“Our country has another distinctive feature, as compared to other countries, where many peoples and nationalities reside. Our country was originally formed as a multiethnic state. <…> In today's world, there are things that have become shaky and have started to burst at seams. But we simply cannot allow anything like this to happen on our soil. If we let this happen, it will be disastrous for the future of Russia.”
“We should treat migrants like full-fledged citizens of Russia regardless of where they live. They should be protected by law and public morality, which is equally or even more important. We should teach our citizens to treat each other respectfully, and if someone moves outside the territory of ethnic residence, he or she should also respect the language, traditions and culture of the people among whom they are going to live.”
“I am confident that the plan of events to celebrate Stolypin’s birthday anniversary should cover as many aspects of his professional, social and political activities as possible, so that society will learn more about them. This primarily concerns young people, who certainly need positive examples of personal service to the country and the nation.”
“We will mark the memorable date of Stolypin’s 150th birthday anniversary in 2012. We must do it in a befitting manner, showing respect for our history and ensuring that the celebration evokes a positive public response.”
“I am certain <…>that generations of Soviet, and later of Russian people, were raised on our remarkable animated films. These are great traditions. Our animated films are good and gentle, beautiful, colourful. They don’t just inform, but also educate, in the broadest sense.”
“We must realise that attempts to distort history may have extremely serious consequences. In effect, the key principles of the contemporary world order may be put in doubt. This conceals very dangerous threats fraught with unpredictable consequences. The Russian state and our civil society must voice a firm, consistent and principled stance on such issues. This is how we will conduct ourselves.”
“It is our duty to cherish and defend the truth about the war, the priceless experience of allied partnership and genuine heroes, whom time cannot conquer. This is important for all of us, this is essential for the education and moral upbringing of future generations. Support for veterans, the widows of the homeland’s defenders, as well as everyone affected by the war must always be a priority in our work.”
“Unfortunately, many pages were deliberately lost from that chapter of history during the Soviet period, and others were re-written to suit a primitive and simplified ideological agenda. We are now gradually reclaiming our full historical heritage, including some of the lamentably forgotten events of WWI. We must never forget those lessons but rather take a respectful and responsible attitude to our common past, without undue idealisation or ridicule.”
“Russia has tremendous historical experience in preserving the ethnic and cultural identities of the peoples who inhabit its vast territory. Our longstanding experience of mutual cultural enrichment is no less important. We must preserve and consolidate these traditions and pass them from one generation to another. We must always remember that one of the biggest causes of inter-ethnic conflict lies in illiteracy, poor education, and the lack of knowledge about one’s culture and that of one’s neighbours.”