VLADIMIR PUTIN: First of all, with regards to the investigation of so-called high-profile cases, including the Politkovskaya murder. Yes, the Prosecutor General's office announced that the case is in its final, concluding phase. I think this is correct. The real question is who ordered this murder, because the implementers and those who participated actively in preparing this crime are obvious. They are providing conclusive evidence.

Some detainees have been released, that is true. This obviously tells us something about the quality of the investigation but, in general, they are on the right track. Of course I do not think that in investigations of this kind you need to rush unduly and communicate the results ahead of time - you first need to close the case. And when that happens, we can be satisfied, satisfied when a decision is taken by the appropriate court. Until the court has made its decision all are presumed innocent. This, I think, is clear to any partially educated lawyer in Germany or in Russia. In Russia, as in Germany, there is a presumption of innocence until proven guilty. But the investigation is, in my opinion, on the right track.

Now, about whether I will or will not participate. I increasingly encounter this type of issue in government activities, in politics, and so on. Just look at how political life is proceeding in other countries. For example, your neighbors, Great Britain, had one Prime Minister leave and another one came. The most important person in executive power changed without elections having been called. And this was clearly done so that the party in power could stay in power. And there are other examples of this kind.

In Russia we are going to follow not only the letter but also the spirit of our Constitution. But this certainly does not mean that representatives of the existing political authorities do not have the right to participate in the life of their country. And only Russian citizens, Russian voters, can determine who and to what extent they can take part in this work.

In my opinion, that is not the issue - it is obvious that we abide by the law, by the Constitution, and the fundamental principles of democracy - the issue is not whether we we are respecting this or not. The type of person interested in this topic is most likely on of the people who highly appreciate the results of the work done by your humble servant and the people who have worked with me in recent years. And perhaps the steady development of the Russian Federation is not to everyone's liking.

But in answer to these people I can say that there is no reason to worry about whether Russia is going to be able to stand tall, about the growth of its economic and military power, and about the increase of its social opportunities. That is the first thing. Second, it would not be possible for anyone to stop this growth. And third, you need to use this to cooperate and to benefit from working with Russia.