VLADIMIR PUTIN
ARCHIVE OF THE OFFICIAL SITE
OF THE 2008-2012 PRIME MINISTER
OF THE RUSSIAN FEDERATION
VLADIMIR PUTIN
ARCHIVE OF THE OFFICIAL SITE
OF THE 2008-2012 PRIME MINISTER
OF THE RUSSIAN FEDERATION
VLADIMIR PUTIN
Transcript of the beginning of the meeting:
Vladimir Putin: I would like to begin by thanking you for recent results. I remember Grozny in 2000 when it lacked not only streets, but even street signs. Today the city is practically restored. Of course, more can and must be done, but no small amount has already been achieved. This relates to Grozny, as well as to other towns and cities. But the most important thing is that this relates to the whole economy, although there are still many problems and one of them is unemployment. I spoke about this earlier, and even made a slip about Chechnya, but it follows Dagestan in the jobless percentage. That, of course, is a serious matter, which we must address together.
However, the general situation is positive - in demographic terms, where good results have been reported, in terms of gross regional product, in agriculture which is rising, and in wages that show some gradual improvement. What do you think is the most complex, most urgent issue today that we should focus on?
Ramzan Kadyrov: Mr Putin, allow me to say a couple of words first. When you started with our first president - this year marks the tenth anniversary of the establishment of our executive branch - we faced different tasks. And few people thought peaceful times would come allowing us to take up the economic issues we will discuss shortly. Today, our republic, thanks to your support and to the federal center, is doing a great deal. We have practically resolved the issue of education and are continuing to focus on healthcare. On your instructions, the Gudermes hospital was allocated 1.6 billion roubles. You promised the money when you were in Gudermes, and now we are seeing that promise implemented.
Today, we have massive unemployment, but the government is addressing this problem. We find partners and investors every time we travel abroad. So far, Slovenia and Croatia have come up with the most realistic proposals, which we will not be able to pursue without your support - almost 90,000 jobs in eight years. The directives you once issued on the part of the government were supported by the Ministry of Regional Development, the Ministry of Economic Development and the Ministry of Finance. And again there is a problem that calls for your decision. As usual, as always. I am not asking for money. (Laughs). But the republic needs support.
Today, as in other entities of the federation, our life is peaceful. The fight against terrorism might be said to be over. Speaking of people born in the Chechen Republic, the 70 militants we have ... The day before yesterday, we held talks with one group. They have nothing planned and are ready to raise their hands and come to us to say that all their decisions were wrong. We have won over the clergy, we have won politically and we have won economically. Now we need help with new jobs.
Vladimir Putin: I agree. I must say that the Chechen police are fairly effective. We see this and are grateful to you and the personnel of the Chechen police. The men show their mettle. I remember a conversation with your father, Akhmad-Khaji Kadyrov, when he told me: "It was impossible to live. In order to lead a more or less normal life, it was necessary to have a gang. And I had one." It was a time when the state was unable to ensure a secure and stable life.
I must say that the situation in the Chechen Republic today is even more stable than in other regions of the North Caucasus. And this is due not only to the efforts of the police and federal troops but, as you said, to the efforts in many directions, including with the clergy, the willingness for a dialogue with people who have made mistakes but are prepared to move on. The positive results you mentioned are the outcome of all this. As regards specific projects, let us examine them.
