, self-sufficient and independent – with rare exceptions. And yet the development of business in this sphere faces the same systemic problems as that in other sectors. Business activity is impeded by an inadequate legal framework, administrative barriers and backward technologies. I would like to discuss with you those areas of work in which the actions and the position of the Government go a long way to determine the development of a civilized media business. Above all, the creation of a coherent legal framework. Today many provisions of the law on the media and other relevant legislation contradict the provisions of civil, labour and administrative law. Discrepancies in legislation make it more difficult to bring honest strategic investors into that sector of the economy. Besides, it is a frequent cause of internal corporate conflicts, which are sometimes hidden from the public but sometimes spill out on audiences. That is fertile soil for bureaucratic arbitrariness. The issue frequently raised is of legislation governing foreign capital in the domestic media market. I am sure the topic is discussed in the profession. I would be glad to hear your opinion on it.

You know that many countries have certain restrictions on the activities of foreign capital in certain sectors to which the national audience is particularly sensitive, and that of course applies to the information policy of the state. But it is a very delicate matter. It should be pursued in such a way as not to impede the development of business itself. I repeat, I would be happy to hear your opinion on the issue.

I think we should sort out the current imbalances in tax and customs regimes. I am sure many questions about it will be raised. The practice of selectively granting privileges has led to the degradation of entire segments of the media industry. Today our publishers place hundreds of millions of dollars worth of orders abroad every year while the domestic printing industry is starved of market revenue needed for its development and modernisation. The development of the technological infrastructure is a serious challenge because in fact we are talking about creating conditions in which market participants would be free to use the means of transmission and diffusion of information. Of course many issues are connected with the generally underdeveloped state of the communications means and postal services, the systems of television and radio communications. These problems result in monopoly and price disparities and generally downgrade the quality and diversity of information services. It would be interesting to discuss that topic with you too. Much of that sphere has been inherited from the past, but it is developing vigorously. Let us discuss how you see the priorities for the development of the sector.

The situation in the advertising market. Many years have passed, but it is still monopolised and poorly diversified. The participation of the regional media outlets in the advertising market is clearly not proportional to its place, the size of its audience and the role of the regional media in the country’s life. In the current situation the local media are heavily dependent on local and federal subsidies or other corporate interests not directly related to the media business. Advertising incomes are an important source of the country’s prosperity. We know it well. Access to that market must be totally transparent and free of administrative barriers. That sphere must be put in order, and clear-cut and reasonable legislation must be created. It is a challenge to be confronted jointly by the legislators, antimonopoly bodies, the Ministry of the Press, and the professional media organisations. I am aware that the Russian media business pays serious attention to work in the international markets. Let me stress, and it is the official position of our country, that in view of our foreign policy priorities, our prime interest is in the information markets of the former USSR countries. I think that the state and business must cooperate closely on that issue. As I have said, it is not only a question of economics, but a question of Russian information policy and our relations with our fellow countrymen in the near abroad.

In conclusion I would like to say a few words about the mechanisms of self-regulation in the industry. As far as I know, the question will also be discussed tomorrow. The principles of professional ethics can and must be worked out by professional associations. Unfortunately, so far that area has been found wanting. I try not to react to it in order to avoid stirring up unnecessary emotions. I very much hope that the corporate associations, especially in the media, will work out a code of honour and behaviour. I expect that today’s meeting and the conference as a whole will mark a new departure.

Thank you.





The source of information - http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/transcripts/21647
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Old August 12th, 2017 #565
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Some fresh news this week:






Trip to Tyva, August 1–3



On August 1–3, Vladimir Putin made a two-day stop in Tyva, southern Siberia, on his way to Blagoveshchensk. The President went to hard-to-access taiga, fished in a mountain lake cascade, went spearfishing, sunbathed, went down mountain rivers, rapids and anabranches on powerboats and rafts, went on mountain hikes on foot and quads.



August 7, 2017 - 09:00


































The President was accompanied by Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu, Head of the Republic of Khakassia Viktor Zimin and Head of the Republic of Tyva Sholban Kara-ool. Mr Putin visited the area a number of times, but each time he tries to see something new.


































The area has a harsh continental climate: the air quickly gets hot, one can sunbathe, yet the temperature drops sharply by the evening to five degrees Celsius. The water temperature in the lake does not get above 17 degrees, yet this did not prevent the President from swimming.


































Vladimir Putin went underwater fishing during his holiday in a diving suit with a GoPro camera on the snorkel. These photos alongside with other photo and video materials, including footage from a quadcopter are available at www.kremlin.ru.



















In view of a great interest in Vladimir Putin’s stay in Tyva, the photo and video materials are published in full.





The source of information - http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/55308
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Meeting with Sberbank Russia CEO German Gref



Mr Gref briefed the President on the bank’s work over the first half of 2017.



August 7, 2017 - 14:15 - Novo-Ogaryovo, Moscow Region





President of Russia Vladimir Putin:

How is our country’s biggest financial institution feeling these days?



CEO of Sberbank Russia German Gref:

Thank you. We have just reviewed the results for the first six months of the year. We have a net profit of 317 billion rubles.



Vladimir Putin:

That is close to or more than half of the combined profit of all of the other banks.



German Gref:

This year will be a better one for the banks than was last year, but I believe the figure will be around 40–50 percent. It is usually around this amount.

Our profit increased by 38 percent over the first six months year on year, though last year was a record one in the bank’s history. Of greatest importance this year is that a whole series of trends are showing a real change for the better. We see that lending to legal entities is up by 11 percent, for example, year on year, and lending to individuals is up by 20 percent. Overall, this year is the first time we have seen an increase in lending to legal entities. Growth over these six months has not been high, only one percentage point, but this is an increase all the same.

For now, our loans portfolio is down in only two segments, the municipal and sub-federal one, and lending to major companies. Lending growth is good as concerns small and medium businesses and individuals. The most important result is that lending to small businesses increased by around 6 percent over the first half of this year. This is the first time in the past three years that we have seen such a rapid recovery of our loans portfolio.



Vladimir Putin:

This could be because the big companies with state participation have begun to establish associated groups of small and medium enterprises around them. This is one of the areas the Government has been working on, as you may recall.



German Gref:

Yes.



Vladimir Putin:

Now that they are under instructions to place some of their orders with small and medium enterprises, this is a factor contributing to this growth.



German Gref:

Yes, I believe this is so, Mr President. A number of factors are at work here, including the drop in interest rates, of course. We have lowered interest rates substantially. If you look at the rates at which we lend to small business now, they have come down by around 4–5 percentage points over this last year, and that is a lot.

We have also changed our operations with small businesses. Today, we provide automatically designed solutions for small businesses with regard to most products.



Vladimir Putin:

Yes, you told me about this. Do you think automation is also a factor here?



German Gref:

Yes. We have started using artificial intelligence solutions. In November last year, we launched a new product called Smart Credit. I was afraid to make any announcements in terms of quality, because when you automate a process, you inevitably worry how the mature portfolio will turn out.

Now, eight months since we launched this new technology, delayed payments are at a record low. It is hard to say what the situation will be like at the 2–3-year mark, but what we have now is a very good result. We have never had such a low volume of delayed payments. Delayed payments account for only 170 million rubles of our entire lending portfolio, and this is a record result.

The second very important trend I would like to mention, and one we are working on right now, is making the entire bank completely digital. Two-and-a-half years ago, we began work on creating a flexible new platform capable of radically changing the time it takes to bring new products onto the market. Today, it takes us one or two years to bring a new product onto the market. With the inflexible and cumbersome platform and the vast volumes we have, testing alone takes 4–6 months. And then if we change one part, it can turn out at any moment that problems crop up in a completely different place because the platform is designed according to principles that are outdated and completely uncompetitive today.

We therefore decided in 2014 to start creating our own new platform. There are only two banks of our size pursuing such projects in the world today – Spain’s BBVA and us. They started earlier than we did. Their project began in 2007 and they have gone further than we have, but we have travelled a long way over these past three years. The goal we have set is to have our own new banking platform ready and replace the old one by the end of 2018. It will take us another two-three years to change all of the platform’s applications, but the new ones will be our own products.

Today, we have around 14,000 people working on this platform. Our subsidiary, Sberbank Technology, employs 10,500 programmers today and is one of Russia’s biggest IT companies. We founded this company in 2011 and it has grown fast since then. We are shifting to the agile work-mode, where programmers and specialists in other areas sit together as small teams working on creating this innovative new platform.

If all goes well and we complete the work in 2018, I believe we will become one of the most competitive global digital companies in the world. Our platform’s flexibility will enable us to work in a large number of different areas and to get new products onto the market not within a year or two, but within weeks. This, of course, will have a tremendous impact on decision-making and working speed, and the platform itself will be built on completely different principles.



Vladimir Putin:

It will raise the quality of work.



German Gref:

Absolutely.





The source of information - http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/55313
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The President was briefed on rescue operation at Mir mine and flood situation in Far East



Vladimir Putin was briefed on the ongoing rescue operation at the Mir mine in Yakutia and the situation in the Far Eastern areas affected by floods.



August 8, 2017 - 12:50



Emergencies Minister Vladimir Puchkov reported over the telephone on the progress in the search and rescue operation at the Mir diamond mine in Yakutia after the accident last week. The Minister also updated the President on the situation in the Far Eastern areas affected by floods.

Vladimir Putin also had a telephone conversation with Governor of Primorye Territory Vladimir Miklushevsky. The Governor informed the President on the situation following the natural disaster.

On August 4, an accident occurred at the Mir diamond mine trapping more than a hundred miners. Most of them have been brought to safety but eight people remain trapped in the mine.

In the early morning of August 7, a river overflowed following a heavy rain, flooding villages in southern Primorye Territory. The worst hit were Khasansky and Nadezhdinsky districts and the Ussuriysk city district.





The source of information - http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/55316






Meeting with Anastasia Votintseva



Vladimir Putin met with Anastasia Votintseva and her sister in the Bocharov Ruchei residence. During his working trip to Izhevsk in June, the President invited her to spend a vacation at Russia’s largest health resort as a birthday present.



August 8, 2017 - 20:50 - Sochi







During the conversation, the President asked about the accommodations for Anastasia, her son and her sister with two children.

The President also noted the range of treatments available at the health resort where Anastasia and her sister are staying. Both women thanked Vladimir Putin for the opportunity to improve the health of their children that are often sick because of poor living conditions.







In addition, Mr Putin inquired about the progress made on the family’s housing problem. During Direct Line with the President, Anastasia Votintseva explained that she had to live with her sister and children in a dilapidated building and that the authorities were planning to relocate its residents only in 2029.

In several days Vladimir Putin arrived on a working trip in Izhevsk and could see for himself that the building was unfit for living. The President instructed Acting Head of Udmurtia Alexander Brechalov to arrange for relocation before the end of the year.





The source of information - http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/55320






Visit to combat sambo tournament



Vladimir Putin attended the Plotforma S-70 8th International Professional Combat Sambo Tournament of League S-70.



August 9, 2017 - 01:30 - Sochi













The President was accompanied by Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev, President of Abkhazia Raul Khadjimba, as well as prominent Russian hockey players Alexander Ovechkin, Pavel Bure, Yevgeny Malkin among others.

The tournament featured ten bouts between top Russian and foreign sambo professionals. The President took part in the awards ceremony and presented the prize to Vyacheslav Vasilevsky, winner of the tournament in the weight class of up to 84 kg.












The competition was organised by Sambo-70, Russia’s largest sports and education centre, and League S-70, under the aegis of the Ministry of Sport, the Krasnodar Territory Administration and the Sochi City Administration.

The event traditionally took place at the Plotforma Sports and Entertainment Centre.















President of Russia Vladimir Putin:

We saw some very cool fighters today. They demonstratedeverything that the martial arts are valued for – diverse technique, excellent ground fighting and brilliant throws. But most importantly, these fighters demonstrated their courage, stamina and audacity. I would like to thank them. Let’s give them another cheer!













I want to thank both our Russian fighters and our friends from all over the world. They came here from so far away, travelled thousands of kilometres to prove their excellence. We are one family, we love you all. We hope to see you again next time, but, of course, hope that the Russians win.

My special thanks go to the event’s organisers. Thank you for uniting sport and a love for our country, Russia.










Congratulations on these exciting fights. Congratulations to the winners and their opponents.

Thank you!





The source of information - http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/55321






Greetings to current and former construction sector workers



Vladimir Putin sent his greetings to all taking part in events celebrating Construction Workers’ Day and congratulated all current and former workers in the sector.



August 9, 2017 - 17:15



The President said, in particular, in his message:

“I congratulate you on Construction Workers’ Day – the professional holiday of one of the most honoured and creative professions in the world.

Russia’s construction sector has always been distinguished by its top-class specialists united in their common cause and solid traditions. You build residential districts and industrial facilities, social and transport infrastructure, and make people’s lives better. I think you can take fully deserved pride in your achievements.

Today, the construction sector faces new tasks and demands, chief of which are to modernise the sector and raise its quality, make wider use of advanced technology and engineering solutions, and improve professional training in the sector.”





The source of information - http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/55324






Greetings on Sports and Fitness Day



Vladimir Putin congratulated amateur athletes, sportspeople and all sports and fitness professionals on Sports and Fitness Day.



August 12, 2017 - 10:15



The message reads, in part,

“I congratulate you on this holiday, one which unites all generations of Russian citizens, Sports and Fitness Day.

The promotion of high-achievement sport and the mass fitness movement are justly considered to be among the top priorities of state policy. The triumphs of our athletes at the world’s top tournaments give us the thrill of victory and serve as a solid foundation for the patriotic upbringing of young people, showing them the values of choosing a healthful lifestyle and beneficial and active leisure.

Significant efforts have been made in the past years to create a modern and accessible sports infrastructure in Russia – we continue to build new stadiums and ice palaces, new health and training compounds, and continually raise the level of professional sports-related education. This much-needed work will definitely continue, and I am confident that it will yield practical results.”





The source of information - http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/55330
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Russian-Abkhazian talks



Vladimir Putin and President of the Republic of Abkhazia Raul Khadjimba held talks in Pitsunda, Abkhazia.



August 8, 2017 - 18:40 - Pitsunda







Following the talks, the ministers of healthcare of the two countries – Veronika Skvortsova and Tamas Tsakhnakiya, signed a cooperation agreement on mandatory medical insurance of Russian citizens permanently residing in Abkhazia.

After their meeting, Vladimir Putin and Raul Khadjimba made statements to the press.





The source of information - http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/55317






Beginning of meeting with President of Republic of Abkhazia Raul Khadjimba



August 8, 2017 - 18:15 - Pitsunda





President of the Republic of Abkhazia Raul Khadjimba:

Mr Putin, we are all honoured to welcome you again in Abkhazia.

Thanks to the support of the Russian Federation, Abkhazia is making progress in socioeconomic development and infrastructure construction, and resolving defence and security issues. All the issues that you and I discussed at previous meetings are being addressed for the good of our people.

We are gradually implementing the provisions of the 2014 Agreement on Alliance and Strategic Partnership. In particular, the Abkhazian side has ratified the agreement on the joint information and coordination centre of internal affairs agencies. We believe that this body will be among the most important tools in the fight against crime. For Abkhazia it is important that we live in comfortable conditions and that our guests are not deprived of this opportunity.

Our foreign policy departments are working to coordinate foreign policy.

Work is underway on activities of the investment programme; the amount of funds this year will exceed 2.5 billion rubles. All design and estimate documents were drafted, examined and approved. I would like to especially note the issues resolved with the help of the investment agency: the volume of lending amounted to 1.2 billion rubles. This is real support for our medium-sized and large businesses.

Today, an agreement on mandatory health insurance will be signed. This is an important event for the residents of Abkhazia – citizens of the Russian Federation.

I am sure that all the issues that we will discuss today will provide even greater opportunities to develop our country. Both Abkhazia and its people are sincerely grateful to you for all the decisions that are being adopted for the benefit of our relations.

Once again, I would like to note that all the issues that will be addressed today and will be resolved would help strengthen our relations. And of course today's date, August 8, is a memorable one for the Republic of South Ossetia and Abkhazia.

On that day, the Georgian army began a large-scale operation, and the decisive actions taken by the leadership of Russia made it possible to preserve the Republic of South Ossetia and Abkhazia and, of course, provided an opportunity for the further recognition of our small states, for which we are truly grateful to you.



President of Russia Vladimir Putin:

Mr Khadjimba, thank you for the invitation!

As we agreed, this time we are meeting here in Abkhazia, on Abkhazian land. It is a pleasure to visit you again.

You mentioned practically all areas of our cooperation. I would probably only add our joint work on ensuring the republic’s defence capability. The joint force is developing on a very good, solid foundation and we have agreements on future steps.

You have just brought up the information centre. Naturally, this is a very important component because the citizens of Abkhazia and guests, no matter from where they arrive, Russia included, should understand and feel that they are reliably protected. I am hoping this joint work will enhance the security of tourists here.

As for the economic work, you have mentioned all these areas and I do not need to list them. Today we will sign an agreement in the social area, which will allow Abkhazian citizens to use not only our medical insurance system but also and primarily Russian medical institutions.

In general, we have things to discuss but the bottom line is that we have very special relations with Abkhazia. We reliably guarantee its security and independence.

I am sure this will continue. We only have to find optimal ways of developing the economy of Abkhazia, creating new jobs and establishing its own tax base. This is what we will speak about today.





The source of information - http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/transcripts/55318
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Working meeting with Governor of St Petersburg Georgy Poltavchenko



Mr Poltavchenko briefed the President on the socioeconomic situation in St Petersburg and the city’s development results for the first half of 2017.



August 9, 2017 - 14:20 - Sochi









President of Russia Vladimir Putin:

Mr Poltavchenko, we meet regularly, but more often in passing, at events not directly related to St Petersburg’s life. We agreed today to meet, however, and take a closer look at the situation in the city.



Governor of St Petersburg Georgy Poltavchenko:

I have come prepared, Mr President.



Vladimir Putin:

Please, go ahead.



Georgy Poltavchenko:

Let me start with the results for the first six months. The measures that we took on your instruction to ensure St Petersburg’s stable economic development over the difficult period in 2014–2016 have produced results. In principle, the results of our efforts over these first six months give us reason to speak with absolute confidence. The industrial production figures continue to rise and the city’s businesses continue to see a growing turnover. Output volumes shipped from the city were up by 10 percent compared to the same period last year. Most important is that the city’s own revenue is growing too, above all through tax revenue, and was up by around 12 percent. We thus have the conditions to be able to meet in full our social commitments to the city residents.

I note too that much work is underway to attract investment. Last year, the city attracted around 582 billion rubles in investment, which comes to practically a second city budget. We are continuing this work this year.

Two-three years ago, we began work on these concrete investment projects and I would like now to invite you to attend the opening of one of them. This is a unique project, a strategic project. It is a public-private partnership, a project to build a proton beam radiation therapy centre.



Vladimir Putin:

Where?



Georgy Poltavchenko:

In St Petersburg, in the Primorsky District. This is a really unique centre. The results gained from proton beam therapy are impressive. This method is 90 percent more effective than other forms of radiation therapy. Patient survival rate after treatment is 30 percent higher than using traditional radiation therapy methods. Most important – and I would like to discuss this separately with the centre’s management, when you visit it, – this treatment is very effective in children. There is a practically 100-percent cure rate for children with leukaemia and so forth. We could consider making the centre a specialised facility for children. We plan to open it in October.



Vladimir Putin:

In October? This is good.



Georgy Poltavchenko:

This project is important too because it is financed not by budget money but by private investment from investors working in the medical technology sector. This is why I wanted you to have the project description. I think this project is worth seeing.



Vladimir Putin:

Good.

As you see, I have prepared a list of the issues which people raised during Direct Line. Regarding Primorsky District, this year is the Year of the Environment, and this district has the same problem that a number of other localities also face, unfortunately. This is the problem of dumps. People say that there have long been plans to clean up the dump but that this has not been done yet.



Georgy Poltavchenko:

Mr President, we already took a decision prior to this meeting. The dump will cease taking rubbish this year and re-cultivation work will begin. Little rubbish is taken there already now, mostly construction waste, soil and construction waste used to be used as bund. But this is a huge dump. You probably know this well, it is in Novoselky, the site of the Toyota and Kia car plants.



Vladimir Putin:

Yes.



Georgy Poltavchenko:

We plan to build a waste treatment plant there and re-cultivate the dump.



Vladimir Putin:

Good, thank you. It is good to hear this.

There are the city’s traditional problems too. I will not go into detail right now. You can look here. I have made particular note of some of these problems. I did not know that St Petersburg residents had a problem with new construction that increases building density in the city.



Georgy Poltavchenko:

There is very little of this in the city.



Vladimir Putin:

I know that this has been a real sore point for Moscow residents, but this is the first time that I have heard it raised as a problem in St Petersburg.



Georgy Poltavchenko:

Mr President, this problem is practically inexistent in the city. There are indeed some attempts to develop plots of land that were privatised in the 1990s and early 2000s. I, in any case, do not welcome this. What’s more, I can give you the example just recently when at a city government meeting I made the decision to ban this kind of…



Vladimir Putin:

It is good if you give this issue your attention. Look into it, because people are complaining about it.



Georgy Poltavchenko:

Yes, I will certainly do so.



Vladimir Putin:

This is closely related to other issues also traditional for St Petersburg, namely, preserving the historical centre (you see that there are concrete issues raised here), and social provisions for people with disabilities.



Georgy Poltavchenko:

To be honest, this is a revelation for me. I will definitely look into it.



Vladimir Putin:

The good thing about Direct Line is that it brings to light unexpected issues that are a revelation for many of us. But when people encounter problems, we must pay particular attention to this.



Georgy Poltavchenko:

Definitely.



Vladimir Putin:

I will pass everything on to you, and you take a look at it and then report back to me.

On August 10, the first mayor of St Petersburg, Anatoly Sobchak, would have been 80. Do you have any plans to mark this occasion?



Georgy Poltavchenko:

We do have preparations underway. We are not planning any real pomp, all the more so as Anatoly Sobchak’s relatives did not want any big ceremonies, but of course the city remembers its first mayor and we will hold the corresponding events to mark the occasion. There will be a memorial ceremony at the Nikolskoye Cemetery, where Anatoly Sobchak was laid to rest, and I will take part in this. All city residents who wish to honour Anatoly Sobchak’s memory are also welcome to attend.



Vladimir Putin:

Good.





The source of information - http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/55322






Meeting with Accounts Chamber Chairperson Tatyana Golikova



Vladimir Putin had a working meeting with Chairperson of the Accounts Chamber Tatyana Golikova to discuss the results of the organisation’s work over the first half-year and the state of progress on instructions given following the Direct Line event.



August 10, 2017 - 14:15 - Novo-Ogaryovo, Moscow Region









President of Russia Vladimir Putin:

Ms Golikova, let’s start with the results for the first six months. I know that you are using new technology now. You can tell me about this too. On a separate matter, there is also the question of the Direct Line instructions. There were three things I wanted you to look into, monitor the situation and ensure that everything is moving in the right direction.



Accounts Chamber Chairperson Tatyana Golikova:

I want to share with you the results for the first half, not so much in terms of the quantity and amount of violations, though this is important too, above all for how federal budget money is being used.

I want to say first that in 2014, we began modernising our information systems in order to reduce inspectors’ work when preparing their checks, cut down the time spent away conducting checks, and make it possible to obtain more information locally using the extensive information resources that the federal agencies already have at their disposal.

I think that we have achieved results here. In 2016, we launched the remote audit information system and have integrated into it the various federal agencies’ information systems. This means that we have online access to all the information and can use these information systems to track practically all violations without having to physically go to the site.

The benefit gained here is that we can carry out preliminary checks without letting the situation reach a point where actual violations take place. We can step in at an earlier point to speak with colleagues and warn them that we see signs of violations in their financial and economic activity.

We created and operate an information resource called The Internet Portal of Control and Accounting Bodies. Actually, of Fiscal Control and Auditing Bodies. It has 456 different agencies taking part, all of which are involved in one way or another in internal control.

This vast quantity of data enables us to use a risk-focused approach in our practical work. In other words, we see where the volumes are higher, where there are more violations, greater risks, and where we should go with inspections. Increasing transparency in this way has brought to light more violations, and so we have a much higher figure for the first half of this year.



Vladimir Putin:

A higher number of violations identified?



Tatyana Golikova:

Yes, that’s right. For 2016 as a whole, we had 3,845 violations totalling 965 billion rubles, but for the first half of 2017, we have 2,631 violations for a total 1.13 trillion rubles.

If we average out the quantity of violations identified for each inspection conducted, in 2016, on average, each inspection revealed 15 violations for around 3.7 billion rubles, while in the first half of 2017, each inspection revealed 18 violations for a total 6.9 billion rubles.

The most frequent violations are in budgets and accounting, and we are not talking about technical mistakes here. I spoke about this last time we met, but the problem has become even clearer now. There violations account for 62 percent of all violations and add up to 629 billion rubles of the 1.13-trillion total.

What do these violations involve? As a rule, it is a case of not reflecting aspects of economic activity in the accounts and reports. To give a simple example, the Leningrad Region and St Petersburg branch of the Federal Penitentiary Service signed a contract for construction of a prison facility. The contract was not performed according to deadline. A penalty of 767 million rubles was imposed, but this sum was not recorded in the accounts and therefore will not be paid in as budget revenue.

There are many such examples in practice. There are a great many incomplete construction projects that are not reflected in the accounts.

As for other violations, they include infringements of the budget law. This category comes to a total of around 168 billion rubles. This includes, for example, violations in provision of budget loans to the regions by the regions themselves. Such violations came to 15.5 billion rubles in the first half.

Violations in procurements came to 18.5 billion, and violations during computerisation of federal agencies came to around 22 billion (these are violations that occurred in 2016 but only appeared in our report in 2017).

What does this involve? We have a rule that before creating any information systems or carrying out any work in this area, the federal authorities must first coordinate their plans with the Ministry of Communications.

This approval usually takes place with delays or is not carried out at all, and the Ministry of Communications gives it approval post-factum. We have briefed the Government on this matter and we hope that this situation will be rectified.

In this context, another point I want to bring to your attention is that we noted that the qualifications of those working not at ministerial level but further down the scale leave much to be desired in terms of respecting financial and budget discipline.

We decided to approach this situation from a fresh angle. The statistics might surprise you, and we will do a final review of results only in November, but we already have interim results that show what is happening in the system of state governance.

Beginning in 2012 and through to 2016, the number of civil servants increased, and then in 2016, it fell by 5.6 percent, with most of the cuts being made at the bottom levels.

We now have an increasing number of administrators. The number of deputy heads of federal authorities has increased by 18 percent, the number of department heads increased by 21 percent, and the number of directorate heads was up by 13 percent. I could continue.

In the regions, the number of civil servants overall is down by 11.9 percent, but the number of people at the managerial level is up by 8.4 percent.

There is a very worrying trend: The number of territorial bodies has decreased by 4.5 percent, but the number of subordinate agencies created by federal authorities to run their activities has increased by 25 percent.

This is not to perform actual functions in say, healthcare or education, but to support the federal authorities’ work. Twenty-five-percent growth here is a very high figure. This is all extra budget spending, transfer of functions, and in some cases, bypassing law No. 44, in order to be able to carry out procurements under more liberal regulations.

This, of course, is ultimately about the issue of effectiveness that we keep talking about. It seems to us that this system has grown out of proportion and we need to take serious steps to move forward now.



Vladimir Putin:

Reflect on it and put forward your proposals.



Tatyana Golikova:

We will complete our work here by autumn and will draft our proposals, because many of these organisations feeding out of the budget’s pocket could be let go without the slightest problem.



Vladimir Putin:

What about the instructions related to Direct Line?



Tatyana Golikova:

Mr President, you gave the instructions to look into what happened in the Stravropol and Trans-Baikal territories.

Regarding the Trans-Baikal Territory, other control and law enforcement agencies were there before us. We did not go back over what had already been checked, but focused on ascertaining whether all commitments regarding provision of housing to those affected have been met.

We also examined what happened with funds allocated for agriculture and looked in general at whether the region makes preparations for the wild fire season.

Fortunately, or perhaps unfortunately, I don’t know, we spoke with the region’s new heads and, understandably, they cannot answer for their predecessors’ actions, but we nonetheless drew their attention to the problems I will tell you about and asked them to remedy these problems without delay.

Regarding the local residents, the set plans for housing provision were carried out, but the quality of housing provided is another matter. The subcontractor that built and repaired housing was, regrettably, not very conscientious, and so there are many complaints about the quality of the housing and of the repair work that was done.

Furthermore, they used technology that is not suitable for this region, for example, they used so-called stretch ceilings that are completely unsuitable for the region’s climate. Of course, all of this has developed problems and lays bare the existing problems.

But there is another problem too. You know well that the Trans-Baikal Territory has a large amount of dilapidated housing and housing unfit for habitation, but we are still a long way from completing the plans to relocate people from all housing recognised as dilapidated as of January 1, 2012.

This housing stock was in part to be repaired and rebuilt, but it is probably easier to relocate people into new housing than to get it into proper shape. The regional authorities are now making claims against the subcontractor organisation and have filed in court. We await the results of this issue’s examination.

Furthermore, 31 million was allocated for agriculture. This sum was approved with the Agriculture Ministry, and overall, comparing it to the application the region made, the region’s agricultural producers should be receiving on average 81 percent for their activity.

But for some reason other decisions were made and the new authorities do not know why. In other words, the internal regulation in the Trans-Baikal Territory differs to the one adopted at the federal level and they were using a differentiated approach, with some businesses receiving 45 percent and others receiving 91 percent.

Now they are trying to sort out this situation. Obviously, it is not going to be possible to get the money back, even if it was not used for its designated purpose. We have identified particular violations and sent them to the regional authorities and asked them to eliminate these problems.

As for the emergency situations, it has to be said that the forest management plans that are currently in force in the Trans-Baikal Territory have long become obsolete. These plans date back to 2008, and do not comply with the forest management regulations. Unfortunately, I have to report that preventive efforts, including flying over territories and efforts to clear roads and forests, were inadequate.

However, there are also outstanding regulatory issues, as we have pointed out in our written report. The current laws and regulations fail to specify who should be in charge of putting out forest and steppe fires. As of today, no one bears responsibility for this activity, which, of course, affects the population.

The Accounts Chamber and the Federal Forestry Agency [Rosselkhoz] pointed this out to the Trans-Baikal Territory authorities. The Federal Forestry Agency was involved in examining this issue. We do hope, and at least they have assured us, that all these shortcomings will be addressed, and we will not fail to report it to you once it happens.

As for the Stavropol Territory, the situation there is quite different. I have to say that in accordance with the regulations (taking into consideration that the Government of the Russian Federation issued the relevant documents on time), the Stavropol Territory has started making payments from its own budget.

However, under the current laws, it is not yet clear how the region will receive compensation from the federal budget for these payments, if what happened there is recognised as a federal-level emergency situation.



Vladimir Putin:

Has the Government issued a resolution to this effect?



Tatyana Golikova:

No, it has not. There was no resolution on the compensation of expenses that were incurred beforehand.



Vladimir Putin:

What do you mean by beforehand? They had an account balance that they could use to make the payments.



Tatyana Golikova:

They did pay. But we have a classification of emergency situations: there are federal-level, regional and municipal emergencies, and specific regulations apply to each one of them. If an emergency is recognised as a federal-level event, the expenses are to be covered from the federal budget.

The Stavropol Territory started the payments. There were some delays in specific municipalities, which is attributable to the negligence of certain municipality heads. Today, all these payments are underway.

We referred all the shortcomings to the prosecutor’s office on the spot. These include various corrections made in the documents and making payments to those who were not entitled to them.

That said, if the emergency situation is recognised as a federal-level calamity, and if the region has already made the necessary payments, they cannot be compensated from the federal budget. They have made the payments and that’s that. This is what the current regulations tell us.



Vladimir Putin:

Was the money transferred?



Tatyana Golikova:

It was all transferred. On June 16, the money that came from the Finance Ministry began to be paid out on top of the money that the Stavropol Territory budget allocated.



Vladimir Putin:

They had two billion on their accounts, I think.



Tatyana Golikova:

Yes, they had money on their accounts and they made the payments. There was a situation there when people were asked to pay for getting the needed documents. This was the case with the expert organisations that delivered the document concluding that their housing was no longer fit for use and that were entitled to a state housing certificate. People were asked to pay 5,000–6,000 rubles for this.



Vladimir Putin:

This is absurd.



Tatyana Golikova:

The situation was rectified and people had their money returned. The only problem was that the banks then took a commission from people for the return of the payment.

Then there was a fee of around 1,800 rubles that Rosreestr [the Federal Service for State Registration, Cadastre and Cartography] demanded to issue a certificate confirming that this was a person’s only home. The Stavropol Territory authorities say that this matter has been settled now and people had their money returned.



Vladimir Putin:

Check whether it was returned or not. That is the first thing. Second, rules must be set for once and for good to ensure that this kind of nonsense does not happen again. People lost everything they had and the state gave the money to support them, and then you have these various organisations each trying to take something from them, 1,000, 3,000, 5,000 rubles.



Tatyana Golikova:

There was another problem too there that you should be informed about. When the money came into the accounts of people affected by the disaster, if these people had debts, the Federal Penitentiary Service deducted this money from their accounts and no one informed them that these people were disaster victims. This matter also needs to be regulated because these people could not make use of the money they had been paid as disaster relief.



Vladimir Putin:

Ms Golikova, please draft proposals for the needed legal amendments.



Tatyana Golikova:

Yes, Mr President. I have one more point to make. I think this is also an important issue and the instruction can only come from you.

The Otkaznenskoye reservoir in the Stavropol Territory, the water management system that overflowed its banks, was built in 1965. The project documents for the facility show that it needed to be cleaned after 31 years. It is 62-percent silted up.

There was such heavy rainfall that the level rose too far. This reservoir is currently the federal budget’s responsibility. I think we have quite a number of such facilities.

This water management system is the responsibility of the Agriculture Ministry, not the Natural Resources Ministry.



Vladimir Putin:

Set this all out in writing, please.



Tatyana Golikova:

Yes, we have done so.



Vladimir Putin:

Ok.





The source of information - http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/55326






Meeting with Trans-Baikal Territory Governor Natalya Zhdanova



Vladimir Putin met with Trans-Baikal Territory Governor Natalya Zhdanova to discuss requests from Trans-Baikal Territory citizens received during the Direct Line with Vladimir Putin. Natalya Zhdanova also briefed the President on the current socioeconomic situation in the region.



August 11, 2017 - 15:10 - Novo-Ogaryovo, Moscow Region







President of Russia Vladimir Putin:

Ms Zhdanova, we will of course review all matters related to the socioeconomic situation. However, I would like to start by forwarding to you a list of issues that were pointed out by people during the Direct Line. We will discuss this in more detail, since I would like to highlight some of the issues that cannot be left unnoticed.

We have done a great deal to ensure adequate capacity of kindergartens. In our public statements, we say that this issue has been resolved 90 percent, almost 100 percent. However, people complain that no new kindergartens are being built in Chita, and it is very hard to get a child admitted into a kindergarten. Does this issue still exist?



Trans-Baikal Territory Governor Natalya Zhdanova:

Mr President, unfortunately this problem does exist. Unfortunately, the region failed to fulfil the Presidential Executive Order within the designated period, and was unable to resolve the issue with waiting lists for children between three and seven years old, even though 2.5 billion rubles were allocated to this effect, which is a substantial amount. That said, it has to be mentioned that admissions were increased by almost 8,000 as part of this programme. However, this turned out to be insufficient. Some 1,700 people are still on the waiting lists.

Mr President, I would like to report that during this period of eighteen months, we were able to increase kindergarten admissions by 1,500, including in Chita and other areas. About a dozen or even more areas within Trans-Baikal Territory still lack the needed kindergarten capacity.

We intend to continue working on this issue in 2017–2018 and further increase the kindergartens capacity by 1,200, which will resolve the issue of waiting lists for children from three to seven years old.



Vladimir Putin:

Do you have any agreements with the Government on this?



Natalya Zhdanova:

We have many kindergartens where construction is unfinished, but they are about to be completed. This problem is linked with loans among other things. Therefore, in this case we are building or completing the projects that we already have, and are launching new ones. We are taking some buildings back, converting them back to kindergartens.



Vladimir Putin:

Have you received the funds that were due to you from the Federation?



Natalya Zhdanova:

Yes, we have received the funds allocated to Trans-Baikal Territory under the federal programme.



Vladimir Putin:

Does this mean that you have simply not fully paid your obligations, right?



Natalya Zhdanova:

Indeed, we have not fully paid our part. Today the underfunded sum is about 200 million.



Vladimir Putin:

Do you have the money?



Natalya Zhdanova:

Not quite.



Vladimir Putin:

Why not? Didn’t you make co-financing commitments?



Natalya Zhdanova:

We have not fulfilled them, Mr President. These commitments have not been met.







Vladimir Putin:

Please write a separate letter to me on this, will you?



Natalya Zhdanova:

All right.



Vladimir Putin:

Now I would like to talk about some issues related to jobs. There are several appeals from Krasnokamensk. Is there a threat that the plant will be shut down?



Natalya Zhdanova:

The situation is as follows: there is indeed a need to open an additional, so-called sixth uranium mine because two new uranium deposits have been discovered. The plant is operating, but the uranium resources are being depleted and it is necessary to open a new mine to preserve the city of Krasnokamensk. This is the second largest city in Trans-Baikal Territory after Chita. I was going to talk about this in detail in my report. Now the mine has received investment project status, but it has not been funded for 2017.



Vladimir Putin:

You should work closely with Rosatom. You can describe the issue in detail if necessary.



Natalya Zhdanova:

Rosatom has already invested about one billion rubles in all kinds of survey work under this project. But now, Mr President, we are working to have the Federal Government share of the co-financing confirmed as well.



Vladimir Putin:

Please also write a letter about this.



Natalya Zhdanova:

I will.



Vladimir Putin:

There are also other issues related to dilapidated housing and roads. This is a common set of problems. That said, it may be common statistically, but it is very important for the people. I am transferring all this to you. I will expect your report – information on what has been done. All right?



Natalya Zhdanova:

Yes, Mr President.



Vladimir Putin:

Now please tell me about your issue.



Natalya Zhdanova:

Mr President, this is about an issue that was raised during the Direct Line. Your instructions have been fulfilled. At the end of August this woman will move to a flat.



Vladimir Putin:

Fine.



Natalya Zhdanova:

Mr President, please allow me to report on the current situation.



Vladimir Putin:

Yes, please.



Natalya Zhdanova:

Although the current situation in our territory remains rather complicated, it is still fairly resistant to external challenges and has relatively stable major macroeconomic indicators.

In industry, there has been small but real growth in the extraction of minerals. Today extraction is 2.4 percent higher than last year. This is due to an increase in the share of extraction of zinc concentrate and copper and the development of polymetallic deposits in the southeast of Trans-Baikal Territory.

A number of large investment projects, serious projects are nearing completion and some are ready to for commissioning. This year the Norilsky Nikel Bystrinsky Mining and Processing Plant is expected to be put into operation. This is a large project, a breakthrough for our territory. It will create 2,000 jobs in core professions and 1,200 additional jobs in related professions. About 75 billion rubles have already been spent on this project. This is a really serious project that we have high hopes and plans for in terms of the development of the Trans-Baikal Territory

In addition, there is a number of other projects in the mining and other industries. These are core projects of the plan that we are compiling on your instructions. In all, we have 29 projects in the territory with a total investment of about 800 billion rubles. Some 200 billion have already been spent.

Moreover, these are major economic and industrial projects with a very clear and direct social component. We have signed about 28 to 30 socioeconomic partnership agreements with directors of state corporations and other business representatives. Under these agreements, we are implementing various social measures that are vital for our people. For example, in cooperation with the railway we are planning to launch the construction of a kindergarten and a school for a hundred children.



Vladimir Putin:

Where?



Natalya Zhdanova:

Along the railway. This is for the town of Mogocha and the village of Mozgon. We have many other projects, for instance, “Successful School” and “Sports for Everyone”, to name a few.





The source of information - http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/55327
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Condolences to President of Egypt Abdel Fattah el-Sisi



Vladimir Putin expressed his condolences to President of the Arab Republic of Egypt Abdel Fattah el-Sisi in connection with the tragic aftermath of a train crash outside Alexandria.



August 12, 2017 - 15:20



The President of Russia conveyed words of sympathy to the friends and families of the victims and wished speedy recovery to those injured in the crash.

Two passenger trains collided in Alexandria’s suburb: a train from Cairo crashed at full speed into a train from Port Said waiting at the station. According to Egypt’s Health Ministry, 41 people died and 132 were injured in the accident.





The source of information - http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/55331






Telephone conversation with President of Kazakhstan Nursultan Nazarbayev



Vladimir Putin had a telephone conversation with President of the Republic of Kazakhstan Nursultan Nazarbayev.



August 14, 2017 - 14:20



The two presidents discussed bilateral cooperation matters, including the timetable for upcoming contacts at various levels, and current issues on the international agenda.





The source of information - http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/55333






Telephone conversation with President of Kyrgyzstan Almazbek Atambayev



Vladimir Putin had a telephone conversation with President of the Republic of Kyrgyzstan Almazbek Atambayev.



August 14, 2017 - 15:10



The two presidents discussed bilateral cooperation in the context of implementing the agreements reached during Mr Atambayev’s state visit to the Russian Federation on June 19–24, 2017.

Mr Atambayev also briefed Mr Putin on the results of the international forum Altai Civilisation and Related Peoples of Altaic Language Family that took place in Kyrgyzstan on July 20–23, 2017, and was attended by Russian representatives.





The source of information - http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/55334






Telephone conversation with President of Iran Hassan Rouhani



At Iran’s initiative, Vladimir Putin had a telephone conversation with President of the Islamic Republic of Iran Hassan Rouhani.



August 14, 2017 - 16:20



Mr Putin congratulated Mr Rouhani on his inauguration ceremony on August 5 and wished him success in his continued work as President of Iran.

The two presidents discussed bilateral cooperation results, including the state of progress in joint oil and gas, electricity, and transport projects, and examined a number of issues on the international agenda.

Exchanging views on developments in Syria, both leaders underscored their commitment to continue coordinating joint efforts to facilitate settlement of this crisis.

It was agreed to further maintain contacts at various levels.





The source of information - http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/55335






Congratulations to India’s leadership on the 70th anniversary of independence



Vladimir Putin sent a message of congratulations to the leadership of India on the 70th anniversary of India’s independence.



August 15, 2017 - 10:00



In the message, the President of Russia praised India’s economic, social and other achievements, and noted that the country has earned the respect it deserved on the international stage.

“Russian-Indian ties have always been based on friendship and mutual respect. The two countries have a long track record of fruitful bilateral cooperation in all areas, and coordinating efforts in resolving important matters on the regional and global agendas,” the President of Russia said in the message.

Vladimir Putin confirmed Russia’s readiness to continue joint efforts to strengthen the special privileged partnership between Russia and India in the interests of the friendly peoples of the two countries, and with a view to ensuring international stability and security.





The source of information - http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/55336






Condolences to President of Sierra Leone Ernest Bai Koroma



Vladimir Putin sent a message of condolences to the President of the Republic of Sierra Leone Ernest Bai Koroma on the fatalities caused by a mudslide in a Freetown suburb.



August 15, 2017 - 17:00



The message reads, in part:

“Please accept our sincere condolences on the numerous casualties due to the mudslide in a Freetown suburb. It is especially tragic that there were many children and teenagers among the victims.

Please pass my words of sympathy and support to the families of those killed and wishes of early recovery to those injured by this natural disaster.”





The source of information - http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/55343






Condolences to King Felipe VI of Spain



Vladimir Putin expressed his condolences to King Felipe VI of Spain over the tragic consequences of the terrorist attack in the centre of Barcelona.



August 17, 2017 - 22:00



“We resolutely denounce this cruel and cynical crime against civilians. This attack shows once again the need to pool the efforts of the entire international community in the uncompromising fight against the forces of terror,” emphasised the Russian President.

Vladimir Putin conveyed words of sympathy to the families and friends of the victims and wished a speedy recovery to those injured.

A van driver deliberately hit pedestrians in central Barcelona killing 13 and injuring over a hundred people from 25 countries.





The source of information - http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/55357
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Meeting with Governor of Pskov Region Andrei Turchak



Vladimir Putin had a working meeting with Governor of the Pskov Region Andrei Turchak to discuss the situation in the region in 2016 and the first half of 2017. Mr Turchak also briefed the President on the implementation of the presidential instructions to settle personnel problems in the healthcare sector and relocate people from dilapidated and unsafe housing. Complaints sent in by Pskov Region residents during Direct Line with the President were also discussed.



August 14, 2017 - 14:50 - Novo-Ogaryovo, Moscow Region









President of Russia Vladimir Putin:

Mr Turchak, let me start with the traditional question about the situation in the region in general over this last half-year.



Governor of Pskov Region Andrei Turchak:

The situation has been generally stable. Last year and the first half of this year have brought quite good results. Industrial output is showing an upward trend, with an increase of 5 percent, and we have a stable increase of 25 percent in the agriculture sector.

We are raising more investment now. Last time we met, I spoke about the project to develop the special economic zone of Moglino. To date, two plants have been built already and production is expected to begin in September.

One of the facilities is Finnish, with 100 percent Finnish investment. It will produce industrial paints and varnishes to be used in an aggressive environment, in shipbuilding and bridge construction.

The second facility is entirely Russian funded. It is called Sibirsky Gostinets and will produce freeze dried berries and fruits – products for the consumer market.

Regarding the implementation of your instruction from last year on taking action to address the human resources problems in the healthcare sector, you are aware that we face a serious shortage of specialists in particular areas. We estimate that we need another 450 people here.

You instructed the Healthcare Ministry and Education Ministry to examine together the possibility of opening a medical faculty at Pskov State University.

I can tell you now that this matter has been settled and the faculty has opened and has obtained the necessary licence for education activity. The student intake for September includes 40 budget-funded places, as well as fee-paying places.

We also agreed to establish a basic training faculty together with St Petersburg Mechnikov State Medical Academy at our regional clinical hospital. This will provide us with around 35–40 specialists a year.



Vladimir Putin:

The former Sangig [Leningrad Sanitary and Hygienic Medical Institute]?



Andrei Turchak:

Yes, Sangig – this is the Mechnikov Medical Academy. They offer medical training. The students will follow a module programme – six months in St Petersburg and six months practical training here.

We have a return rate of around 70 percent for specialists, and with these new programmes I hope that we will succeed in getting more than 90 percent of trained specialists to stay in the region.

Regarding the instruction on relocating people from dilapidated housing, the programme is due to end in September. We had the task of relocating people from 60,000 square metres of housing. We are absolutely confident that this programme will be completed.

I want to express my thanks too for the fact that we obtained an additional 340 million rubles in assistance from the Housing and Utilities Sector Reform Fund. This has enabled us to avoid a budget deficit, and your instruction will be completed by September 1.



Vladimir Putin:

On the question of dilapidated housing, I want to come back to the problems raised by local residents during Direct Line. You will have noted that I have been discussing these issues with your colleagues.



Andrei Turchak:

The famous green file?



Vladimir Putin:

Oh, it has become famous, has it? Good.

These complaints concern the managing companies and the matter of dilapidated housing. I will not list them all now, you will look at it later. People in some settlements write that this is the most difficult issue they face. I ask you to give this your attention.

Then there is the question of local rail passenger routes. This is also the region’s responsibility in large part. I know that this is not a straightforward matter and it is a costly affair, but it is an issue that requires further attention.

Among other issues I would like to draw to your attention to some very concrete problems such as wages. Look, there are particular enterprises mentioned here.



Andrei Turchak:

Commercial companies…



Vladimir Putin:

People have already gone to court. These are debts from past years, old debts, but this is an issue that must be looked into too.

There are also very concrete problems concerning real estate. Someone wrote about how they bought a plot of land, completed the necessary formalities, obtained the cadastral documents and necessary permits, and now the prosecutor’s office has claims against them and is trying to evict them, saying that their land is categorised as forest land. But who then issued them the documents?



Andrei Turchak:

How did they get through the cadastral office’s procedures?



Vladimir Putin:

Yes. Clearly, it is not the buyer of this land who is at fault.



Andrei Turchak:

Absolutely.



Vladimir Putin:

I ask you therefore to look into this. If amendments are needed to the regulations on land use and forest land, I am ready to act at federal level to settle this matter if needed, but I think that you can sort it out at the local level.



Andrei Turchak:

Yes, of course.



Vladimir Putin:

You must do the utmost to minimise inconvenience for people and not deprive them of their property.



Andrei Turchak:

Certainly.



Vladimir Putin:

And if the officials themselves are responsible for this situation, then this needs to be sorted out. This was all not so long ago, two years ago.

There are other matters too. Work on them and then brief me on the situation.



Andrei Turchak:

Mr President, we will certainly settle all of the matters that came up regarding the Pskov Region. We have already found solutions to some of them, put them on the register, and each executive body concerned has signed off on their instructions. Everything shall be done.



Vladimir Putin:

Good.





The source of information - http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/55332






Instructions to regional authorities in Kabardino-Balkaria following mudslide in the region



Vladimir Putin heard a telephone report from Head of the Republic of Kabardino-Balkaria Yury Kokov on the current situation in the disaster zone. The President asked the regional authorities to take all necessary measures to swiftly repair city infrastructure and provide assistance to the population.



August 16, 2017 - 15:50



The area around the town of Tyrnyauz in Kabardino-Balkaria’s Elbrus District was hit by a mudslide on August 14. The mudslide continued its movement on following day, leading to a partial blocking of the Baksan River and a subsequent rise in water level. More than four hundred people were evacuated from the town due to the threat of flooding. Experts studying the area say that a further mudslide is possible.





The source of information - http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/55347
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Meeting with United Russia faction leader Vladimir Vasilyev



August 15, 2017 - 13:50







Vladimir Vasilyev reported to the President on the parliamentary party’s work during the State Duma’s spring session. The discussion concerned, in particular, the parliament’s measures to resolve the issue of defrauded equity holders as well as the law passed by the State Duma and approved by the President that toughens liability for encouraging minors to commit suicide, specifically, via the so-called social media ‘groups of death’.





<…>

President of Russia Vladimir Putin:

Pushing someone to commit suicide is attempted murder. Even more so because they profit from it financially. How are they different from murderers? They are no different.

* * *

State Duma plans for the autumn session were discussed separately.


<…>


Vladimir Putin:

The law on the budget is a major priority for the autumn session. There is a lot of work ahead and we will meet more than once to talk it over.

I would like to remind you that reducing defence spending is one of the measures to significantly save the budget funds next year. This does not mean shelving our plans to re-equip the Army and Navy. We will see through the state defence order and develop a new programme. But some cuts compared to the last year are planned. Therefore, it is necessary to consider very carefully the issues that arise during the development of the country’s primary financial document.

This concerns the defence, security, the economy, measures to support the economy, the social sphere, healthcare, the level of wages and incomes, especially in the public sector, for so-called ‘unspecified’ categories. Please consider this carefully.

But, once again, we will repeatedly discuss this topic in due course.





The source of information - http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/55340






Meeting with VTB Bank President and Board Chairman Andrei Kostin



Mr Kostin briefed Vladimir Putin on the bank’s performance in the first half of 2017 and progress in the rental housing development programme.



August 17, 2017 - 15:30 - Novo-Ogaryovo, Moscow Region









President of Russia Vladimir Putin:

Mr Kostin, how are things? How is your work proceeding?



President and Chairman of the Board of VTB Bank Andrei Kostin:

Thank you, Mr President, things are not bad.

Over the first half of the year, the bank showed good, positive dynamics. Suffice it to say that profit for the first six months came to 60 billion rubles, which is more than the bank earned for the whole of last year. We see how economic recovery has led to growth in our loan portfolio, including in our work with the general public. This year, we expect our mortgage loan portfolio to increase by 23 percent. Interest rate reduction is also showing positive dynamics. The average interest rate on mortgage loans is around 11 percent today, but we believe that it can be brought down to 10 percent by the end of the year.



Vladimir Putin:

There was a time when we dreamed of 12 percent.



Andrei Kostin:

On the subject of mortgages, I would like to say that we have a new element now: together with the Agency for Housing Mortgage Lending, we are working on a programme for developing rental housing. We have already financed the construction of 85,000 square metres of rental housing and have invested around 16 billion rubles in this effort. This is an important social objective that you set for the agency. It is especially important for young families that cannot afford to buy a flat of their own but can rent good, reliable housing. We expect to have this housing on the market in 2018–2019. The new programme that we are developing now with the Agency will see a further investment of 25 billion rubles.



Vladimir Putin:

In which regions?



Andrei Kostin:

In Moscow, for now, but the next programme will encompass 5–6 Russian cities. In other words, we plan to go beyond Moscow.



Vladimir Putin:

Fine.





The source of information - http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/55352
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Where should they dig the Very Deep Pit?
Piglet said that the best place would be somewhere where a Heffalump was, just before he fell into it, only about a foot farther on.
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Old August 18th, 2017 #573
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Meeting on developing Northwest Russia’s transport infrastructure



Vladimir Putin held a meeting in Kaliningrad on the opportunities for developing transport infrastructure in Northwest Russia. The heads of relevant ministries and agencies and a number of regional heads from the Northwest Federal District took part.



August 16, 2017 - 13:20 - Kaliningrad









President of Russia Vladimir Putin:

Good afternoon, colleagues.

We are here to discuss the development of transport infrastructure in Russia’s northwest regions.

Last year, we addressed this same subject in the south, and spoke about the situation in southern Russia. Soon, in September, we will examine this same matter with regard to the Far East, in Vladivostok, where we will be meeting for the Eastern Economic Forum. In this manner, we will work steadily through all of the various issues regarding infrastructure development.

I would like to note here that we have quite a few infrastructure development projects that will lay the basis for our future economic growth. These projects are important for resolving social sector tasks and improving people’s quality of life too.

The Northwest Federal District is one of the country’s key logistics centres, concentrating more than 40 percent of our port capacity, and with 10 supporting aerodromes.

By way of reference, at the start of this year, the Northwest ports accounted for 40 percent of the total national capacity, handling 397 million tonnes of the more than 1 billion tonnes that were shipped through Russia overall. The Northwest Federal District is also home to 10 of the country’s 62 supporting aerodromes.

Large-scale work is underway at the federal and regional levels to develop the transport sector in the Northwest, including with the launch of what I would call highly significant projects.

Work is nearing completion on the high-speed M-11 Moscow-St Petersburg highway and the Sortavala highway, construction continues at the Bronka deep-water facility, and development continues at the sea port of Ust-Luga in the Leningrad Region. Railway approaches to the seaports of the Baltic and Arctic basins are being expanded, and reconstruction of the Kaliningrad and St Petersburg airports is underway as part of preparations for the FIFA World Cup.

We must continue developing the logistics potential of Russia's Northwest, making it more competitive, developing modern passenger and freight handling services, and making use of the region’s good geographical location for strengthening Russia’s foreign trade ties.

Of course, we must also offer investors convenient cooperation instruments that take into account the particular nature of infrastructure investment: high investment volumes and long payback periods. This applies to transportation projects as well. We could use the so-called infrastructure mortgage that I spoke about at the St Petersburg International Economic Forum in June.

This instrument represents a new practice. We would need to work through all of the organisational and financial matters and make a thorough study of the projects’ economics. I propose that we discuss this matter today as well.

Let me reiterate that we need to adopt an integrated approach to transport infrastructure development in the Northwest and across the country in general. Construction of facilities like this one should be consistent with the existing and future needs of businesses and people, and be coordinated with the development of supporting infrastructure. Of course, we need to ensure concerted efforts at all levels when implementing major projects.

One of the priorities is the development of the Murmansk Transport Hub. Under the plan, this project is to be competed in 2020. I would like to hear a progress report on this project, what has been done, whether there are any challenges, etc. Let me note that expanding Murmansk port capacity is instrumental for Arctic shelf development projects and plans to develop the Northern Sea Route, as well as exports of coal and other products.

Colleagues, having said that, I would like to raise a sensitive issue. In Murmansk and other seaports of Russia where uncovered coal is shipped, the environment is a matter of special concern. I am referring to the high concentration of coal dust in the air, as you probably heard during Direct Line from people in Nakhodka.

Of course, fully giving up on shipping coal in the open is impossible. We understand the economic aspect, and that this system has existed for decades. In fact, this is how it worked from the outset. What I want to say today is that as we develop coal terminals and choose locations for expanding port capacity, we need to make the environment a priority, and pay as much attention as possible to these issues, taking into consideration the interests of the people living nearby.

And of course, colleagues, and I am turning now to business representatives, we need to implement new, advanced trans-shipment technologies based on strict environmental standards and norms. At the end of the day, this makes more economic sense in terms of technology. These are obviously long-term investments, but eventually they will also generate returns.

Moving on, there is another important port infrastructure facility in the Northwest: the Pionersky Terminal on the Baltic Sea. It is intended for cruise, passenger and cargo ships, creating additional opportunities for developing the Kaliningrad Region as a tourist cluster. This project should get off the ground this year and be completed on time. Among other things, this is important for improving Kaliningrad Region’s transport accessibility.

Let me remind you that the terminal’s annual capacity will be 225,000 passengers from cruise ships and 80,000 passengers travelling by ferry. The construction term is quite short, only 21 months. In this connection, let me remind you that there have been instructions to develop ferry lines with the Kaliningrad Region. Today, I would like to hear how this work is advancing.

I would also like to recall the various instructions on developing the Northwest’s road infrastructure. The federal roads here are in a better condition on average than in the country as a whole, but this concerns the federal roads only. As for the regional roads, strange though it might seem, the situation in the Northwest is worse than overall in the country.

Regarding federal roads, at the start of this year, more than 82 percent of the total length of federal roads in the Northwest Federal District was up to standard. The figure for the country as a whole is slightly over 71 percent. But only about 32 percent, 31.8 percent of the regional roads are up to standard, while the overall figure for the country is 41.5 percent. It is strange that the Northwest, which is quite well developed economically, should have its regional roads in such poor condition.

We have already discussed the repair of the most problematic sections and issued the relevant instructions regarding federal budget support for this work. I am referring to the roads in Pskov, Velikiye Luky, the Brin-Navolok-Plesetsk stretch in the Arkhangelsk Region, the Usinsk-Naryan-Mar stretch in the Nenets Autonomous Area and several others. I would like to hear today about the decisions taken and how this work is being financed.

Finally, regions in the Northwest Federal District border on 7 different countries. A fifth of all state border checkpoints operate here. There are 312 such checkpoints in Russia as a whole, with 65 operating here in the Northwest. Most of these checkpoints have had no upgrades since the 1990s. What’s more, they have a financing shortfall of about a third below what they are supposed to receive for maintenance and operation. The result is queues building up to cross the border. This costs people their time. That is not to mention the lack of basic conveniences for the personnel at the checkpoints and the people passing through. We need to return to the matter of financing for these facilities. We also need to engage in repair work, of course, and bring the checkpoints up to standard, giving them the proper conditions for quick and convenient border crossings. I hope to hear concrete proposals today on this matter.

Let us start our work.





The source of information - http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/55344






Meeting with Acting Governor of Kaliningrad Region Anton Alikhanov



Vladimir Putin had a working meeting with Acting Governor of Kaliningrad Region Anton Alikhanov.



August 16, 2017 - 14:15 - Kaliningrad







The President met with the Acting Governor following a meeting on developing the transportation infrastructure of Russia’s Northwest. Mr Putin asked Mr Alikhanov to ensure completion of the bypass highway around Kaliningrad and see through the implementation of decisions on VAT exemption for air transportation to the region.

The President also asked Mr Alikhanov to give his attention to issues that local residents raised during the Direct Line with the President.

The socioeconomic situation in the region was also discussed at the meeting.

Mr Alikhanov will run in the regional gubernatorial election in September as a candidate from the United Russia party.





The source of information - http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/55345






Visit to new Khrabrovo Airport terminal



While on a working trip to Kaliningrad Region, Vladimir Putin visited Khrabrovo Airport, where he inspected the reconstruction of the passenger terminal and visited the arrivals area.



August 16, 2017 - 15:10 - Kaliningrad







Khrabrovo International Airport has regular flights to Moscow, St Petersburg, Krasnodar, Cherepovets, Murmansk, Anapa, Kaluga, Arkhangelsk, Minsk, Grodno, Gomel, Brest, Vitebsk, Tashkent, Warsaw, Antalya, and Barcelona.

The reconstruction of the runway and the airport terminal should be completed in time for the 2018 Football World Cup. Khrabrovo will be able to handle all types of aircraft and up to 3.5 million passengers a year.

The 2018 Football World Cup will take place from June 14 to July 15 at 12 stadiums in the Russian cities of Moscow, St Petersburg, Kazan, Sochi, Nizhny Novgorod, Samara, Kaliningrad, Yekaterinburg, Saransk, Volgograd, and Rostov-on-Don. Kaliningrad will host four matches at the group stage.





The source of information - http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/55346
__________________
Where should they dig the Very Deep Pit?
Piglet said that the best place would be somewhere where a Heffalump was, just before he fell into it, only about a foot farther on.
(c) Alan Alexander Miln
 
Old August 23rd, 2017 #574
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Visit to Kazachya Bukhta Educational Centre in Sevastopol



While on a working trip to Crimea, Vladimir Putin visited a new general education school, Kazachya Bukhta Educational Centre, in Sevastopol.



August 18, 2017 - 16:40 - Sevastopol







The President toured the complex, the construction of which was completed this year, and talked with teachers and parent committee members.

Mr Putin was accompanied by Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev, Presidential Plenipotentiary Envoy to the Southern Federal District Vladimir Ustinov, Minister of Education Olga Vasilyeva, and Acting Governor of Sevastopol Dmitry Ovsyannikov.
















The educational centre was built in the Kazachya Bukhta residential district, previously a military compound. The construction of the complex took five years and was completed in January. The new school building is designed for over 1,000 pupils. The classrooms and other school premises feature modern equipment. The school grounds include athletic fields, a tennis court, a football pitch, and a gym. In addition to the school, the educational centre operates a kindergarten.





The source of information - http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/55360






Meeting with Acting Governor of Sevastopol Dmitry Ovsyannikov



Vladimir Putin had a working meeting with Acting Governor of Sevastopol Dmitry Ovsyannikov.



August 18, 2017 - 17:50 - Sevastopol







The President instructed the Acting Governor to analyse a number of complaints received during Direct Line with the head of state, in particular, the difficulties encountered by Sevastopol residents in obtaining Russian citizenship and the denial of pensions to military pensioners who served some of their time in Ukraine’s armed forces. In addition, Dmitry Ovsyannikov briefed Vladimir Putin on the city’s urban development master plan, which has been put forward for public discussion.





The source of information - http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/55361






Vladimir Putin honoured the memory of Sevastopol’s defenders



August 18, 2017 - 19:00 - Sevastopol







Vladimir Putin and Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev laid flowers at the memorial stele of the 35th Coastal Battery memorial museum, dedicated to the memory of soldiers of the Primorskaya (Coastal) Army and sailors of the Black Sea Fleet coastal units, who continued to defend the city after the main units of the Red Army left Sevastopol in mid-1942.










Night Wolves’ motorbike club leader Alexander ‘The Surgeon’ Zaldastanov met the President and the Prime Minister by the museum. Vladimir Putin and Dmitry Medvedev briefly talked with the bikers. Bikers from Germany, invited to the Russian Reactor bike show organised by the Night Wolves club, presented the Russian President with a painting, The Brotherly Handshake of Russia and Germany.










The 35th Coastal Battery memorial museum was established in 2005–2012. It aims to preserve the names of the perished defenders of the city. For this purpose, the pantheon of memory was created in the museum, where tablets with 42,000 names are already installed. Every year, new remains of Sevastopol defenders found in the area of the last battles are buried according to military ritual.





The source of information - http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/55363






Visit to the Tauric Chersonese (Khersones Tavrichesky) Museum and Reserve



August 18, 2017 - 20:15 - Sevastopol







Vladimir Putin and Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev visited the Tauric Chersonese (Khersones Tavrichesky) State Historical Archaeological Museum and Reserve and heard about its development plans.



















The museum is one of the largest scientific centres where archaeologists are engaged in research and students are undergoing practical training. The museum collection consists of over 214,000 items. Every year the museum draws tens of thousands of visitors.





The source of information - http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/55364






Meeting with scientists and public figures of Sevastopol and Crimea



Vladimir Putin met with public figures, scientists and cultural workers of Sevastopol and the Republic of Crimea.



August 18, 2017 - 20:20 - Sevastopol







During the meeting the President noted, in particular, the need to step up the efforts to restore cultural institutions in Sevastopol and Crimea.

The President also thanked the participants for their constructive work in their fields over many years. Vladimir Putin emphasised that the resolution of many issues discussed at the meeting “will take a long time but work on them should by all means begin and begin today.”





President of Russia Vladimir Putin:

Good afternoon,

We had a meeting a couple of years ago with a different, but a similar group of people. I will not give long monologues, but I must certainly make some sacral statements about the importance of Crimea, Sevastopol and this place where we are now – Chersonese – for Russia, its culture and its spiritual code in the direct sense of this word.

As you know, we have a federal targeted programme on the development of both Crimea and Sevastopol. I do not know to what extent – I mean I know, of course, but maybe we are not as sensitive as you to judge to what extent – this programme takes into account everything that is linked with the cultural aspect of life in Crimea and Sevastopol. Maybe we have missed something or fallen short somewhere.

Moreover, there is a federal part and a regional part, and I am sure, life shows that often there is no attention, or not enough attention paid to emerging problems. They are not analysed in the same way as specialists do.

Here we are meeting with specialists. Mr Medvedev and I wanted to meet with you and discuss all issues of your concern.

Well, that is all for my monologue. If Mr Medvedev wants to add something, he is welcome. If not, let us start a direct engaging conversation.



Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev:

I will listen.



Chairperson of the Legislative Assembly of Sevastopol Yekaterina Altabayeva:

Mr President, may I start?



Vladimir Putin:

Of course.



Yekaterina Altabayeva:

My name is Yekaterina Altabayeva, and I am the Chairperson of the Legislative Assembly of Sevastopol.

Mr President, Mr Prime Minister, guests,

We are very happy to welcome you to Sevastopol. We are proud to say that today Sevastopol is a separate entity of the Russian Federation, a city of federal importance.

Mr President, my first words will be addressed to you. On behalf of all Sevastopol residents I would like to convey our tremendous, sincere gratitude for the difficult decisions you took in 2014. We needed those decisions very much. We probably do not even realise the burden of responsibility, the heavy burden you shouldered. But, thank God, everything went down well. And Sevastopol, a city with a Russian soul, is back in its Fatherland.

It is certainly a city with a special destiny. It was born in 1783 and was razed to the ground twice: during the Crimean War in the 19th century and in the 20th century during the Great Patriotic War. However, the spirit of Sevastopol cannot be killed. And this is the reason why even during the hard times under Ukraine it proved impossible to rob us of our mother tongue and our history.

Of course, we think about the roots of this amazing phenomenon: the spirit of the Hero City Sevastopol. And we believe they lie back in the depth of centuries because Sevastopol was born in the land that had absorbed the culture of civilizations and peoples that lived and created their customs and cultures over millennia.

Undoubtedly, our honours grew with the prayers and selfless labour of Andrew the First Called, St Clement of Rome, Cyril and Methodius. We always remember that St Vladimir was baptised in our land. And it was here that the fire of faith was born that united Slavic tribes and forged the unique Russian character and the national unity.

But Sevastopol, undoubtedly, also grew out of the deeds and creativity of many generations of people who lived here, who founded Sevastopol, built it up and celebrated it. I may be saying banalities, but the spirit of our city was undoubtedly enriched by the best of Russia, its spiritual powers that were later forged into Sevastopol’s special spirit.

We certainly cannot omit mentioning that some outstanding names from Russian history are among the founders of our city: Catherine the Great, Grigory Potemkin, Alexander Suvorov, Fedot Klokachev. And only four years after the city was founded, Catherine the Great came here, to the magnificent Taurida, to the city she called a city worthy of admiration. And even Russia’s evil-wishers in her entourage, such as French Ambassador Count de Segur, wrote that it was astounding that 20,000 kilometres from the capital, in a land that just became part of the country, a city was built, a fleet was created, residents settled down and a port was built. This is a great feat, an extraordinary endeavour.

We can find some of the most illustrious names from the Russian history among the people who built Sevastopol: Fedor Ushakov, Alexei Greig, Mikhail Lazarev. Of course, in the mid 19th century Sevastopol was not a capital, it was not a provincial centre or even a district centre, but it was as attractive and significant as the capital city itself. Even after it was destroyed in the middle of the 19th century (just as it was seen by our enemies in August 1855), it produced an impression of vigorous activity. An English officer wrote in a letter home: “Even the ruins left of the city make a tremendous impression. Probably everyone would love to be born, live and die in such a city.”

Of course, the spirit of the city’s defenders makes up the spirit of Sevastopol, and these are thousands of outstanding names, but, first and foremost, our renowned admirals are at the forefront of this constellation: Vladimir Kornilov, Pavel Nakhimov, Vladimir Istomin. It was about them and some perhaps unknown defenders of Sevastopol that Archbishop of Kherson and Tauride Innocent spoke about in his sermon in June 1855, when he was here in Sevastopol: “From now on, when I preach to my flock, I will not have to go far to seek examples of high spirit and virtue. I will tell my flock: come here and kneel before your brothers, who defend the spirit of the faith, and worship them. This place is holy!” There is hardly anything that can be added to these words.

The only thing I would like to say is that during the Great Patriotic War, this unconditional tradition of exceptional endurance, courage and heroism was carried on. The defenders of Sevastopol and the city’s liberators made an enormous contribution to what we call the Sevastopol spirit. What took place here in our land cannot be called anything other than mass heroism. It turned out so that Sevastopol, of course, without any doubt, is the Black Sea Fleet’s base: the city is inseparable from the fleet; the city and the fleet make up a single whole. Naturally, this is Russia’s outpost on its southern borders. But, apart from that, Sevastopol has always been both a cultural and a scientific centre. Thousands of great names of Russian and foreign literature are linked with our city. People may not have lived here for a long time, but, when they came here, they took a strong liking to the proud beauty of Sevastopol. They paid a tribute to it in their art and spoke about a city for the whole of Russia, for the whole world.

How could we betray our past, our history? How could we not protect the spirit of this land, the integral part of the Russian world’s spirit, from being destroyed? I think that these were the feelings that, although, subconsciously, led Sevastopol residents to Nakhimov Square, in the heart of Sevastopol, on February 23, 2014, and our admirals stood behind us.

I believe that Sevastopol’s destiny is about preserving historical memory, passing it down through generations, and uniting all those people who create, protect and educate Russia through their work. I would really like for young people, children and teenagers, and not just adults, who know life, to feel the spirit of Sevastopol. I believe that we really need the programme for Russian regions to send young people here for three to five days and not only in summer, but during the whole year, so that they can see it with their own eyes, walk on this ground and feel its spirit.

Dmitry Likhachev once said how a citizen should be brought up: he must see his Motherland, walk on the land, see it with his own eyes, get a taste of the land – then a citizen would be brought up. I believe the huge potential of this land must never go to waste. It should be extrapolated to our generation, because there is no future without it. We really do not want Sevastopol to lose the role it played in the past; we want it to bring all the benefit it can bring to the great Russia.

Thank you.



Vladimir Putin:

Thank you.

Ms Altabayeva, we may think we know everything about Sevastopol, but we miss out many things. Sevastopol used to by a city of union subordination during the Soviet time, where the fleet’s base was located. Pursuant to various contracts on the cusp of the Soviet Union’s dissolution, everything that was part of union subordination passed on to Russia, but Sevastopol was forgotten. It is a very unique thing. It was simply forgotten. Strange, but it is a fact.



Yekaterina Altabayeva:

Mr President, this is why everything that happened in 2014 – there are simply no words to describe it.



Vladimir Putin:

Yes. This is restoration of historical justice, absolutely. But as for the role Sevastopol played in the history of our state, it is, of course, unique, huge. And of course, this is a very good example for young children. We could think about arranging youth tours through the Ministry of Tourism. We have to talk. We will think how to do this.



Yekaterina Altabayeva:

Thank you very much.



Vladimir Putin:

But the city has to be restored to make it attractive.



Yekaterina Altabayeva:

Infrastructure needs to be created. Yes, we understand this.



Vladimir Putin:

The city needs to be restored. Everything needs to be restored: the utilities infrastructure, the appearance. The historical sites need to be restored too, of course.

Chersonese, the place where we are right now, is one of such sites. Mr Medvedev and I have just talked about it. We could think about giving Chersonese a special status as a cultural site. It should become a Russian Mecca of a kind. The point is not just that Prince Vladimir was baptised here; what is more important is that afterwards the Russian state started to become centralised. Yes, of course, we know that by that time Novgorod and other parts of ancient Rus had already developed statehood. But there was no ideological foundation for uniting Slavic tribes into a united Russian nation and strengthening the unified national Russian state on the basis of several components, which are well-known: a common market, a common language, common faith and the power of the prince. These are the four main components, which led to the actual creation of a relatively modern, by the standards of that time, unified national Russian state and in fact, the creation of the Russian nation as such. In this regard, Chersonese, the place where we are right now, is of unique importance for our state, for our people and for our statehood.

But as for the big Sevastopol, we spoke a lot about it with the Acting Governor today, and a lot of things will have to be done. I believe that our colleagues will get back to specific issues. But let’s not forget what Sevastopol means for Russia.



Yekaterina Altabayeva:

Thank you very much.





The source of information - http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/55365






Visit to the Opera in Chersonese Music Festival



Vladimir Putin and Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev attended the Opera in Chersonese International Music Festival.



August 18, 2017 - 22:00 - Sevastopol







The Opera in Chersonese Music Festival will take place at the Tauric Chersonese (Khersones Tavrichesky) Museum and Reserve on August 18–20. During these three days, Russian and foreign opera singers will perform classical works, including arias from the operas Prince Igor, The Tsar’s Bride, Rigoletto, Iolanta, Aleko and Carmen.










After the concert the President came up to the stage and talked with the performers, thanking them for the show.







Prior to attending the festival, Vladimir Putin and Dmitry Medvedev visited St Vladimir’s Cathedral on the territory of Chersonese. The abbot of the Cathedral gave the President and the Prime Minister a detailed account of the cathedral’s restoration. The President was also presented with an icon of Holy Great Prince Vladimir, Equal-to-the-Apostles.





The source of information - http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/55367






About Andrew the First Called, St Clement of Rome, Cyril and Methodius - https://vnnforum.com/blog.php?b=1206

About Vladimir the Great - https://vnnforum.com/blog.php?b=1207

About Catherine the Great - https://vnnforum.com/blog.php?b=1208

About Grigory Potemkin - https://vnnforum.com/blog.php?b=1209

About Alexander Suvorov - https://vnnforum.com/showpost.php?p=...5&postcount=88

Fedot Klokachev (1739-1783) was a Navy Vice Admiral and the first Commander of the Black Sea Fleet of Russia. He supervised the construction of Sevastopol.

About Fyodor Ushakov - https://vnnforum.com/blog.php?b=1210

About Aleksey Greig - https://vnnforum.com/blog.php?b=1211

About Mikhail Lazarev - https://vnnforum.com/blog.php?b=1212

About Vladimir Kornilov - https://vnnforum.com/blog.php?b=1213

About Pavel Nakhimov - https://vnnforum.com/blog.php?b=1214

About Vladimir Istomin - https://vnnforum.com/blog.php?b=1215

About Dmitry Likhachev - https://vnnforum.com/blog.php?b=1216
__________________
Where should they dig the Very Deep Pit?
Piglet said that the best place would be somewhere where a Heffalump was, just before he fell into it, only about a foot farther on.
(c) Alan Alexander Miln

Last edited by Alex Him; August 26th, 2017 at 08:23 AM.
 
Old August 26th, 2017 #575
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Tavrida National Youth Educational Forum



During his working trip to the Republic of Crimea, Vladimir Putin attended the Tavrida National Youth Educational Forum.



August 20, 2017 - 20:10 - Crimea







The President was introduced to thematic exhibitions of various creative teams, photo artists, architects and urban designers. The President spoke in an informal setting with both organisers and participants of the annual forum. The Tavrida National Youth Educational Forum is taking place in Crimea for the third time. It traditionally brings together talented young people and experts from various fields – design, architecture, literature, history, fine arts, music, cinema, cartoon animation, journalism, and museum studies. The event aims to form professional communities comprised of creative young people.

The forum is organised by the Federal Agency for Youth Affairs and the Russian Centre for Civil and Patriotic Education of Children and Youth (Rospatriottsentr) together with the Moscow State Institute of Culture.









President of Russia Vladimir Putin:

Good afternoon.

I already have a general idea of what this forum is about. Now I hope to hear more details from you. At any rate, what I have seen here is very interesting and impressive. Most importantly, I think the participants like it.

Let us start. Please.



Anton Chubakov:

Good afternoon.

My name is Anton Chubakov, I am from Tula. I am a trained artist and painter. Here at Tavrida, I am presenting the project, Samovar: the 21st Century Flea. ["Flea" is an allusion on - https://vnnforum.com/showpost.php?p=...8&postcount=19 ; Samovar - https://vnnforum.com/showpost.php?p=...0&postcount=10 ]

I have a question related to my occupation. These days, if you want to become a professional artist, it takes you 15 years to study, first at an arts school, then college and university. Then artists start looking for a job all by themselves.

In the Soviet times, graduate artists would go to the Union of Artists with its art factories where they could get hired to work for the country.

Mr Putin, I would like to ask your opinion. Is it possible to bring back this tradition? And is it possible to serve your country through art?



Vladimir Putin:

I have to admit I was unaware of the fact that art factories ceased to exist. Of course, we should think about this because art is a special activity.

Art is not something that can conform and fit into certain boundaries. However, it needs support. I see your point and I have friends who are involved in the arts.

I know how difficult it can be to find clients. I understand you need stability. I will discuss it with my colleagues, including those at the Ministry of Culture. I think it is possible to create something similar.







Andrei Grigoryev:

Good afternoon, Mr Putin.

My name is Andrei Grigoryev, I am from Yekaterinburg. I am a student of the world-famous Nikolai Kolyada, creator of the Kolyada Theatre. He sends you his best.

Recently we shot a film about Nikolai Vasenin – a war hero, a member of the French resistance. You may have heard the story; we were very well supported by people in culture and the arts. Money was raised through crowd funding. And Sergei Lavrov even recorded a video message in support of our project.

So the film was shot and had success. We premiered the film in 57 cities and even received a presidential grant. The Russian Copper Company sponsored the project. Igor Altushkin fell in love with the life story of Nikolai Vasenin and was devoted to the success of our film crew and supported this project until the end. We are still involved with this film and, of course, we support the memory of Nikolai Vasenin.

I do not think I should retell the whole story, but what is important? I would like to note that Vasenin is my third film, I finished it, and now I am working on a feature film. It is a film about Grigory Perelman, the well-known mathematician, the pride and really the crown jewel of the maths world.

We developed this project for a year, wished Mr Perelman a happy 50th birthday with an orchestra under his windows – maybe somewhat odd, but it was cool actually. And on June 8, we managed to meet him in person.



Vladimir Putin:

I would say that was a huge success for you.



Andrei Grigoryev:

It really was a huge success.



Vladimir Putin:

I understand he leads a reclusive life.



Andrei Grigoryev:

Reclusive, yes.

If you like, you can open the materials and look them through now, while I talk.

We achieved a lot. And now we are moving on to the production stage. So, we would like to ask you (not for money)… We would like you to write a letter of recommendation to the Ministry of Culture, because such letters are very welcome.

And if we have your appraisal, you are the number one viewer in this country, and the success of Panfilov’s 28 Men and the success of Legend No 17 and many other films, in many respects, it seems to me, is owed to you. So, look through the materials, if you will; this is a young actor of the Kolyada Theatre.



Vladimir Putin:

But why is it written here “the luckiest mathematician”? He is the most talented, the greatest genius, perhaps?



Andrei Grigoryev:

That he is talented and a genius goes without question.

He used the money he got from the Courant University to prove the Poincare Conjecture. This was really phenomenal, because grants worth millions were being paid around the world and this conjecture remained an enigma to people for 98 years, but today, we have the chance to see the world in four-dimensional space.

More time will probably be needed to fully understand the implications of what he has achieved. Like with credit card algorithms, no one understood why mathematicians thought them up, but it happened. We want to ask you directly to come to the premiere, to support our film, and if you can – everything is set out in detail there – to sign a letter of reference.



Vladimir Putin:

What about Grigory Perelman himself…



Andrei Grigoryev:

He heard out our explanations of the whole project and had no objections.



Vladimir Putin:

He has no objections…



Andrei Grigoryev:

I also spoke to Sergei Yevgenyevich, his teacher.



Vladimir Putin:

Yes, but the main thing is that he supports the project, that he has no objections.



Andrei Grigoryev:

Yes, of course, because two films have already been made about Hawking, and about Steve Jobbs…



Vladimir Putin:

You are absolutely right, and I fully support you, but you must get his permission.



Andrei Grigoryev:

Of course. I can say from the outset that he is not going to sign anything. Our task is to ensure that our artistic interpretation of his life is as objective as possible. I will do everything to ensure this. We have already written the screenplay.



Vladimir Putin:

You are quite right and I support you completely.



Andrei Grigoryev:

Will you come to the premiere?



Vladimir Putin:

I will try.



Andrei Grigoryev:

Thank you. That would be great.



Vladimir Putin:

I do not know yet when your premiere will take place and where I will be at that moment.



Andrei Grigoryev:

June 13, 2019, 664 days from now. It says so here. The photo shows Alexei Romanov, an actor from Kolyada Theatre.



Vladimir Putin:

Will Perelman himself attend?



Andrei Grigoryev:

I certainly hope so.







Sergei Pershin:

Friends, let us move from cinema to theatre. If there are no objections, I would like to give the young culture representatives here in our improvised hall the chance to speak.



Vladimir Putin:

Were the previous speakers not young?



Sergei Pershin:

Yes, they are young too, like everyone who takes part in our forum each year. But they already have achievements to their names.



Daniil Chashchin:

Good afternoon, Mr Putin.

My name is Daniil Chashchin and I am from Tyumen. I am a theatre and film director and so my question will concern this area of activity. This is quite a pressing issue that the Tavrida forum has discussed over the last three years and it comes up constantly in theatre and film education too, backed by rectors and the leading theatre and cinema teachers, but it does not translate into direct instructions.

The issue is that of giving people who already have higher education the chance to train as directors. The specific nature of a director’s work requires a certain life and professional experience, as well as an artist’s, choreographer’s, musician’s and actor’s skills.

Many of our great directors such as Yury Lyubimov or Vasily Shukshin only entered the profession when they were well over thirty and had previously worked in other professions. I often travel the provinces staging shows, and I know a huge number of talented and creative people who already have a higher education. They ask me how one goes about becoming a director, and I say, “Unless you have 300,000, it’s impossible”.

I believe that art is built on personality, and the director is the main personality, the one who organises the whole process. If we no longer have outstanding personalities, we will see a correspondingly different level in our cinema and theatre.

My question is, Mr President, would it be possible to resolve this problem through the system of presidential grants?



Vladimir Putin:

Yes, of course. These grants are already in operation, and I think they apply to this area as well.



Daniil Chashchin:

I have not yet heard anything.



Vladimir Putin:

The current legislation makes it possible to receive only one state-funded (free) higher education. This is the truth of the situation, but it is possible to make special provisions in the grant system. In other words, the system is already up and running and we just need to see whether it currently applies to this area of activity or not.

I know the Culture Ministry has already raised this issue and I support them. I do not think the sums in question are so large. This is a case-by-case situation. You are right, directors are unique products, and so, of course, we can do something here. We support this idea and will see that it goes ahead.



Daniil Chashchin:

Thank you very much.

I believe there are many people listening and applauding this decision of yours right now. Thank you.







Sergei Pershin:

To the new Shukshins.

Incidentally, on the subject of grants, you came to us last year…



Vladimir Putin:

Today, by the way, one of our outstanding directors, Andrei Konchalovsky, is celebrating his 80th birthday. Let us give him a round of applause and congratulate him. (Applause.)



Sergei Pershin:

He has just put together a new group of students at GITIS [Russian Academy of Theatre Arts].

As concerns grants, another Tavrida grantee is a person you supported last year. I would like him to say a few words. His name is Alexei, and he represents a community of architects and the Moscow Institute of Architecture. He developed a Kremlin renovation project. Can you tell us a little more about it?



Alexei Kapustin:

Good afternoon, Mr President.



Vladimir Putin:

Will I have to relocate for the renovation? Or can I stay in my office?



Alexei Kapustin:

No, relocation is not necessary. (Laughter)

Our project concerns the restoration of the Chudov Monastery and the Ascension Convent on the site of demolished Building 14. We showed you this project last year and, having received the grant, we completed it. It was actually your idea, you voiced it in 2014, and we started working on it almost immediately.

Our approach went beyond simple restoration of architectural monuments. The goal is to revive Russian national culture reflected in architecture; that is, not only to restore the past, but to create the future on the firm foundation of our great history, which is equally important. You also mentioned that this project needs promotion.



Vladimir Putin:

Are you an architect?



Alexei Kapustin:

Yes.



Vladimir Putin:

You speak like a writer or a poet. It is a pleasure to listen to you.



Alexei Kapustin:

Thank you.

You said that the project needs to be put out for public discussion, which we tried to do. It has featured in two documentaries on federal channels. We gave an interview and presented the project at some of the most prestigious architectural conferences. We also produced a book, and I would like to give you a copy.

This book describes how the project uses a combination of modern computer technology and traditional practices of classical restoration schools. Recently we showed this project to Patriarch Kirill, and he said that it was very important and supported it.

Moreover, this project became, if I may say so, an element of Russia’s soft power abroad. Just recently, the government of Republika Srpska within Bosnia and Herzegovina decided to use one of the churches from the project as a prototype for their church devoted to the Romanov family in the capital, Banja Luka. With support of the Sretensky Monastery in Moscow, we have already agreed on this with the eparchy and got approval for the project.

Mr Putin, on behalf of our team, I would like to say that we want to continue working on this project and, if possible and upon your instruction, to present it officially to the public. After that, if possible, we could start bringing it to life.

I believe this project could cultivate a new generation of architects who will not only be a creative but also an important, patriotic and spiritual elite. Russian architecture has always flourished and thrived intellectually in conditions like these.



Vladimir Putin:

Alexei, I like this idea very much. The only constraining factor is the opinion of your colleagues and experts in history, architecture and archeology. Many say, ”You should not touch this. No new-builds should appear at the Kremlin. As good as it may be, it will still look like a new-build against the background of ancient preserved churches.“ This is the first factor.

Secondly, this concerns a place where excavations are considered necessary by archaeologists. Overall, this is an issue for discussion; it cannot be approved by a sole authority, this has to be a sustained decision expressed by the public – either to recreate what used to be in this place or to preserve what we have. But the decision can be made only on the basis of an extensive public discussion.

The idea itself is appealing; it would be good to revive what we lost. The question is whether we can leave unharmed the things we have preserved while restoring the ones we lost. Let us think about it together.







Sergei Pershin:

The forum here is open to people with different abilities, including those with unlimited abilities, and we are proud of this. Some things are far from perfect as regards architecture and accessibility, but we are working on it.

I would like to give Svetlana the opportunity to ask her question, she is raising her hand.



Svetlana Kozinova:

Thank you, Sergei.

Good afternoon, Mr Putin. I have been waiting for this meeting for three years, to personally thank you for the peaceful skies and the opportunity for us, creative people, to do what we love. Thank you very much for this. Our grandparents, sadly, did not have such an opportunity. But back to the point. I am Sveta Kozinova, a fashion designer from Moscow. As you can see, I represent a rather small group of Russian citizens of about 13 million people. There is a problem – no one creates stylish and comfortable clothing for us.



Vladimir Putin:

See the irony? 13 million is almost ten percent of our population.



Svetlana Kozinova:

It is neither few nor many. Unfortunately, the number is growing among young people and adults, no one is immune to that. No one creates stylish and comfortable clothes for us, and no one considers our opinion.

At this forum, after speaking to experts, we have come to the conclusion that it is time to change the situation and to act. This is why we have launched a project that allows over 250 disabled people from Russia to engage in designing and creating a full-cycle inclusive clothing collection.

I would like to ask you, as the most popular person in Russian and world media, and your team to take part in this project and support it in various ways.



Vladimir Putin:

You mentioned this at just the right time, and here is why. The Government is working on a corresponding document, a strategy, but it is very specific and related to the support of production facilities manufacturing rehabilitation equipment for people with physical disabilities.

This issue can and definitely should be included in the strategy. I believe some considerable financing has been envisaged for two or three years – up to 1.5 billion for a start, so we will definitely include your issue there as well.



Svetlana Kozinova:

Can I ask one more question? Aside from financial support, which is important, are you, as the leader of our country, prepared to take part in an advertising campaign for this clothing?



Vladimir Putin:

For this clothing, I am.



Svetlana Kozinova:

Thank you very much!







Sergei Pershin:

Actually, new people have come this year ‒ young fashion designers. And to make it fair, Valeriya, any questions?



Valeriya Yefanova:

Good afternoon! I am from Yaroslavl. My name is Valeriya, and I am a designer of women's clothing. I have a question about style.



Vladimir Putin:

By the way, I will not advertise anything anymore. (Laughing.)



Valeriya Yefanova:

No, I will not ask for advertising.

I have a question about your style. Looking at old photos, we always notice that not just our inner world changes but also our appearance. So, what can you say about your style? How do you see it? How did it evolve with your personal growth?



Vladimir Putin:

You know, we hardly notice anything about ourselves. We look at ourselves in the mirror every day. Therefore, if we compare ourselves now with 10, 15, 20 or more years ago, then, probably, we can see a difference, but it happens easily and imperceptibly. I have the simplest style – a business one. I almost never go anywhere except my office. Sometimes I come to the Tavrida Forum.



Valeriya Yefanova:

But your style is recognisable.



Vladimir Putin:

I think that all people who are engaged in the same business have quite the same style.

In everyday life, I try to dress down, like now, to feel more comfortable. Of course, I want to look both dignified and handsome. I do not know what kind of style that is. As a rule, I just open my wardrobe and get dressed. Of course, I try to look decent, as cameras are on and millions of people watch me. Of course, I must look decent.

There is such a word – to bother. I do not bother with fashion Although I admit that this is very important, I agree. Especially when it comes to women's clothing, it is certainly an art. It took me quite a long time to understand this.

I can tell you about the evolution of my own views on clothes. As for architecture, art, music and theatre – that was all quite clear When I was a student, I did not think much about it.

But now I think this is an art, a creative process, and it is important as it creates our environment. And it is very important what environment we live in. So I wish you success.



Valeriya Yefanova:

Thank you. Likewise.







Sergei Pershin:

To respect the gender balance and give the different industries a chance to speak, I suggest that you speak, Georgy, if you have no objections. Georgy Fyodorov, from the music industry.



Georgy Fyodorov:

Good afternoon Mr Putin. I am Georgy Fyodorov, a composer from St Petersburg State Conservatory and artistic director of a symphony orchestra.



Vladimir Putin:

Super. How old are you?



Georgy Fyodorov:

22.



Vladimir Putin:

Well, that is really something.



Georgy Fyodorov:

I have been involved in this for five years now.



Vladimir Putin:

Do you have a full-fledged orchestra?



Georgy Fyodorov:

With varying success. (Laughter)



Vladimir Putin:

With varying make-up or varying success? Not all here are musicians, but in general, a classic orchestra has 120 members.



Georgy Fyodorov:

There are chamber orchestras as well, with 30–40 people.



Vladimir Putin:

And is yours a big orchestra or the chamber variety?



Georgy Fyodorov:

Mine is the chamber variety for now.



Vladimir Putin:

A chamber orchestra is not bad either. Having 30–40 people, that is quite something too.



Georgy Fyodorov:

I organised a mission with my orchestra. Thanks to Tavrida, this excellent forum, and the grant application process, we were able to obtain a grant to finance our development. We now plan to organise concerts targeting young audiences with little previous knowledge of classical music. We will play classical music that will draw them in and gain their interest. We plan to grab the public’s attention by describing works very vividly and emotionally, to get them interested in this culture, in Russian culture, including contemporary Russian culture. We want to make it interesting for them.

I would very much like to expand this project. Perhaps similar orchestras could be established in other cities as well to organise concerts that would make the public more involved in the world of classical music. This is a great undertaking and I think a noble one. This is a great responsibility as well.

So here is my question. You are the ‘artistic director’ of the largest ‘orchestra’ in the world.



Vladimir Putin:

Xi Jinping leads the largest ‘orchestra’ in the world.



Georgy Fyodorov:

Your ‘orchestra’ has the largest area.



Vladimir Putin:

The largest area, yes.



Georgy Fyodorov:

The largest area, no doubt. So, I have my question here somewhere. What is it like to be the ‘artistic director’ of such a large ‘orchestra’, the largest country in the world?



Vladimir Putin:

He is reading from the score.



Georgy Fyodorov:

And what is most important in conducting this ‘orchestra’?

Yes, I wrote it down on my music paper because it is the only paper I carry around. Thank you.



Vladimir Putin:

The most important things in my ‘orchestra’ are integrity and love for those you work for and for your job. Without that, it would be absolutely impossible to achieve any success. I can see you love your job, which is a great advantage on your side.

On the other hand, I think that among those in music, you very rarely see consumer behaviour. People in music are usually very gifted, they live in their own world, the world of sound, at least to a significant extent.

There are architects and painters here in the audience. They represent fine arts. But music, you cannot see it, you can only hear it. It always evokes different feelings in people. Only geniuses and talented people have it in them to play beautifully and tug on people’s heartstrings. During my visit to Sirius, I already said that one of my musician friends says that every year dozens and even hundreds of composers graduate around the world. How many years has serious music been composed? Maybe 250 or 300. Still, only 50 or 60 composers are performed in the world. Where are the others? Every year they graduate, they work hard and write music every day. For almost 250 or 300 years, they have been composing serious music and still, only 60 of them get performed, including at least 10 or 15 Russian composers. I hope you and your colleagues will be among them.



Georgy Fyodorov:

Thank you very much. Please come to our concerts.



Vladimir Putin:

Thank you very much. Good luck.

I would like to comment on your plans, which are quite good.

I sincerely wish you luck, and not only in promoting music itself but in promoting Russian arts in general. We must not only speak about music but also remember the people who created it, the composers and the conditions in which they worked, both Russians and foreigners. Many stories like these are very educative, especially for young people. Do you know about Schubert’s fate? Schubert. Well, he was very young and died at 31, I think.



Georgy Fyodorov:

Thirty-one.



Vladimir Putin:

Thirty-one. He was unlucky in relationships with women. So, once he went to certain female service providers, caught a nasty disease and died. He was a genius composer – and what an irony of fate, a tragedy. That was one era with its people and fates. Now, the Great Patriotic War, when Shostakovich’s Symphony No. 7 - https://vnnforum.com/showpost.php?p=...5&postcount=18 was created. I know the story very well as I am from Leningrad, or St Petersburg, and everybody there knows it. Well, you do, too. But not everybody in this country, especially young people. And these stories of how music pieces were created must be told. It is very interesting, informative and educational. I wish you good luck.







Sergei Pershin:

Actually, we had musicologists come this year to the forum’s music session. And since we are on the subject of composers, I cannot but mention the great composer Tikhon Khrennikov. The wheel of history has turned in such a way that for three years now, Tikhon Khrennikov, great-grandson of the composer and himself a composer of wonderful music, has been with us, shoulder to shoulder.



Tikhon Khrennikov:

Good afternoon Mr President.

I want to thank you for your love and respect for my great-grandfather Tikhon Khrennikov’s work and his song Moskovskiye Okna that you performed in Moscow at MEPhI [Moscow Engineering Physics Institute], around our country, and abroad too, just recently.



Vladimir Putin:

You are giving me an unbelievable compliment here, because I do not think this can be called ‘performance’, but thank you very much for such a well-intentioned view of my musical efforts.



Tikhon Khrennikov:

Mr President, I am a composer. You have raised a very relevant subject. The most important thing for any composer is to have his music performed. Often today, young, contemporary Russian composers creating symphonic music or music for opera and ballet, working in the major genres, encounter this problem of getting their music performed.

During the fourth session here, Airat Kashayev (conductor of the Tavrida symphony orchestra) and I organised a competition for composers among the session participants, a competition to write a symphonic piece. Twenty works were produced and the three best works were performed at the session’s final concert. All week long, we had with us maestro Murad Annamamedov, chief conductor of the Yaroslavl philharmonic. He very much liked one of Georgy Fyodorov’s works and wants to use it to open the new season in a month’s time in Yaroslavl. But this is the exception rather than the rule. It is very rare to have such good fortune. This is the great opportunity that the Tavrida platform gives us.

This brings me to my question and request: would it be possible to set quotas for theatres, philharmonics and other concert organisations to perform works by contemporary young Russian composers, approved, of course, by organisations such as the Composers’ Union or the Music Fund? Because a lot of very talented music is being written, but it is not known. Here, at Tavrida, we have heard it performed and immediately want to hear it performed more. This could be the chain that gives impetus to our culture’s continued development.



Vladimir Putin:

I am not sure about the idea of quotas. You realise that potential traps lay in wait here? It might mean bureaucratising the whole creative process. In general, the organisers of various competitions and major, seasonal or annual events do try to ensure that young composers’ work is performed. There is a system in place and the Culture Ministry and its relevant divisions are working on this. But I do understand the point you are making and your concerns are quite clear.

I cannot say right now what we could do to promote more actively young composers’ works and what we could do to bring them to the public. I am not ready to talk about specific mechanisms right now, but I share your concerns and agree that something should be done. Let us reflect on the matter, and if you have any concrete proposals, we will try to implement them. I will give it my reflection too and I will ask my colleagues in the Government and the Culture Ministry to think about it.



Tikhon Khrennikov:

Thank you.







Sergei Pershin:

Let us move from music to choreography. This is another area represented at Tavrida. Masha Molchanova. Masha, you can ask your question, please.



Maria Molchanova:

Hello, Mr President. My name is Maria Molchanova. I am from Nizhny Novgorod and represent the choreography section at the forum. The Tavrida Forum actively supports the International Festival of Youth and Students, and I have the following question for you.

The world festivals of youth and students in 1957 and 1985 produced tremendous responses among young people and had a significant impact on the country. What should we expect from the festival this year? What changes are possible given the fact that the festival will involve about 20,000 participants from 180 countries? Thank you.



Vladimir Putin:

You know, I will say what I think, but I hope that the organisers of this festival will hear me. These festivals were created mainly by leftist movements, and therefore were held in the Soviet Union and other socialist countries. I believe today we should avoid this politicisation and make this event dedicated to young people from all over the world, regardless of their political views. Of course, each person has their own preferences, likes and dislikes, and views. This is understandable, but such events should not be ideologised. And if we succeed, then Russia will be a good platform for uniting young people under the banner of universal humanitarian values. This is the most important thing, I think. And if direct contacts between people from different countries are established, despite any interstate difficulties and relations, this will continue in some creative activity, in the implementation of joint future projects, and that would be good.



Maria Molchanova:

Thank you.



Sergei Pershin:

We are very pleased that our children received a grant and implemented a project. It is a joy when a project comes to life, if it is beautiful. We are very pleased to see how our guys are growing, and guys who came in 2015, Dima, for example – Dima with the beard, who is already one of the leaders of a regional theatre, of which we are pleased. When he first came, he was an actor and hung by a hair. Dima, would you like to say something about the theatre?



Dmitry Akimov:

Yes.

Hello, Mr President!

Dmitry Akimov from Irkutsk. I am an actor and director of the Irkutsk Academic Drama Theatre. I am not the head yet.

I have the following question, or, to be more precise, proposal. Thousands of talented young people from all regions and from all over the country come to participate in the Tavrida Forum. Leading experts, educators and partners select us for the forum and conduct educational activities for us. And when we leave, we are almost ready to head cultural institutions in our regions. I have a suggestion: as I know, the Russian Popular Front is opening a youth division. Perhaps it is possible to establish a youth culture committee that would offer or consider certain Tavrida graduates for some leadership positions. We already understand where we should go, as we communicate and want to do something together.



Vladimir Putin:

Dima, first of all, I completely agree with you that we should promote young people. You may know that in recent years, there have been many young people in the regional leadership who worked in various industries and achieved good results. I hope people will vote for them at the upcoming elections, and they will head regions. Also, young people should be promoted in other fields, including culture and the arts. But the Popular Front was not established as a staff office. Of course, it can and should pay attention to promising and talented people, but it is not designed to promote them. This is a public movement, not a bureaucratic institution. But I will definitely think about how to structure the division you mentioned. Sergei Kiriyenko, who works on domestic policy in the Executive Office, is present here and is listening to our conversation. He is a neat, precise man. He used to head Rosatom, which required special accuracy and attention. We will think about your proposal.



Dmitry Akimov:

Thank you.



Vladimir Putin:

Thank you.



Sergei Pershin:

Come on, guys, ask your questions. Go right ahead.



Anastasia Bezruk:

Hello! My name is Anastasia Bezruk, I am a student of the directing department at the Russian State University of Cinematography, the documentary directing workshop taught by Sergei Miroshnichenko. As a young documentary filmmaker, I care deeply about documentary films, which are not seen much in our country because there are no distribution channels, and it is not profitable for cinemas to show alternative documentaries. 24_DOC, the only channel where it was possible to show creative and free TV documentaries, closed down.

Could you help introduce some measures at the federal level to help bring documentary films to audiences? My young colleagues and I have many proposals, including providing some breaks to cinemas for screening documentary films or allocating more time for the work of young documentary filmmakers on large TV channels.

Thank you.



Vladimir Putin:

I agree with you that this is an issue. Films are made, and they are full of talent and interest for people and the country, both of which have a need for them. I agree. Money is allocated. I do not know whether the sum is large, but funds are regularly allocated for film production. I do not remember exactly and may be mistaken, but in 2015, the sum was 283 to 285 million and in 2016, it increased to 315 or 320 million. So, money is allocated for production but the screening remains an issue. Additional funds are required to subsidise the screening on TV and at cinemas. We will consider this. This is also a financial matter. So we will consider it.



Sergei Pershin:

Yana’s eyes seem to be boring into me.



Yana Poimanova:

Good afternoon, Mr President. I am Yana Poimanova from the Republic of Crimea.

I am an artist, still a student. The Tavrida Forum has really changed my life. I have taken part in two forums, where I presented my projects related to children’s creative activities and won grants. Today I have an enjoyable and a very important mission. We have recently held a workshop for children, during which volunteers helped the kids make their own toys.



Vladimir Putin:

Which children? Where do they come from? From schools or kindergartens?



Yana Poimanova:

We cooperate with several Crimean orphanages. In this particular case, we worked with children from the republic’s rehabilitation centre for children in a difficult situation.



Vladimir Putin:

Is Sergei Aksyonov helping this centre? Sergei, give them your support.



Sergei Aksyonov:

I certainly will.



Yana Poimanova:

Of course. So, we held that workshop, during which the children made a symbolic present for you. It is a toy, a tiger cub. We want to give it to you on behalf of the children so that you keep it as your personal lucky charm, which will help us move forward together.



Vladimir Putin:

Thank you very much.

How many children are there at the centre? Mr Aksyonov, can you tell me?



Yana Poimanova:

The number keeps changing, because it is a temporary residence centre. Children live there until there is a decision whether they should be placed with a caregiver, parents or an orphanage.



Vladimir Putin:

Still, how many children are there?



Yana Poimanova:

When I visited it on August 17, there were some 40 children aged between two and 15.



Vladimir Putin:

They have given me such a wonderful gift. What can I give them? What does this centre need?



Yana Poimanova:

Actually, we wanted to ask you to support orphanages.



Vladimir Putin:

Yes, of course, but what exactly do you need?



Yana Poimanova:

I wanted to say that things are going well in Crimea now. I am really happy that it has turned out like that, because we also see the volunteer movement growing. So many things are getting better. And the orphanages are receiving sufficient funds now. Of course, some of them need repairs, but on the other hand, we make wall paintings there together with the children and also help the kids with socialisation, because social interaction is very important.



Vladimir Putin:

Good.

Mr Aksyonov, please tell me later what present I should make to this centre, will you? Thank you.



Sergei Aksyonov:

Will do.



Sergei Pershin:

This is a true volunteer who has not asked for anything.

More questions? Maybe the poets have questions?



Vladimir Putin:

Of course. Where are the poets?



Sergei Pershin:

Sasha Antipov.



Alexander Antipov:

Good evening, Mr President.

I am Alexander Antipov from Moscow, I write poetry. I represent Vlad Malenko’s Moscow Theatre of Poets. You have just seen what is going on there. This is the opening production we are preparing for the Sochi festival. This is where we hope to show it. I would like to share some thoughts with you. These are very interesting times for us, people who write poetry, since in the 1990s and early 2000s there was a generalised disregard for what we were doing.



Vladimir Putin:

It is just that we had other priorities.



Alexander Antipov:

Yes, this is what I wanted it say. But now I see an uplift of sorts. There are many young talented poets. Some are even talking about the advent of a new age in Russian poetry, and I agree with them. That is to say that there was the Golden Age, the Silver Age, the 1960s, and now us. Of course, we want to be heard. Not only do we want it, but we are seeking to find young talents. For this purpose, we have held the Filatov Fest three times already. This festival carries the name of Leonid Filatov. The winners and finalists at this festival can publish a book free of charge, and they also get to come here, to Tavrida, where they can find soulmates, communicate with each other at all levels and work together. Of course, a single seven-day session is not enough, which means that they have to continue working.

We are about to create a platform to this effect in Moscow. It will be called the Yesenin Centre. I know that you also love Sergei Yesenin’s poetry. We want this centre to serve as a platform, as a point of attraction for all poets, for young poets in Moscow and across the country. Let me use a metaphor to describe what I mean. When we look at the sky at night, what we see is the North Star, surrounded by other stars. What we want is for the Yesenin Centre to serve as a North Star shining for our young men and women, attracting them from the regions. I strongly believe that there are genius poets somewhere in Lipetsk, Krasnoyarsk or Vladivostok who can be the new Bashlachev, Vysotsky or Pushkin, who write poetry, but do not know where to go with it. We want to attract these young people by holding events, performances, concerts and other activities. I understand all too well that we cannot afford to lose this generation and let it fall into oblivion.

For this reason, I am very grateful to you for your understanding and attention to people who write poetry. I would like to invite you to visit the Yesenin Centre when it to see what we do. You have already seen some of the things that we do, but we have a lot more to show.



Vladimir Putin:

Where will this centre be located?



Alexander Antipov:

Near Novoslobodskaya and Dostoyevskaya metro stations: 4 Chernyshevskogo Pereulok, building 2.



Vladimir Putin:

Do you already have the premises for this centre?



Alexander Antipov:

Yes, we do.



Vladimir Putin:

And who provided the premises?



Alexander Antipov:

Moscow’s Department of Culture helped with that, of course. I would like to extend our thanks for that.



Vladimir Putin:

Mr Sobyanin has been helping you, has he?



Alexander Antipov:

He has. I would like to thank him for that.



Vladimir Putin:

When he hears this today, he will be even more eager to help.



Alexander Antipov:

That would be great.



Vladimir Putin:

I am one hundred percent sure that he will get the message.



Alexander Antipov:

We are hard at work, and looking forward to your visit.



Vladimir Putin:

Thank you.

You know, when you started talking, I interrupted you, please forgive me for that. But what I said was that in the 1990s and early 2000s we had our hands full with other things and therefore neglected this. That was wrong, of course, because Russia was going through a very difficult period, and there is always a need for creative art, including the art of the word, in difficult times.

Take, for example, the Great Patriotic War, when Tvardovsky wrote his poetry and beautiful music pieces were created. But in the mid-90s and early 2000s, art was pushed to the back burner. This, unfortunately, was evidence of a serious degeneration in general, not only in the economy, but also in the social sphere, I would say. This is very sad, because when times are hard, but the country is still united and healthy from within, people need literature to help them recover, to overcome the difficulties. And if it is not in demand, we are in big trouble. Apparently, this is what happened to us then, because, as you quite rightly said, it was not in demand. But now you have a good project here.

I also believe not enough is being done in publishing, especially young authors, in distribution to libraries and so on. The Internet is choking and disrupting this segment. So you need to use modern delivery means for your products, if I may say so. Modern technology should be used. In this context, it is important to establish such centres as sources of combined efforts, sources of collective creative endeavour, of communication with each other. I am sure that Mr Sobyanin will continue to help. If I can help in any way, let me know, I am ready.



Alexander Antipov:

Thank you.

About the Internet, as you said – we do recruit our guys, poets, we find them on the Internet. We can see, so to speak, all the social networks and all the opportunities. So we pick them one by one. The Internet is very important, of course.



Vladimir Putin:

When you launch this centre, you might want to establish direct contacts with the [Presidential] Executive Office, and we will think about additional grants to at least support the distribution of your products, so that you do not encounter problems like the ones with documentary films.



Alexander Antipov:

Thank you very much.



Sergei Pershin:

Let us pass the mike over there and give them a chance to ask their questions.



Alexander Shkolenko:

Mr Putin, good afternoon. My name is Alexander Shkolenko, and I am from Tyumen. My question is about children.

I will perhaps express the opinion of millions of parents and particularly those that I work with and know personally. It concerns pop culture, pop culture on screens, in music and so on. You said it yourself that it is important to promote human values. Obviously, every parent thinks about this and wants to instil the best values in their children. But the pop culture we see on screens does exactly the opposite and acts as a counter-force. We see murder, crimes, a distorted perception of family, and primitive desires. In fact, these are the behaviour models that our children follow. I work in children’s education myself and I can see it happening.

However, my team and I are trying to solve this through the Zero Plus international film festival that only screens films promoting such human values as kindness, friendship, family and love. In addition to festival events throughout the year, our mobile cinema travels through rural areas. We show films and discuss them. It is a sort of conscious, meaningful viewing, education through films. We have organised events in other regions too. This is our alternative to the regular cinema.

With all this in mind, I have two questions. My first question concerns a possible mechanism, whether an existing or a future one, that will filter mass culture. Even if it only filters commercial projects, while commerce is working a generation is growing up. What can be done about this? Is there a mechanism? Is it possible to develop one? Does this require experts? We are willing to participate, if necessary.

My second question is about support for public organisations and youth projects that have demonstrated their sustainability and efficiency over the years. I do not mean support that helps reproducing what already exists but support that will help to expand beyond one region. We are currently developing an online cinema and trying to enter the digital market for children with children’s and family films. These are my questions. I would be very interested in your opinion. Thank you.

Also, I did not want to mention this, but I think I will. My grandmother Lidiya is a big supporter of yours. And she sends her regards. (Laughter.)



Vladimir Putin:

You almost omitted an important part.



Alexander Shkolenko:

This is also about family.



Vladimir Putin:

Not just about family. Please give your grandmother my regards and tell her that I truly appreciate her support. No irony here. I do appreciate it.

Speaking about censorship, which is what you were talking about, actually, yes, we do have a painful heritage in many areas, and censorship is one of them. On the other hand, the information chaos you have mentioned is a concern for millions of people.

I will tell you about my last meeting with Daniil Granin, who has recently passed away. I was presenting a state award to him in St Petersburg. When the ceremony was over, I approached Mr Granin again to congratulate him on his award and to thank him for what he was doing, for his work. I bid him good-bye and went away. When we were saying good-bye to each other, he looked very closely and even askance at me. And when I reached the door of the awards room, I stopped and thought that something was amiss, that he probably wanted to tell me something. And so I turned back. I said, “Mr Granin, was there anything you wanted to tell me?” He replied, “Actually, I wanted to have a word with you, when you have time.” I said, “You know that I never have time. But since we are here, let us talk now.” We went into an adjacent room and I asked my colleagues for tea. And we sat down at the table and talked.

It was a very interesting and instructive conversation for me, because Mr Granin died several weeks later, and I never saw him again. One of the issues he raised was the one you have mentioned today. He said, “Look, whenever we turn on the television or access the Internet, we hear the same news: who stole what, how much and how. This is intolerable!”

As you may know, I maintain regular, though not permanent contact with the managers of our main television networks and those who influence information on the Internet. I can tell you that they are aware of the issue and have been trying to improve this situation. Sometimes they succeed, but sometimes they fail. It is very difficult to screen information in this world. It is feared that such screening can take an ideological pivot and society will have no opportunity to receive reliable, open and direct information. It looks as if screening information would be very difficult to do in the age of the Internet, yet some attempts to do this have been made in some countries.

What do we keep saying? We say that everything that is prohibited by law must be prohibited everywhere, including the Internet, television and in other media. Other forms of screening can be only done by the creative community itself. If this community manages to create a system of moral and ethical filters, this would be very good for minimising, if not precluding, the authorities’ influence on this process, though precluding it would be perfect.

Let us do this together, let us think about creating such mechanisms together, and when I say ‘together’ I mean both you and people of other creative professions and the managers of media outlets.

Thank you very much for raising this issue.

You know, I probably should move on to another site.



Sergei Pershin:

The last question then.



Vladimir Putin:

Thank you very much.



Sergei Pershin:

It appears that Yana has decided what she wants to ask from you, because her eyes are again boring into me.



Yana Poimanova:

Mr Putin, we have nothing specific to ask for, because of the enormous scale of this issue. But we do have a symbolic request. Can you sit for a photograph with us and hold the tiger toy the children have made for you, so that I can show them that I have given you their present?







Vladimir Putin:

We will certainly do this now, and you will show the photograph to the children. But first I will ask Mr Aksyonov to tell me later what we can do to help this children’s centre.



Yana Poimanova:

Yes, I am just a volunteer, and I think that Mr Aksyonov knows better what we need.



Vladimir Putin:

He will tell me. I see that it is difficult for you to put your requirements into words, probably because you do not know exactly what the centre needs. But the Governor should know, and he will tell me.

The final question now. Please, the young man in a sailor shirt.



Alexander Petrov:

Good afternoon, Mr Putin.

My name is Alexander Petrov; I am also a composer, from St Petersburg.



Vladimir Putin:

A good last name for a composer.



Alexander Petrov:

Yes, and quite uncommon, too. In Tavrida, I presented my project, the Russian Spring in St Petersburg international art festival, and received a grant last year. This year, the festival took place in St Petersburg.



Vladimir Putin:

Are you from St Petersburg?



Alexander Petrov:

I come from Samara, but now I am studying at the St Petersburg Conservatory, I have just finished my third year. I live, work and study there. I have a question that probably has to do with the development of Russian culture in general.

As we all know, Russia has become a centre for integration, that is, with a number of post-Soviet republics returning to cooperation within the framework of the Eurasian project. What is your attitude to supporting projects involving interaction between creative young people and countries of the Russian world?

I am talking about holding joint events, where they could come together, communicate, and show their creativity. This can be viewed as a sort of soft power, as they say now, in our politics. Actually, I already have such a project. I have already started working on it.



Vladimir Putin:

First, I must say that I fully support this, because the republics of the former Soviet Union are independent states today, but we have many things in common with these countries, with these peoples. For hundreds of years, we were part of a single nation, and some of these republics had never been independent states before and had never even had any state institutions. They were established under Soviet rule. These republics first emerged as republics of the Soviet Union, and then as independent states largely due to the fact that they co-existed with other peoples of the USSR as part of a single state.

This is something we must preserve and never forget. On the contrary, it is a big plus, which we should use for the benefit of Russia, for the benefit of our neighbours, because, combined efforts always boost competitiveness in all spheres: in the military, economic, and, incidentally, in the humanitarian sphere, in the sphere of creativity. What is your project about, specifically?



Alexander Petrov:

My project is called Russian Spring in St Petersburg. It is a project that brings together the creativity of young composers, it involves folk music. It was held this year with the support of the Russian Union of Composers and the Leningrad branch of the Russian Folklore Union. I would like to expand it now to several other areas.



Vladimir Putin:

What is it about? What do you do there?



Alexander Petrov:

We had a week of concerts from April 3 to 9 at various venues in St Petersburg, including creative meetings, discussions at the St Petersburg Conservatory supported by our Department of Composition. There were concerts of various formats, including folk groups. There was even a day of folklore on the itinerary.



Vladimir Putin:

Is this your project?



Alexander Petrov:

Yes, this is my project, I am doing it.



Vladimir Putin:

And who has actually supported it? This requires funding, money and administrative support.



Alexander Petrov:

We did have some support, of course, but we probably needed more, because the project itself, of course, requires large-scale support. I know there is a Russkiy Mir Foundation, for example, which works in this area. Maybe it would be possible somehow…



Vladimir Putin:

Fine, I hear you. And our colleagues are here. We will make a note of it and see how you can be further supported. This is a very good, useful and promising project.



Alexander Petrov:

Thank you.



Vladimir Putin:

I wish you every success.



Inna Yakovleva:

Good evening, Mr Putin.

My name is Inna Yakovleva. I come from Rostov-on-Don, where I teach at the Rostov Arts College and work as secretary of the Rostov Composers’ Organisation. I will be brief.

In 2015, the 21st Century Mighty Group creative youth association was established in Tavrida, bringing together young composers and music scholars. We have a development plan until 2025 covering our educational activities and efforts to support music scholars and composers. We would like to show it to you, so that our undertaking is not left unnoticed, since it has great importance for us.



Vladimir Putin:

What do you mean by showing it to me? How?



Inna Yakovleva:

We would like to share with you some challenges related to our development programme.



Vladimir Putin:

In what way? Where, when and what? Right here? Do you want to give me a booklet or something?



Inna Yakovleva:

We have not thought about it.



Vladimir Putin:

That is not a problem.



Inna Yakovleva:

We would like to submit our proposal to the Presidential Executive Office, since it is quite a lengthy document.



Vladimir Putin:

Go ahead. Sergei Kiriyenko is here. He will gladly take it from you so that we can see how we can provide additional support.



Inna Yakovleva:

There is also one thing we wanted to ask you. We had a year of culture, a year of literature, a year of cinema, but not a year of music. We would like to ask you to support the idea of holding the Year of Music in 2019. Thank you.



Vladimir Putin:

I will look at your materials. Please, make sure that you hand them over, so that we can see what can be done to support your project.

As for the Year of Music, I have already said that this is a unique and universal art. Music is a magical and very important art. Russia has things to be proud of and to show the world. So if we decide to hold the Year of Music, we can provide additional development opportunities to young musicians. That said, dedicating a year to a specific activity at the national level requires careful planning and a public debate. Anyway, thank you for suggesting this idea.



Nikita Voronkov:

Mr Putin, good afternoon. I am Nikita Voronkov from St Petersburg. I graduated from the school where you also studied, School No.281. I am now studying at the Institute of Culture and the Arts to become a stage director. I have a proposal. It concerns art as a school subject.



Vladimir Putin:

How did you transition from chemistry and physics to stage direction?



Nikita Voronkov:

It was fate. I propose adding a new subject at school.



Vladimir Putin:

The thing is that the school my colleague mentioned is focused on chemistry.



Nikita Voronkov:

And also physics.



Vladimir Putin:

Yes, its focus is on chemistry and physics.



Nikita Voronkov:

So, I propose adding a new subject to the curriculum, Acting, because it not only teaches acting but also helps overcome inhibitions and develops imagination. I also suggest making Acting a core subject. Not as important as mathematics or literature, but at least as important as art. If we do this, we will have a new generation of free and open people. Please, consider this, think about adding a new subject, Acting. Thank you.



Vladimir Putin:

An additional subject where?



Nikita Voronkov:

At school. And make it not an extracurricular subject, but part of the curriculum. Thank you.



Vladimir Putin:

You know, Nikita, this is a very complex issue, because there are very many subjects that could be added to the school curriculum. Those who propose this have very convincing arguments to prove that the subject they propose is extremely important.

It is true that everything is important, including the issue you have raised. You are quite right, this is true. The problem is which subjects should be the core of the curriculum and which can be voluntary or extracurricular subjects. This is for professionals to decide, including child psychologists, teachers and other professionals. The decision on priority subjects should be taken by consensus. But I agree that this issue is worth considering.



Nikita Voronkov:

Thank you.



Sergei Parshin:

Thank you very much. Let us all thank our guest once again.





The source of information - http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/55376





About Nikolai Kolyada, Nikolai Vasenin and Igor Altushkin - https://vnnforum.com/blog.php?b=1218

About Grigory Perelman - https://vnnforum.com/blog.php?b=1219

About Yuri Lyubimov - https://vnnforum.com/blog.php?b=1221

About Vasily Shukshin - https://vnnforum.com/blog.php?b=1222

About Andrei Konchalovsky - https://vnnforum.com/blog.php?b=1223

Tikhon Khrennikov - https://vnnforum.com/showpost.php?p=...1&postcount=37

About Leonid Filatov - https://vnnforum.com/blog.php?b=1224

About Sergei Yesenin - https://vnnforum.com/blog.php?b=1225

About Alexandr Bashlachev - https://vnnforum.com/blog.php?b=1226

Vladimir Vysotsky - https://vnnforum.com/showpost.php?p=1973110&postcount=8

Aleksandr Pushkin - https://vnnforum.com/showpost.php?p=...6&postcount=21

About Aleksandr Tvardovsky - https://vnnforum.com/blog.php?b=1227

About Daniil Granin - https://vnnforum.com/blog.php?b=1228
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Piglet said that the best place would be somewhere where a Heffalump was, just before he fell into it, only about a foot farther on.
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Old August 26th, 2017 #576
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Visit to international jazz festival



Vladimir Putin visited the 15th Koktebel Jazz Party international festival. Its main theme this year is Same Place, Same Jazz.



August 20, 2017 - 23:20 - Koktebel









President of Russia Vladimir Putin:

Good evening, friends. I would like to convey my heartfelt greetings to all of you, but first I would like to express my gratitude to the festival’s organisers.

I believe this wonderful festival was held for the first time 15 years ago, in 2003. Since then, 150 leading musical groups from all over the world have performed here, and this time you will be able to listen to 10 glorious groups, 10 jazz bands who are our friends.
















Music is a kind of Esperanto, an international language that needs no translation, a language that brings people together.

We are grateful to our guests, the musicians and also the festival’s organisers. Congratulations on this wonderful festival.

All the best!





The source of information - http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/55377






Anatoly Antonov appointed Russian Ambassador to the USA



Vladimir Putin issued an Executive Order appointing Anatoly Antonov Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Russian Federation to the United States of America and, concurrently, Permanent Observer of the Russian Federation at the Organisation of American States in Washington, USA.



August 21, 2017 - 14:45













In another executive order, the President relieved Mr Antonov of his duties as Deputy Foreign Minister.

Mr Putin also signed an executive order releiving Sergei Kislyak of his duties as Russia’s Ambassador to the United States and Russia’s Permanent Observer at the Organisation of American States in Washington.





The source of information - http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/55380
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Where should they dig the Very Deep Pit?
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Old August 26th, 2017 #577
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Working meeting with Tomsk Region Acting Governor Sergei Zhvachkin



Mr Zhvachkin briefed the President on the socioeconomic situation in Tomsk Region. Among the issues discussed at the meeting were complaints from local residents sent in during the Direct Line with the President.



August 21, 2017 - 15:50 - Sochi









Mr Zhvachkin spoke of the projects in science and innovation, and social sector initiatives implemented in the region. The region has recreated an innovative infrastructure and is developing innovative business.

The region’s current priorities include competitiveness and technical upgrading, Mr Zhvachkin said. The regional government is working with the Natural Resources Ministry, universities and big business, in particular Gazpromneft, to develop specific proposals for extracting 506 million tonnes of explored heavy oil reserves.

Mr Zhvachkin set out his proposals for the region’s technological development, in particular, plans to get universities involved in fundamental research and proposals on a number of social projects in the region. One of these involves bringing quality drinking water supplies to 300 settlements. New research has made it possible to develop special, relatively low-cost water treatment installations.

Mr Putin underscored the need to remain mindful of people’s direct everyday needs, even while carrying out big regional projects. The President also drew Mr Zhvachkin’s attention to a number of complaints that he received from Tomsk Region residents during the Direct Line. They concern matters such as wage arrears, resettlement from dilapidated housing, and other current matters.

Mr Zhvachkin said that he will take part in the gubernatorial election in this autumn, and Mr Putin wished him good luck and success.

Tomsk Region will hold its gubernatorial election on the single voting day on September 10.





The source of information - http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/55381






Working meeting with Astrakhan Region Governor Alexander Zhilkin



Vladimir Putin had a working meeting with Astrakhan Region Governor Alexander Zhilkin to discuss the socioeconomic situation in the region.



August 22, 2017 - 13:30 - Sochi







Alexander Zhilkin updated the President on the socioeconomic situation in Astrakhan Region.

A separate issue on the meeting agenda concerned requests from the region’s residents submitted during the recent Direct Line with Vladimir Putin.

The President instructed the Governor to step up the work to connect buildings in the region to the gas supply network and to settle the issue with the allocation of land plots to families with many children.

Vladimir Putin also highlighted the importance of finding solutions to transportation and waste removal issues.

The Governor also informed the President about plans for the development of medical tourism in the region. According to Mr Zhilkin, last year, the city’s medical institutions provided services to 85,000 patients from across the country and 25,000 foreign tourists from the Caspian states.

The head of the region also reported on the positive dynamics of Astrakhan Region’s economy, in particular GRP [gross regional product] and industrial production levels.

This year, according to Mr Zhilkin, industrial production in the region increased by 29 percent, namely, salt and gypsum production, building materials, and rubber products industries. The machine-tool plant has shown good growth, operating as a joint venture with Chinese partners. According to the Governor, five residents of the region’s free industrial and economic zone are building manufacturing facilities for innovative products such as third-generation syringes and drop pipes for melioration across Russia.

Mr Zhilkin also said that the region’s tax revenue is growing, expected to exceed 100 billion rubles this year.





The source of information - http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/55390






Greetings to organizers, participants and guests of International Military-Technical Forum ARMY-2017



August 22, 2017 - 13:10 - Moscow





President of Russia Vladimir Putin:

Dear friends,

It is a pleasure to welcome the organizers, participants and guests of the International Military-Technical Forum ARMY-2017.

As usual, the program is quite rich in events. One of the major attractions, of course, will be the demonstration of the most advanced weapons and military equipment.

All those interested will have a chance to become acquainted with Russia's achievements in the defense industry and science and to see the growing capabilities of our Armed Forces.

Significantly, the Forum also provides a platform for an active international dialogue. It gives an opportunity for military agencies and enterprises, scientists and experts to establish new contacts. Here, the most pressing problems and challenges, as well as ways to deal with common threats become subject of substantive professional discussions, which helps strengthen mutual trust.

It is only together, by joining our efforts and respecting the national interests of all states, that we can ensure effective and sustainable development for the benefit of millions of people.

I am sure that ARMY-2017 will be remembered not only as one of the largest military technical exhibitions of the year, but also as an example of fruitful international cooperation.

I wish the organizers every success with the upcoming activities, and an enjoyable experience and all the best to the participants and guests of the Forum.





The source of information - http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/55389
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Where should they dig the Very Deep Pit?
Piglet said that the best place would be somewhere where a Heffalump was, just before he fell into it, only about a foot farther on.
(c) Alan Alexander Miln
 
Old August 26th, 2017 #578
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Telephone conversation with Angela Merkel, Emmanuel Macron and Petro Poroshenko



Vladimir Putin had a telephone conversation with Chancellor of the Federal Republic of Germany Angela Merkel, President of the French Republic Emmanuel Macron and President of Ukraine Petro Poroshenko.



August 22, 2017 - 23:45



The telephone conversation with Angela Merkel, Emmanuel Macron and Petro Poroshenko resulted in the following joint statement:

“On August 22, 2017, the heads of state and government of the Normandy Format countries – Russia, Germany, France and Ukraine – had a telephone conversation.

The leaders voiced their firm support for the decision the Contact Group is expected to make on August 23 to declare a ceasefire in connection with the start of a new school year.

The leaders expressed hope that the ceasefire would lead to a stable improvement of the security situation for the benefit of schoolchildren and the entire civilian population of Donbass.

On the basis of a stable ceasefire the leaders undertook to continue providing personal assistance to the further implementation of the Package of Measures adopted in Minsk in February 2015.”





The source of information - http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/55397






Meeting with Prime Minister of Israel Benjamin Netanyahu



Vladimir Putin met in Sochi with Prime Minister of Israel Benjamin Netanyahu, who is in Russia on a short working visit.



August 23, 2017 - 12:30 - Sochi







Mr Putin and Mr Netanyahu exchanged views on developing bilateral relations and on the situation in the Middle East.





President of Russia Vladimir Putin:

Mr Prime Minister, colleagues,

I wish you all a warm welcome to Russia.

I am pleased to see that we have developed effective cooperation mechanisms, including at the top level. We hold regular and urgent meetings when the circumstances call for our direct involvement, and discuss bilateral relations and the situation in the region.

Let me start today by saying that we are happy with the state of our bilateral relations, which have developed in part through your direct efforts, Mr Prime Minister.

We are very pleased to see you. Welcome.



Prime Minister of Israel Benjamin Netanyahu (retranslated):

Mr President,

Thank you for this meeting. It is important for Israel and for Russia.

I want to take the opportunity too to thank you for the pension agreement between our countries, which is a help for citizens of both countries, and for your personal decision to help World War II veterans, Soviet army veterans, living in Israel.



Vladimir Putin:

This is a sacred matter.



Benjamin Netanyahu:

We, and I personally, will never forget the historic role that Russia and the Soviet army played in defeating Nazism. We say this everywhere, at all venues. We recently declared this in the Israeli Knesset.

Mr President, you know well that it is for this reason that I took the initiative in my time of erecting a monument in the town of Netanya to the liberator soldiers of the Soviet army, and you took part in that monument’s unveiling.

In this context, Israel cannot have objections to Russia’s participation in the important project at former concentration camp Sobibor. The Soviet officer of Jewish origin who led the famous uprising at Sobibor is naturally celebrated as a national hero in Russia and in Israel.

Mr President, we have been meeting over these last years, not only to discuss our bilateral relations but also to examine the situation in the Middle East, where developments have been happening at a rapid pace of late.

Iran is making tremendous efforts to bolster its presence in Syria. This is a threat for Israel, for the Middle East, and, I believe, for the entire world. Iran has also made serious advances in extending its control and influence in Iraq and Yemen. In many respects, it is Iran that exercises real control in Lebanon today.

Mr President, we are fighting and defeating ISIS through common efforts, and this is very important. But what is worrying is that where we defeat ISIS and it disappears, Iran steps in. We must not forget for an instant that Iran continues to threaten Israel’s destruction every single day. It arms terrorist organisations and encourages and initiates terrorism.





The source of information - http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/55399






Meeting with Vatican Secretary of State Pietro Parolin



Vladimir Putin received Secretary of State of the Vatican Cardinal Pietro Parolin at his Sochi residence.



August 23, 2017 - 16:20







On the agenda were key matters in relations between Russia and the Vatican in political and cultural and humanitarian areas.





President of Russia Vladimir Putin:

Your Eminence, guests, let me wish you a warm welcome to Sochi.

I recall what a warm reception I received at the Vatican and recall my conversation with the Pope. We value the trusting and constructive dialogue that has developed between the Holy See and Russia. We are working consistently to implement the agreements reached during my contacts with His Holiness Pope Francis. I am very pleased to see that the dialogue continues between our churches. I know that you have had talks with Patriarch Kirill. We welcome this dialogue that has begun directly between the Holy See and the Russian Orthodox Church.

There is no doubt that the common humanitarian values that the Holy See and the Russian Orthodox Church defend form the foundation for relations between the two churches and between Russia as a state and the Vatican.

Welcome!



Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin (retranslated):

Mr President,

Thank you for these words of welcome and for your country’s invitation to come to Russia and meet with you at the end of this three-day visit.

My words of thanks and greetings are spoken on behalf of the members of our delegation and of the Apostolic Nuncio present here today, and are addressed not only to you, but to all members of the Russian delegation. I pass on the warmest greetings from His Holiness Pope Francis, who recalls his meetings with you very well.

This visit and meeting are taking place at an important time with regard to our bilateral interstate relations, and also with regard to the relations between the Holy See and the Russian Orthodox Church.

With regard to the bilateral ties between the Holy See and the Russian Federation, we are very happy with these relations’ development, with the initiatives and contacts pursued and the various meetings that take place. Yesterday, we signed an agreement on visa-free travel for our respective diplomats.

As for the relations between the Catholic Church and the Russian Orthodox Church, of course, there was the meeting between the Pope and the Patriarch last year in Havana, and then there was the arrival in Russia of the relics of St Nicholas, an event which ended just recently.







Vladimir Putin:

All of Russia’s Christians express special thanks to you and to Pope Francis for this. And all art lovers express great thanks to you for organising the exhibition of works from the Vatican museums at the Tretyakov Gallery. As you know, we are now preparing a reciprocal event – the exhibition The Spiritual Heritage of Russian Art from Icon Painting to Avant-Garde. With your help, this exhibition will take place in 2018.



Pietro Parolin:

Of course, as you mentioned, our diplomacy comprises various levels and covers the political spectrum and also various cultural initiatives that we pursue. I see a new dynamic that has emerged over the recent months and years in relations between the two churches. I hope that all participants in this process will continue working in this direction in order to expand our cooperation and bring us even closer together.

Once again, thank you for the opportunity to make this visit and to meet with you.





The source of information - http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/55402






Meeting with President of Armenia Serzh Sargsyan



Vladimir Putin met with President of Armenia Serzh Sargsyan in Sochi.



August 23, 2017 - 18:15 - Sochi







On the agenda were current bilateral relations and prospects for developing cooperation within integration associations.





President of Russia Vladimir Putin:

Mr Sargsyan, it is a great pleasure to see you.

We are marking some important milestones in our cooperation this year. Twenty-five years ago, we established diplomatic relations, and in a few days’ time, on August 29, we will mark the 20th anniversary of our key agreement on friendship and strategic cooperation.

Over this time, Armenia and Russia have done much to give a very solid basis to their relations as two sovereign states. We continue our intensive political dialogue and our bilateral cooperation in the economy, security, and military affairs. We work actively together within international organisations and in our integration bodies.

I am very pleased to see you and have this chance to discuss the full range of issues.







President of Armenia Serzh Sargsyan:

Thank you, Mr President, thank you very much.

It is a great pleasure to see you again and I thank you for the invitation.

Indeed, in a few days’ time, we will celebrate the 20th anniversary of the signing of our agreement on friendship, cooperation and mutual assistance. These last years have been an intensive period for the development of our interstate relations.

Our bilateral strategic ties and alliance are distinguished by ongoing intensive dialogue at the highest level, wide-ranging foreign-policy coordination, constructive cooperation in international and regional forums, and fruitful work together in the security, military and military-technical spheres.

Our trade and economic relations continue their intensive development. Our bilateral trade increased by 15 percent last year, and by close to 24 percent over the first six months of this year. We have constant contact between our governments and parliaments and are consistently developing our interregional cooperation and our work together in the humanitarian area.

Regular visits that take place at the top and high levels are an undoubted help here. This year, the speaker of the Russian Federation Duma and the secretary of the Security Council visited Armenia, and I made an official visit to Moscow, and our parliament’s speaker and our prime minister also visited Moscow. This autumn, we will receive Russia’s Prime Minister, Foreign Minister, and Minister [of Trade and Industry Denis] Manturov as members of a large delegation of entrepreneurs and government officials to take part in the second international forum on Eurasian cooperation. Our three most important bilateral commissions – on military-technical, trade and economic, and parliamentary cooperation – held meetings just a few days ago.

Russia will host the Days of Armenia this autumn. What is important is that the events to be hosted within the Days of Armenia programme are not limited to the Russian capital, but will take place in 13 different Russian cities.

Mr President, I want to thank you once again for Russia’s assistance in putting out forest fires.

Once more, thank you for the invitation and for the warm reception.





The source of information - http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/55404
__________________
Where should they dig the Very Deep Pit?
Piglet said that the best place would be somewhere where a Heffalump was, just before he fell into it, only about a foot farther on.
(c) Alan Alexander Miln
 
Old August 26th, 2017 #579
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Meeting on developing light industry



While on a working trip to Ryazan, Vladimir Putin held a meeting on measures to develop Russia’s light industry sector, with particular focus on growth prospects and efforts to fight production of counterfeit goods.



August 24, 2017 - 14:10 - Ryazan







The main speakers at the meeting were Minister of Trade and Industry Denis Manturov, President of the Russian Union of Entrepreneurs of Textile and Light Industry Andrei Razbrodin, and General Director of the Russian Union of Leather Workers and Shoemakers Alexander Andrunakievich.

Before the meeting, the President visited the Ryazan Tannery, where he looked over the leather-working and tanning shop, dyeing shop and the facilities producing leather for automotive and aircraft manufacturing industry needs. Mr Putin spoke with the factory’s workers and had a look at some of the goods produced by light industry enterprises.

Ryazan Tannery is part of Russkaya Kozha [Russian Leather] Group of Companies, Russia’s biggest genuine leather producer, which accounts for 35 percent of all leather production in the country.

The factory currently produces practically all types of genuine leather for shoes, furniture, clothing and haberdashery. The business delivers its goods to companies in Russia, Italy, Portugal, Spain, France and a number of Asian countries.









President of Russia Vladimir Putin:

Good afternoon, colleagues,

We met to discuss and address the problems and issues facing light industry sector in March 2013 in Vologda, and some colleagues have recalled that meeting today. We are returning to this matter today, and, together with the heads of leading companies in the sector and business association representatives, we will analyse the sector’s problems and outline concrete steps to develop it.

Much has changed since 2013. The sector and the economy in general have transformed. They have faced the objective difficulties that we know, and at the same time, Russian manufacturers have also gained new opportunities arising, above all, from the import replacement drive.







I note that Russia’s light industry is gradually entering a growth phase now. Last year, the textile, sewing, and leather and shoemaking segments were up by around five percent, and all three segments posted growth of approximately 6 percent for the first half of this year.

We are seeing the emergence and development of modern, competitive businesses that find their place on the domestic market and have good export potential too.

We are meeting at one such enterprise today. I looked at the reference materials before, and we heard from Mr Surin [Igor Surin, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Russkaya Kozha Group of Companies] that this is the biggest leather producer in Europe. This is wonderful to hear and I congratulate Mr Surin and his entire team of staff and workers on this. He told me with pride just before about the technology they use here, their efforts to achieve the highest quality standards, and the impact this has on sales.







It is important to support business activity growth in light industry and encourage the emergence of successful new enterprises. Of course, we also need to resolve the systemic issues that are holding back the sector’s effective development.

Many of these problems are of a chronic nature, unfortunately, particularly the fight against counterfeit goods and smuggling, which not only undermine competition on the domestic market but are a clear threat to our citizens’ health.

Let me give you a few figures. In 2013, when this issue was first raised and relevant instructions were issued, smuggled goods illegally brought into Russian customs territory accounted for 39 percent of retail sales, or around 1.1 trillion rubles. Today, the figure has come down, but we are still looking at 33 percent, or 860 billion rubles in sales.







Let me say that this is not a very convincing dynamic for these last three years, colleagues. I want to hear from you how each of you in your area views this problem, what steps you propose, what is getting in the way of regulating this problem, and what additional protective and regulatory measures we need to block this flow of illegal imports.

I stress here that counterfeit and smuggled goods devalue and hollow out the state support measures we provide for those working legally.

I was very happy to hear today that the measures the Government has been taking to support the sector are having an effect. This is reflected in what we see at concrete enterprises. But they would work far more effectively if it were not for the negative factors I mentioned just before, counterfeit goods and illegal import of foreign-made goods to our country.







I think that cleansing the market of dubious goods is an essential resource for developing light industry. Let’s reflect together on what additional steps we can take in this direction.

Another issue I want to examine concerns raw material supplies for our enterprises. As far as I know, the domestic market is experiencing a deficit in natural fibres and materials and their quality often falls below the standards demanded by the processing industries. This matter has also been mentioned today.

Flexible solutions are needed here to stimulate local production of these materials and at the same time cover manufacturers’ current demand.

In this context, I propose discussing the launch of a sub-programme within the state programme on agriculture. Mr Dvorkovich [Deputy Prime Minister Arkady Dvorkovich], I ask you to give this your attention. We have our first concrete example here today. Livestock suffer if they are not vaccinated in time, and this leads to a lower quality of raw materials later. I also think it is important to address the issue of removing excessive barriers for importing quality raw materials in cases where there is an objective need. Let’s discuss this matter too today.

We also need to develop light industry’s human resource potential, return these profession’s prestige, and attract young specialists into the sector. The main educational institutions working in this area are concentrated in Moscow today, but the actual production facilities are located mostly in the regions.

This situation requires thorough analysis. Future personnel should study in the locations where they will be able to gain practical experience and apply what they are taught in real life. Among other things, I propose examining the possibility of opening relevant faculties at the main companies in the sector.

Another very sensitive issue for young people and for all working in the sector is the wage level. The wage level at this company we are visiting today is higher than the region’s average, but this is not the case throughout the sector as a whole, unfortunately. From 2013 to 2016, the earnings each person employed in the sector was generating increased by 60 percent, but wages increased by approximately a third, and came to 18,600 rubles a month on average in the sector as at the end of last year. This is considerably lower than the average for the economy as a whole.

I propose that we reflect on what we can do to improve this situation and which measures are needed to attract young people into light industry sector.





The source of information - http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/55405






Meeting with Acting Governor of Ryazan Region Nikolai Lyubimov



August 24, 2017 - 15:20 - Ryazan







Vladimir Putin discussed with the Acting Governor the complaints that came in from the region’s residents during the Direct Line with the President and the current situation in the region, in particular, the state of roads, transport accessibility, provision of gas supply in rural areas, relocating people from dilapidated housing, and the situation in the region’s healthcare sector.





The source of information - http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/55414






Gala evening marking Miners’ Day



Vladimir Putin congratulated coal mining industry workers on Miners’ Day at a gala evening held at the State Kremlin Palace. Russia’s miners celebrate their professional holiday on the last Sunday of August.



August 24, 2017 - 17:45 - Moscow









President of Russia Vladimir Putin:

Friends,

I congratulate you on this occasion. Your professional holiday coincides with two significant dates this year: 295 years since coal mining began in Russia, and the 70th anniversary of this professional holiday, Miners’ Day, which we have celebrated all these years, showing our particular respect for this difficult work.

Russia’s vast and diverse mineral wealth has historically made it a leader in the global mining industry. Coal is one of the great gifts our land offers, with reserves sufficient for more than 500 years.

Miners’ Day was instituted as a holiday to honour the selfless labour and tremendous achievements of those working in the coal industry, which today is not just one of our national economy’s basic sectors, but is also an active and stable investor in the economy.







Last year, more than 73 billion rubles was invested in the coal industry’s development, and this year, the figure will go up to 90 billion. Investors’ money is going into modernising enterprises, spreading the use of modern, environmentally friendly technology, ensuring conditions for miners’ safe and confident work, resolving social problems in the sector, and bringing in solid orders in areas such as engineering, construction and transport.

The coal industry’s participation in carrying out major infrastructure projects helped to reinvigorate the Trans-Siberian and BAM railways and have given a boost to the development of the eastern regions in general, and the construction of big new port facilities at Ust-Luga and Vanino and the projects underway in Murmansk constitute a genuine breakthrough on the global coal market.







The coal industry’s success has a direct impact on our ability to ensure our energy security and strengthen our sovereignty. These achievements are all the result of the hard and responsible, even heroic, work put in by thousands of miners, engineers, technicians, and management staff at the coal companies, and also the result of the support from the Government and from the authorities in the main coal-mining regions. I take this occasion to note in particular the services of [Governor of the Kemerovo Region] Aman Tuleyev and his great personal contribution to the coal industry’s development.

Friends, all of the forecasts suggest that coal will remain one of our planet’s three basic energy sources for many, many decades to come. Russia, with its colossal reserves of high-quality coal and a strong coal industry, will be a leader in this sector, above all because we have people like yourselves, honest, reliable and decent people working at our companies.







Russia’s miners are a particular caste, a special breed of people, courageous and decent, true to their profession’s glorious traditions, and devoted to their country and people.

I want to thank you all for your labour, your desire to set new records and achieve new heights. I wish you good health, prosperity, and good luck in your work.

Happy holiday!





The source of information - http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/55417
__________________
Where should they dig the Very Deep Pit?
Piglet said that the best place would be somewhere where a Heffalump was, just before he fell into it, only about a foot farther on.
(c) Alan Alexander Miln
 
Old August 31st, 2017 #580
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Instructions in connection with wildfires in Rostov-on-Don and Volgograd Region



Minister of Civil Defence, Emergencies and Disasters Relief Vladimir Puchkov reported to the President by telephone about the progress being made in fighting wildfires and their consequences in the Volgograd Region and Rostov-on-Don. The Minister did not rule out the possibility of arson.



August 26, 2017 - 22:15



Vladimir Putin instructed the Government to continue rendering all the necessary aid to the victims of the fires and law enforcement agencies to thoroughly investigate the causes of the disaster.

A fire that broke out in Rostov-on-Don’s historic centre on August 21 destroyed around 120 buildings, some 100 of them being residential premises, and caused one fatality.

An emergency situation regime has been in effect in the Volgograd Region due to the fires. Over 6,500 people, more than 2,000 units of equipment as well as aviation of Russia’s Emergencies Ministry were involved in fire-fighting efforts.





The source of information - http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/55432






Meeting on relief measures following fires in Rostov-on-Don and Volgograd Region



Last night, Vladimir Putin arrived in Anapa after his working visit to Hungary to hold a meeting with the Emergencies Minister and the heads of the Volgograd and Rostov regions, where destructive fires took place recently.



August 29, 2017 - 07:30 - Anapa







Emergencies Minister Vladimir Puchkov, Rostov Region Governor Vasily Golubev and Volgograd Region Governor Andrei Bocharov updated the President on relief measures that have been taken following the fires.

Vladimir Putin issued instructions to provide the necessary assistance to the fire victims.









President of Russia Vladimir Putin:

Good afternoon, colleagues, or more precisely, good evening.

I want to hear your reports on the situation in Rostov-on-Don and the Volgograd Region.

Unfortunately, the scale of the disasters is huge. Judging by the documents available to me and by the Emergencies Ministry reports, the fires have affected a large number of populated areas with some 600,000 of population. This is serious.

I regret to say that there have been deaths and other casualties in both cases. The Emergencies Minister has told me that they are considering the possibility of arson in both cases.

I want to hear what you have to say and how the relief efforts are proceeding.

And second, I want the Emergencies Minister and the heads of these regions to tell me what they are doing to help people in Rostov-on-Don. The Government issued an instruction on August 28 to allocate funds for helping the fire victims. This involves one-time payments for the full or partial loss of property and also financial assistance to the families of those who have died in these fires.

An interdepartmental group is still assessing the damage in the Volgograd Region. I want to know how far this work has proceeded, how long it will take, at least tentatively, and when a decision on relief assistance can be taken.

Let us begin with Emergencies Minister Vladimir Puchkov. Go ahead, please.







Emergencies Minister Vladimir Puchkov:

Mr President, we received reports of an emergency situation in the Ust-Donetsky District of the Rostov Region on August 17. The situation was subsequently complicated by a big fire in Rostov-on-Don.

We formed a large relief group quickly, which included the aircraft of the Emergencies Ministry, the Defence Ministry and the National Guard, as well as land forces. We have organised the operation of the emergency commission for the Rostov Region as well as of the heads of local governments. Losses in this dramatic situation were minimal, thanks to the energetic measures and prompt evacuation of the people.

Assessment teams have largely completed their review of the scale of the tragedy. The Government adopted an instruction today and has allocated funds for Rostov-on-Don. Tomorrow we plan to complete the provision of financial assistance to the fire victims and also compensation for the loss of basic necessities and to those who have been injured in the fire.

Regarding the Volgograd Region, where the weather conditions were difficult and the scale of fire very large, we promptly dispatched heavy Il-76 aircraft with air spray tanks and Be-200ES aircraft, as well as helicopters to the region. This was done thanks to the energetic work of the emergencies commission for the Volgograd Region and cooperation with the federal group. These facilities have been used to evacuate people from those populated areas where their life and health were endangered. Also, we made the decision to evacuate five children’s summer camps. The children were safely returned to their parents.

We are also working with the people. At this point, 21 assessment teams are completing their work. The Government has prepared a decision on the allocation of funds for financial assistance to the victims and for compensation for the loss of basic necessities. We plan to complete these federal payments by the end of the week. Respective allocations from the regional budgets of the Rostov and Volgograd regions have been coordinated as well.

We have promptly organised temporary accommodation centres, and a special commission has analysed the situation. The standards of relief assistance at these centres are very high in Rostov-on-Don. Similar centres were also established in the Volgograd Region, but it turned out that there was no need for them.

I accompanied the governors to the disaster areas, where we talked to the people who have been affected by the fires. Overall, the situation was properly monitored, although there were minor hitches.

Our current joint priority is to provide targeted practical assistance to every victim and, of course, to settle all other issues, including the provision of housing.

This concludes my report.





The source of information - http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/55459






Greetings to participants, organisers and guests of Spasskaya Tower International Military Music Festival



Vladimir Putin sent a message of greeting to the participants and guests of the Spasskaya Tower International Military Music Festival.



August 26, 2017 - 20:00



The message reads, in part:

“The festival is renowned for its diverse, rich programme and for its special, inspired atmosphere. The spectators look forward to and delight in this event that has become a true trademark of our capital city. Its impressive and spectacular concerts have become a truly triumphant success. Each year, the Spasskaya Tower attracts more and more military bands and outstanding soloists, dancers and folk groups from Russia and many other countries.

I am confident that this year’s creative gathering will also be organised to a high standard and will be of interest to all fans of classical and modern music, to those who respect the military history of the Fatherland and revere the legendary traditions of military service.”





The source of information - http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/55431






Greetings to participants, organisers and guests of ISSF World Championship Shotgun 2017



Vladimir Putin sent greetings to the participants, organisers and guests of the ISSF World Championship Shotgun 2017.



August 30, 2017 - 10:00



The message reads, in part:

“Russia attaches great importance to the development of shooting sport. We are proud of the victories by Russian champions and record holders at the most prestigious international competitions, celebrate the record of success and achievement of the Russian shooting school, and are committed to further promoting this wonderful, spectacular sport. Of course, it is a pleasure and honour for Russia to welcome the world’s top shooting sport athletes.

I strongly believe that the championship will be very well organised, attracting a wide audience of shooting sport experts and fans, and will be remembered for its spectacular and inspiring moments, becoming a real treat for participants and guests.”





The source of information - http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/55472
__________________
Where should they dig the Very Deep Pit?
Piglet said that the best place would be somewhere where a Heffalump was, just before he fell into it, only about a foot farther on.
(c) Alan Alexander Miln
 
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