Komsomolskaya Pravda: "New Road to Link Sochi and Abkhazia"
The Russian Prime Minister will spent three days working by the Black Sea.
Vladimir Putin flew into Sochi from Mongolia on Friday night. Having caught up with his sleep to the sound of the falling rain (there have been torrential downpours in Sochi), the Prime Minister met with the President of Abkhazia, Sergei Bagapsh.
"After Russia's recognition of Abkhazia," said Mr Putin opening the meeting between the two leaders, "certain new opportunities for helping the Republic are emerging."
"And trust me, the help that Russia gives Abkhazia will be well used," said the Abkhaz head of state in reply to Mr Putin.
The Prime Minister and the President spoke in detail about Russian border guards who will increase security on the border between Abkhazia and South Ossetia. They also spoke about building a road from Sochi to Abkhazia along the Black Sea.
Later, members of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) visited Sochi, accompanied by Deputy Prime Ministers Kozak and Zhukov. Jean-Claude Killy, the head of the IOC Committee and a famous champion alpine ski racer, effusively praised Sochi's preparations for the Olympics, saying "The way that this new Russia has dedicated itself to the Olympic Games is really remarkable." He expressed the same sentiments to Mr Putin in person later that evening. "These Games will be the most memorable!" said Mr Killy. "But isn't the IOC worried that Sochi changes its mayor too often?" asked the assembled journalists. "Mayors change frequently in many countries," responded the unflappable Mr Killy.
It was nearly evening when the IOC delegation met with Mr Putin. But the Russian Prime Minister preferred to talk with the Olympic officials in private.
And today Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi will arrive in Sochi to meet the Russian Prime Minister. The heads of state will sign energy agreements.
