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
"Even though not everyone may like it, we live in a unique time, which is characterised by cross-cultural exchange. Those of us in politics and economics call this era of global cross-cultural exchange. The same thing is taking place in popular youth culture. But what we have seen today is not merely mass culture, but something individual that requires great skill and creativity. In my view, any phenomenon, regardless of its national origin and name, always deserves the support of society and the state if it meets two criteria: first, if it requires talent, and second, if it requires creativity."
"We must, of course, think about the victims (of World War II). Without a profound understanding of what has happened, we will be unable to build a truly secure world, eradicate the legacy of the Cold War, and remove the artificial dividing lines. I would like to note that my country does not only recognize the mistakes and tragedies of the past, but is making a practical contribution to building a new world based on new principles. It is due to the position of my country that the virtual and real Berlin Wall was brought down, and prerequisites were established for the building of a new Europe without dividing lines."
"It is important to understand that any collaboration with extremists, which in the Second World War meant Nazism and its underlings, leads to tragedy, whatever the motives for such collaboration. In effect it is not collaboration, but collusion aimed at furthering one's ends at the expense of others."
"True, there are historical problems, which we should carefully study. We should analyze everything, which eventually led to the outbreak of this tragedy on September 1, 1939 with the only purpose being to prevent a repetition in the future. Knowing the nuances and facts of history, and without imposing one's own views on each other, we will be able to rise above the problems of the past, and build a future together. Objective circumstances compel us to follow this responsible, common policy."
"We have spoken with Mr Prime Minister about continued work of the Difficult Issues Commission, which is studying historical events preceding World War II. One of the focuses of its work is studying the archives. There is one rule for such cases in international practice - all actions are carried out on the basis of reciprocity. It is probably natural that we are recalling history on this tragic day. But I would like very much, and I have discussed this subject at length with Mr Tusk today.... I cannot say that our views on this issue fully coincide, but we agree that we should look at the entire picture in all of its diversity."
"We will soon mark the 65th anniversary of the Soviet people's victory in the 1941-1945 Great Patriotic War. But we also know about the Vietnamese nation's heroic resistance during the years of foreign military intervention. The heroic exploits of our veterans during the defence of our national interests are an example for all of us and for future generations, as well."
"I know that for the KPRF one of its main concerns is to keep alive the memory of the war, to support war veterans, and educate the youth in a military and patriotic spirit. I would therefore like to discuss with you the 65th anniversary of victory in the Great Patriotic War, which we are going to mark in 2010. By that date we plan to provide all war veterans with housing and special vehicles. The necessary decisions, as you know, have already been made, including by the President of the Russian Federation. Budget financing has been provided."
"As you can see from the documents, the Defence Ministry has drafted amendments to the law on Commemorating the Victory of the Soviet People in the Great Patriotic War of 1941-1945. I would like to say in this context that Victory Day has always been and will remain a truly national holiday. It is the day when we recall tragic and glorious pages of our history, honouring veterans, and when we teach a lesson of patriotism and public spirit to the younger generation".
