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Interfax carries 'text' of Putin New Year's message

MOSCOW. Jan 1 (Interfax) President Vladimir Putin following an established tradition addressed the nation shortly before the beginning of New Year. Here is the text of the message obtained by Interfax:

"Respected citizens of Russia, Dear friends, This year was generally successful for Russia in home affairs and in foreign policy. And each day of it took us further away from the difficult time of economic and social upheavals. All of us have done much to this end. We worked together to make life more predictable. We achieved small but visible results. The year 2001 noticeably differed from the previous one. Not only was the tendency of economic growth preserved but the life of our people improved though even slightly. We managed to demonstrate that the fairly good results of the previous year had not been accidental. That they had not been a passing episode of our life. Important headway was made in the outgoing year. A legislative foundation was formed for new serious steps in economic and social policy. Decisions were made that should influence the business climate in the country in the long term, for several years ahead. The world regarded Russia with greater trust and respect. There was a better understanding of us. It become evident that the consistent struggle against terrorism is prompted not only by our national interests but also a global threat. The world community responded with unprecedented intensive international cooperation to the latest challenge of terrorists. Countries united and together with Russia came to the defense of peace, calm and life itself. Dear friends, Not everything we planned has been done. So far there are more unresolved things than achievements. Not all citizens of this country started living better in the outgoing year. And not everyone is capable of achieving that by himself without the support of society or the state. We must remember that when we sum up results and when we make plans for the future. Now that very little time remains until New Year I primarily wish all citizens of Russia wellbeing." Putin wished the nation happiness, success, love and good faith. "Let us tell kind words to our near and dear ones. Let us give good advice to our children. And wish everyone of us good health and success," he noted. "Happy New Year, dear friends! Happy year 2002!" Putin concluded.

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