March 7, 2001   

This Date's Issues:   5135 • 5136 • 5137 • 5138

Johnson's Russia List
#5135
7 March 2001
davidjohnson@erols.com

[Note from David Johnson:
Complete transcript is #10 below.]

*******

#1
Russia's Putin goes online, defends record
March 6, 2001
By Ron Popeski
 
MOSCOW (Reuters) - Russian President Vladimir Putin answered questions live
on the Internet Tuesday, defending policies on reform, press freedom and the
war in Chechnya and revealing his preferences in music, literature and
leisure.

Putin engaged in few polemics in an hour spent with journalists from two
Russian web sites and the British Broadcasting Corporation
(http://www.bbc.co.uk).

But he became plainly irritated with suggestions from Internet users that
Russia's war against separatists was unpopular in Chechnya, that press
freedoms in Russia were under threat and that his wife had adopted a low
public profile.

"These questions reflect how a significant number of people in the West do
not understand what is happening in the Caucasus, especially in Chechnya,"
Putin said in response to a Danish woman's comment that Russia had used
"cruel methods" in Chechnya.

He also parried a BBC journalist's assertion that Russia's campaign had
failed to win over Chechen public opinion.

"Many people look at it negatively, many positively. We believe the Russian
army's actions are aimed at liberating the Chechen people from the terrorists
who had seized power there," he said.

Putin, who took office when his predecessor Boris Yeltsin resigned on New
Year's Eve 1999, pledged to work to raise Russians' living standards and said
there should be no doubt about his commitment to protect democracy and market
reforms.

"I am sure the state does not have an alternative to democratic development
and market economy," he said.

"As long as I remain head of state, we will adhere to democratic principles
of development, we will develop the political structure of society and will
develop civil society.

DISMISSES CONCERNS ON PRESS FREEDOM

He dismissed concerns from a U.S. user that the Kremlin was trying to
"suppress reasonable criticism" -- an allusion to legal moves against the
independent Media-Most group's founder Vladimir Gusinsky, now facing
extradition from Spain. Liberals see the case as a test of Putin's commitment
to a free press.

"The questions our listeners are asking are a bit aggressive. Not very
tolerant," Putin said.

He vowed press freedoms would be observed, but said obliquely that business
interests who had acquired industries or media outlets on shaky grounds would
be obliged to obey the law.

"Perhaps some don't like the fact that we are trying to establish order so
that everyone lives by the law," he said.

"I suspect that some people want to live according to the old rules and fish
in murky waters. This will not happen. Nor will there be the destruction of
democratic institutions."

Putin praised the Internet while fielding some of the 16,000 questions
submitted to the BBC and web services http://www.gazeta.ru and Kremlin-funded
http://www.strana.ru, but he said he was no specialist.

Still, Tuesday's venture into cyberspace marked a technological step forward
from Putin's predecessor.

Yeltsin had no computer in his office and said last December that he had only
tried the Internet once because the screen hurt his eyes.

Putin repeated Russia's long-standing opposition to a proposed U.S. National
Missile Defense system but said Moscow had "no intention of issuing
ultimatums to anyone."

If Washington withdraws from the 1972 Anti-Ballistic Missile Pact to build
the missile shield, it would "create legal consequences over which Russia has
no control," he said.

Putin said he believed it would be no more difficult to establish good
relations with President Bush, a big supporter of the missile shield, than
with Bill Clinton.

TCHAIKOVSKY, VERNE AND DUMAS

He also confessed he enjoyed light classical music, particularly Russian
composer Pyotr Tchaikovsky, and had read Russian classics widely, in addition
to Jules Verne and Alexandre Dumas.

He described his working day as "quite heavy," generally starting with a half
hour of exercise and a swim and a 90-minute break for more sports activity
during the day.

The Russian president found himself on the defensive over what a St.
Petersburg user said was the "patriarchal" way in which his wife Lyudmila was
absent from many public appearances and trips -- unlike her predecessors
Raisa Gorbachev and Naina Yeltsin.

"This is just the way we operate, whether you like it or not. The people
elected me, not my wife," he said.

"I cannot issue instructions. Our relationship is such that if I started to
do that the result would be quite the opposite. She carries herself in the
way she feels is necessary."

*******

#2
Kremlin chief admits taste for democracy, Romy Schneider

MOSCOW, March 6 (AFP) -
Russia's Internet-conscious President Vladimir Putin faced the world online
on Tuesday, laying out his vision of Russia's democratic future and offering
a few glimpses into his artistic tastes.

The virtues of the market economy and the law-based state were among the
topics discussed by the Kremlin chief as he fielded questions sent in from
around the world -- more than 16,000, according to the event's organisers.

Netsurfers had the option of logging on to two Russian sites, www.gazeta.ru
and www.strana.ru, as well as the BBC site www.bbc.co.uk/talkingpoint, to see
and hear Putin discussing a wide range of topics.

The bulk of the questions sent in concerned political issues, ranging from
spying to nuclear safety, but some sought to probe Putin's personality,
touching on subjects such as his interest in judo and his tastes in music.

Most of the webcast was taken up with pre-selected questions, but some of the
time was set aside for surfers prepared to try their luck at sending in
questions by e-mail for the Russian president to answer without preparation.

In what one of the presenters described as a "virtual press-conference",
Putin noted that Russia's future would depend particularly on people who use
the Internet as "generally they are alert, young, energetic and educated."

Putin is not the first Russian president to answer questions on the Internet
-- his predecessor Boris Yeltsin did so in March 1998 -- but he has shown
himself by Russian standards to be particularly interested in the medium,
using it in his presidential election campaign last year.

However, he admitted to one questioner that he did not use the Internet as
extensively as he might because he was "lazy by nature."

Repeating generalities he has voiced frequently in public speeches since his
election as president nearly a year ago, Putin told surfers that democracy
was "inseparable from the law" and that one of Russia's priorities was "to
established a solid legal and juridical basis for society."

Russian government institutions would be made accountable before society, he
promised, stressing that there was "no alternative to democratic development
and a market economy."

On the sensitive issue of Chechnya, Putin stressed that the Russian people
and army "have never waged war on the Chechen people," blaming the continuing
Russian military presence in the breakaway republic on "extremists and
international terrorists."

Among his personal revelations, the former spy owned up to a liking for Romy
Schneider, the late Austrian-born actress who specialised in sentimental
dramas, Dostoyevsky and Tolstoy among the literary greats, the dramatist
Chekhov, and in music, Tchaikovsky and Schubert.

*******

#3
RUSSIA TO MOVE TOWARDS DEMOCRACY, NOT ANARCHY - PUTIN

     MOSCOW. March  6 (Interfax)  - Russian President Vladimir Putin has
said that  he will  promote political  processes in  the  usual  Western
democratic sense,  but  that  this  does  not  imply  that  anarchy  and
lawlessness would flourish.
     Nobody will  be allowed  "to fish  in troubled  waters," Putin said
during an Internet conference on Tuesday.
     Progress has been made in the past year in every field mentioned in
his previous  presidential message,  Putin said.  He said  he is largely
pleased with what has been accomplished.
     Over the past decade, "entire economic sectors became subordinated,
not necessarily  in a  legal  way,  to  a  small  bunch  of  people  who
privatized state  structures  and  mass  media  largely  for  their  own
economic interests," the president charged.

******

#4
PUTIN SAYS HE WILL NOT FURTHER ECONOMIC REFORM BY DECREE

     MOSCOW. March  6 (Interfax)  - Russian President Vladimir Putin has
made it  clear that  he will not issue decrees intended to spur economic
reforms.
     He would  rather act  within the framework of law, Putin said at an
Internet conference  on Tuesday.  "The president  has the  right to fill
gaps not  covered by  the law, but if there is, say currency regulation,
the president  would act illegally if he changed it by decree," he said.
If need be, the Cabinet must work with parliament, he said.
     "In a  democratic state  there is  no other  way. If  we succeed in
introducing legislation  by this  procedure, both  Russian  and  foreign
investors will contribute to our economy," Putin said.
     "We are  not satisfied  with  the  rate  or  quality  [of  economic
reforms], but  some progress  has been made," he said. Russian must feel
the benefits  of the flat 13% income tax and the introduction of the Tax
Code, while  those engaged  in foreign trade will enjoy the reduction of
customs duties, he added.
     "Of course,  much remains  to be  done for  small and  medium-sized
businesses," Putin  continued, saying  he will  demand that  the Cabinet
speed up its effort in this regard. Bills aimed at cutting red tape will
soon be sent to the Duma, he noted.
     "We need  to resolve  a whole  range of  issues in the expansion of
banking activities  and liberalization  of currency  legislation," Putin
said. The  judicial system,  notably in  the economic  sector,  must  be
strengthened, he said.
     There  are  more  problems  than  solutions  in  the  economy,  the
president concluded.

******

#5
RUSSIAN PRESIDENT MUST BE ABOVE PARTIES - PUTIN

     MOSCOW. March  6 (Interfax)  - Russian President Vladimir Putin has
said he  believes that  in the  present-day  situation  in  Russia,  the
country's head of state should be "outside party structures."
     During a Tuesday Internet press conference, Putin said that in some
countries the  national leader  represents a  political party,  while in
others the  head of  state has  no right to be a member of such a party.
Civil society  is only  in the  process of  development in Russia, Putin
said.
     "The head  of state  might be  elected from  party ranks.  I think,
however, that  he must  represent the  interests of  all society.  In my
opinion, at  the current stage the head of state should be outside party
structures," he said.

******

#6
TOO EARLY FOR RUSSIA TO JOIN UNITED EUROPE - PUTIN

     MOSCOW. March  6 (Interfax)  - Russian President Vladimir Putin has
said that it is too early for Russia to join a united Europe, calling it
"an absolutely unrealistic thing today."
     "One must look at things realistically-a united Europe is a complex
organism, fairly  strict rules  operate  there,"  Putin  said  during  a
Tuesday internet  news conference  in Moscow.  "I'm not  sure that today
Russia meets these standards fully and completely."
     "Let's take  external indicators:  we remain  a state without well-
guarded external  borders, especially  in  the  south  of  the  country.
"Within a  united Europe,  despite all the democracy, strict customs and
border control rules operate.
     "Within Schengen, one step to the left, one step to the right means
an attempt  to escape  and jumping  in place  means provocation,"  Putin
said, alluding  to words  Soviet prison  guards used with convicts. "All
that is strict, serious and adult."
     "It will  be correct  if we build our legal base in accordance with
the way  various  aspects  of  relations,  including  relations  in  the
economic field,  with the  European community  are regulated. In effect,
this is  the way  we act  in an  overwhelming majority  of  cases,"  the
president said.

******

#7
U.S. LEAVING  ABM TREATY  WOULD ENTAIL  LEGAL CONSEQUENCES NOT DEPENDING
ON RUSSIA - PUTIN

     MOSCOW.  March   6  (Interfax)  -  The  United  States'  unilateral
withdrawal from the 1972 ABM Treaty "will entail legal consequences that
do not  depend on  Russia," Russian President Vladimir Putin said during
an Internet press conference on Tuesday.
     "The ABM  Treaty is like an axle to which a number of agreements on
international security  are attached,"  Putin said.  "If we  remove this
axle, those  agreements will  automatically fall  apart, destroying  the
entire present-day security system."
     In accordance  with the  Law on  the Ratification  of the  START II
Treaty by  the Russian parliament, Putin continued, that treaty is to be
applied only  if the  ABM Treaty is being observed. Consequently, if the
ABM Treaty is violated, Russia, automatically and in accordance with the
law, "will  not have  to observe  the quantitative  limitations  in  the
sphere of missile defense."
     Asked if  Russia will  cut short  the talks  on the  limitation  of
strategic armaments if the U.S. continues to insist on the creation of a
national missile  defense system,  the president  responded that  Russia
"does not  plan to  give an  ultimatum to anyone." "We want to remain in
the negotiating process and are counting on this," he said.
     "Judging from  the reaction of the new American administration, our
American partners  are in  the  same  mood,  which  inspires  a  certain
optimism," he added.
     Asked again  if Russia  will walk  away from  the talks  if the ABM
Treaty is violated, Putin said, "We  are prepared to continue the talks.
We just think that things should not be pushed that far."
     "We should  look for  such ways  to deal  with our current concerns
about international security, within the framework of negotiations, that
would allow  us  not  to  ruin  the  existing  system  of  international
relations, and  determine the degree, level and character of the threats
common to  the U.S.  and for  Russia, Europe  and other  regions of  the
world. And,  having done  so, think  together how  to  neutralize  these
threats together,  without  filling  each  other  with  uncertainty  and
suspicion," Putin argued.
     The president also said he does not think it will be more difficult
for him  to maintain  good relations  with U.S. President George W. Bush
than with his predecessor Bill Clinton. "I do hope that common sense and
a deep  understanding of  national interests  in the  sphere of security
will lead us and our American partners to a positive search and to joint
end results," he said.

******

#8
PUTIN CALLS FOR WORLDWIDE EFFORTS AGAINST TERRORISM

     MOSCOW. March  6 (Interfax)  - Russian  President Vladimir Putin on
Tuesday  called   for  international   efforts  against   extremism  and
terrorism, calling them "one of the main problems of the present day."
     "The Russian  army and  the Russian  people as  a whole  have never
waged any  campaign against  the Chechen  people," Putin  said during  a
Tuesday internet  news conference.  "The army has been forced to respond
to  that  challenge  by  extremists  and  international  terrorists  who
attacked [the Russian region of] Dagestan."
     The Chechen  people "have  gained nothing  from their former rulers
but robbery  and violence,"  the president  said. "We  believe that  the
actions of  the Russian  army are aimed at liberating the Chechen people
from terrorists  who have seized power and who compromise both Islam and
the  Chechen  people,  attacking  neighboring  territories,  as  is  now
happening between Kosovo and Macedonia."
     Asked about  resources allocated  for  Chechnya,  Putin  responded,
"Money and  resources for  economic development  are playing  a far from
determining role. The determining role is being played by the conditions
that the  state is offering for the economy and the ability of the state
to ensure the realizations of these conditions.
     "If we  have no  resources or  the possibility  in our  country  of
establishing elementary  order, it is absolutely senseless to talk about
economic development," the president said.

******

#9
ARMED FORCES SHOULD BE OUTSIDE POLITICS - PUTIN

     MOSCOW. March  6 (Interfax)  - President Vladimir Putin insisted on
Tuesday that  Russia's armed  forces be  outside of  politics and  under
civilian control.
     The country's  armed forces  "should be outside politics and should
be under society's control, and there should definitely be an sufficient
level of wellbeing for the military," Putin said during an Internet news
conference.
     The president  also spoke  about economics.  He said  that  neither
rapid economic  development nor  rising living  standards  are  possible
without efficient state regulation, and that successful economic reforms
are impossible without changing the entire government system.
     "The reason  for these  eight years  of running in place as regards
reforms is  that there  was no  consensus in society as legislative acts
were being passed," he said.

*******

#10
from www.gazeta.ru
PUTIN'S INTERVIEW
Following is the transcript of the Interview given by Russian President
Vladimir Putin to the Internet editions Gazeta.Ru, Strana.Ru and BBC
on-line service.

Vadim Malkin, Strana.Ru:
Hello, Mr.Putin! First of all, we would like to thank you for your consent
to accept us and answer our questions and the questions of our readers.

Let me introduce the participants of our meeting: here are the
editor-in-chief of Gazeta.Ru online edition Vladislav Borodoulin,
diplomatic correspondent of BBC Online News Service Bridget Kendall and me,
editor-in-chief of Strana.Ru regional edition Vadim Malkin.

Also with the help of Internet on our readers take part in our meeting.
They are sending their questions.

I would like to remind, that they may continue sending their questions till
the end of our interview. We have already received over 16 thousand questions.

Now we can see them emerging on the screen. Of course, today we are only
able to pose a small part of those questions. We have tried to impartially
choose the most important questions, and still, of course, we will not have
time to receive your answers to all of them.

Vladislav Borodoulin (Gazeta.Ru):
Vladimir Vladimirovich, given such an unusual form of the interview, it is
obvious that there is no way journalists of any edition could ever be able
to ask you some 15 thousand questions, whereas our readers are granted such
a chance. What do you think of Internet, do you use it in everyday life?

Putin:
I consider Internet a very promising form of communication, receiving
information, it is very interesting. To be honest, unfortunately, I am not
a regular Internet-user.

By virtue of congenital laziness, on the one hand, and on the other hand,
owing to the fact, that presently I have many other opportunities, many
people working in my office, assistants, who do professional research and
provide me with final results.

I use the data retrieved from Internet, from various Internet editions.
Gazeta.Ru, et cetera. I look through all that, as well as through my daily
mail. Also, I use some analytical sources of information, which can be
found in Internet.

Vladislav Borodoulin (Gazeta.Ru):
And you family, children?

Putin:
They use it very actively. Maybe, even too much, for their mom tries to
limit it.

Vadim Malkin (Strana.Ru):
Vladimir Vladimirovich, we have received a great number of questions: in
particular, from Muscovites Alexei Kotikov and Nikolai Gorshkov, from
Vladimir Benediktov of St. Petersburg, Andrey Peremyotin from Krasnodar,
our readers from Novossibirsk and even from Toronto. They are interested in
you position concerning the cadre policies in the regions. Do you consider
that most of high officials both in the central and regional authorities
need to be replaced? If yes, where would the fresh blood come from?

Putin:
First of all, I would like to say that it is impossible to change the
situation quickly in neither of the spheres. That requires professional
work with personnel, serious professional approach. Secondly, we have many
managers, who are rather qualified, who do their best. Such people
constitute a majority.

And since I have a chance, I would like to thank them all for their work.
And, indeed, under modern conditions there is a huge demand for modern
managers with the corresponding level of knowledge and challenge. That is
why, of course, such work needs to be done systematically.

Who makes the reserve? Only Internet-users, for they, as a rule, are
advanced, young, energetic, educated people.

And, if seriously, of course, those are, first and foremost, young people,
who are eager to serve the society, the state, those who consider it to be
a method of self-fulfillment.

Bridget Kendall (BBC):
Vladimir Vladimirovich, BBC News and myself are very glad to have an
opportunity to take part in this event. We, too, have received thousands of
questions. And my first question probably reflects the concern shared by
many people. Jonathan Jones from Texas, USA, inquires what is more
important to you, democracy or lawfulness? And I would like to add a
question from Dmitry, age 16, who lives in Nizhny Novgorod, inquiring on
behalf of the new generation: "I am very much worried about the political
situation in Russia. I understand that the Communism will never be revived,
but some of your moves worry me." What do you think, what path of
development Russia should follow now?

Putin:
As for relations or priorities in the sphere of democracy and lawfulness,
the question sounds somewhat peculiar, for I understand that the word
'democracy' is inseparable from lawfulness.

If the society is guided by the generally accepted rules, stated in legal
acts, which are called laws, and if those laws are adopted in accordance
with democratic procedures, there is a democratic society.

I think, to separate democracy from lawfulness would be inexpedient and
harmful. Therefore, one of the most important spheres of our activity is
improvement of our legislation and reform of the state's judiciary system.

As for concerns expressed by some of our citizens, or those, who like our
country and live abroad, regarding the way of development our country will
follow, I can say one thing.

As long as I remain the head of the state, we will stick to democratic
principles of development, we will develop the political structure of the
society, we will develop the civil society, we will strive for imposing
social control over state institutions.

We will do that consistently. And, I am convinced, for the state there is
no alternative to democratic development and to the market economy.

Youri Mukhin:
Vladimir Vladimirovich, what do you intend to do to enhance the prestige of
our military forces?

Putin:
We have been discussing that issue a lot recently. To boost the military
forces' prestige, it is necessary to make them efficient, it is necessary
for the society to understand it needs such an army that would serve for
the good of people, of the society as a whole, that would defend the
interests of the state.

In my opinion, there is such an understanding in the society. We must aim
at making our military forces highly professional, well trained and
equipped. And, beyond doubt, the military should stay out of politics.

Military forces and other law enforcement agencies of the country should
remain under control of society.

Altogether, in conjunction with the adequate living conditions for the
military servicemen, should lead to improvement of the situation in that
sphere.

Vladislav Borodoulin (Gazeta.Ru):
Vladimir Vladimirovich, all through our conversation we will cite our
audience, for questions keep pouring in. There are so many of them, and
taking into account, that the majority of our readers are young people,
many questions concern education. What do you think of paid education? What
is your opinion regarding the education reform proclaimed in Russia?

Putin:
Well, you know, I think that some elements of our past, Soviet life, are
worth remembering. Education, medicine, science: all those spheres of
knowledge by right contributed to the former Soviet Union's pride.

That may be explained. Presently we can still see that countries with
planned economy achieve certain progress in those spheres. It is easy to
understand why. The state has an opportunity to allocate huge resources to
spheres it considers a priority.

Therefore, speaking of education, I must emphasize the following. We will
try, at least I will try, to preserve all the best we inherited from the
former, Soviet system of education.

And, I repeat, education used to be at a high level. But, indeed, life goes
on, new demands emerge, and education must be modern, meeting those new and
the newest demands. Education must be aimed at the future.

Of course, modern education ­ it is recognized practically everywhere ­
along with science is in the essence a materialized instrument of
development. And that is how we will consider it.

Vadim Malkin (Strana.Ru):
Here is the question asked really frequently. Before you (became
president), the word "reform" had been only used in conjunction with the
word "economic"; one was inseparable from another. Since you came, you have
declared the state power reform, the military reform, the reform of the
state system as a whole a priority. Does that mean that, in your opinion,
economic reform has already been implemented, or, on the contrary, it is
impossible to fulfill it without prior reforming the state power system?

Putin:
If one understands by the term 'reform' the transition from the planned
economy to the market economy, than, to a certain degree, the goal has been
achieved. But that is not the ultimate goal of the reform as a whole. The
ultimate aim is to secure economic growth and, based thereon, to secure
high living standards of people.

To create such a mechanism, there is still a lot to be done. It is
perfectly clear that without efficiently functioning state institutions it
is impossible to achieve that goal.

That issue has very much in common with the question posed by Bridget,
namely: in a democratic society adoption of laws without certain social
consensus is impossible. For, why for nearly eight years the state made no
headway in that sphere, in the sphere of economic reforms?

That happened because in a democratic society, when the parliament of the
country had to make a decision, there was no consensus, neither in the
society, nor inside the parliament, it was impossible to make any decision.

Those two spheres a very closely connected: it is impossible to achieve
economic results without reforming the state system itself.

Bridget Kendall (BBC):
We have received many questions about Chechnya. Here is the question posted
by our reader from Denmark. She asks: "Do you believe that Chechen people,
against whom Russia applied such cruel repressive methods, will ever be
able to consider Russia a friendly nation in the future? And one more, from
our reader in Geneva, Switzeland: "Maybe, it would be wiser to use funds
you spend on Chechen campaign on restoration and development of Russian
economy?"

Putin:
I must tell you that I want to thank our correspondents for those
questions, for they perfectly well reflect the misunderstanding by many in
the West of what is happening in our Caucasus, in particular, in Chechnya.

Neither the Russian army, nor the Russian people have ever waged any war
campaign against the Chechen people. Russian army was forced to accept the
challenge thrown by extremists and international terrorists, after they had
attacked Daghestan.

BBC:
People who live there now, Chechen people, I visited many of them and
talked to many personally, they have a very negative attitude towards
Russia and Russian government.

Putin:
Many have negative, and many have positive attitude. And I can tell you
why. This is because Chechen people received nothing from their rulers,
from those who proclaimed themselves rulers, nothing but plunder and robbery.

And we think that the actions of the Russian army are aimed at freeing
Chechens from terrorists, who took the power there, and who discredit
Islam, and the Chechen people by attacking neighboring territories.

The same is happening now in Kosovo and Macedonia.

Secondly, talking of resources we spend on establishment order in Chechnya.
I must tell you the following: Indeed, generally speaking, money and
resources play a certain role in the economic development. But that is by
no means a key role.

The key role is played by conditions the state secures for the economic
development, the state's ability to secure those conditions. If we are
unable to introduce order in our country, if we live in the country that
decays and disintegrates, then, there is absolutely no sense in talking of
the economic development. You can pump any money, any resources into it, as
into a soaker, there will be no result.

That is why, all who hear us, all who see us, and are willing to hear, to
see and to understand us, I call onto all of you to cooperate with us, to
work together on solving one of the key problems of the modern world ­
fight against extremism and terrorism. And then in our country, and in
Europe as a whole, in the world, there will be order, prosperity and
development.

Schoolchildren from the village of Kuzkino, Samara Region:
Dear Vladimir Vladimirovich, a lot has changed in our school since
September 1, when you presented us computers with Internet access. We are
communicating with the whole world now, we are learning to understand it.
Come visit us again.

Vadim Malkin (Strana.Ru):
The children also asked me to show you the web site they have made and to
ask your opinion about it.

Putin:
The site is great, but it is not properly made. I would rather draw
mushrooms instead of apples. I know for sure that mushrooms are very tasty
in that region. I tasted them. I am very glad that children can now use the
Internet. I wish them to be successful in their studies, to end this school
year with high grades. And I ask you to pass my kindest, warmest wishes to
all residents of this village, to all your parents.

Vladislav Borodoulin (Gazeta.Ru):
The Communists won the parliamentary elections held recently in Moldova.
Immediately followed the statements that they may join the Union of Russia
and Belarus. What do you think of those statements?

Putin:
What has happened in Russia's friendly state ­ Moldova is the CIS member ­
of course, cannot leave us indifferent.

But that is, first of all, the domestic affair of Moldova. We have watched
carefully what has been happening in Moldova, and we will respect the
choice of Moldova's people, no matter what that choice will be. If the
Communists have won, that means, they have won. If they express some
friendly feelings towards us, we cannot stay unmoved.

As for Moldova's possible joining the Union of Russia and Belarus, I think,
certain internal state procedures need to be conducted in Moldova.

But our Union of Russia and Belarus is an open union, an open organization,
any state that considers its charter goals acceptable is free to join. We
welcome that statement.

Vadim Malkin (Strana.Ru):
Thank you, Vladimir Vladimirovich. There are also many questions concerning
the possible vote of no-confidence to the government and, in this
connection, with the possibility of an early parliamentary election. In
this connection the issue of the Law on Political Parties has once again
become urgent.

In particular, on Monday Unity deputies made it clear that parliamentary
elections, if held in accordance with the new law, will only enhance their
representation in the Duma. Anyway, many contend that in the future
elections, both presidential and parliamentary, will be held, most likely,
after the new law on parties is enacted.

Do you think, that soon two or three, maybe four influential efficient
political structures will emerge? Don't you think that the president of the
nation should lead one of such parties and lean on it, so that it would be
clear what party is the ruling one?

Putin:
Different countries have different legislation in that sphere. In some
states the leader of the nation is elected by the party and keeps the
membership, promoting his party's policy. In some states, on the contrary,
the head of the state is not allowed to be a member of any political party.

Speaking of Russia. I think, that today, given the fact that our political
system, political structure, our civil society is very young, in fact, we
do not have our own political system yet. When will that happen? How long
it will take? We can only guess, assume and hope.

As of today, I think that the head of the state could be elected by some
party, but he must represent the interests of the whole society, of all
people regardless from his party membership. And I think, it would be more
justified in Russia, especially in the present-day Russia, for the head of
the state to stay out of party structures.

Bridget Kendall (BBC):
Mister President, it is not surprising that many people want to get to know
you better as a person. This is a question from Victor Vitik. He lives in
San Diego, California. He wants to know what your usual schedule for the
day is. How many hours do you spend in the office? Do you have time to read
books? Which books have you read recently?

>From England, Scott Peck from Windsor, Great Britain, asks who your
favourite authors are. Which music do your prefer? Which disc will you put
on when you come home?

Putin:
You know, as far as my schedule is concerned, it is easy for someone in
California to ask such questions, especially if you look at all the snow in
Moscow. The schedule is rather tight. I get up early. I spend about 30
minutes every day doing exercises. I swim for about 20 minutes. Then I
work. During the day I try to have a break for about an hour and a half -
also for exercises. I finish work late - at around eleven, ten o'clock at
night or midnight.

...As for what I have read, I think that any person working in a specific
field must work to increase his skills. I have read two books - I am still
reading them. Both of them deal with Russia.

The first is the history of rule of Catherine the Second. The second is a
book by Dmitriy Likhachev: Thoughts about Russia. This is a book about
history - a philosophical outlook on the history of Russia's literature and
culture.

As far as music is concerned, I like the so-called - if I can put it this
way - popular classical music. If I came home and had a chance to put on
some disc straight away, I would put on something by Tchaikovsky or
Schubert as transcribed by Liszt - I mean Liszt as transcribed by Schubert.
BBC:
And your favourite authors?

Putin:
Russian classical literature: Chekhov, Tolstoy, Dostoyevsky. I used to
really enjoy Dumas and Jules Verne, and Maupassant, and contemporary
literature as well. We had a very good literature teacher at school. He
taught us to care about literature, taught us how to use a book.

BBC:
And modern literature, cinema? Do you have time for it?

Putin
Why not? Now of course not, but previously there was more time. I like
cinema very much too. I liked French cinema very much. My favourite Russian
actor was Plyatt, while as for famous western ones, I could name among
those I liked best of all Romy Schneider.

Andrey Rogov:
Don't you think that the official site of the President of Russia does not
quite meet the requirements set for internet projects? This site is viewed
by users practically all over the world. One can say that for Russia, this
is the internet project number one.

Putin:
I must frankly admit that I don't see myself as a specialist in this
sphere. I like it but I admit that it can be done better. Therefore we can
agree right now to announce a competition for improving this project. One
can familiarize himself with the conditions on my web site
(hhtp://president.kremlin.ru).

Aleksey Timoshenko:
What are the prospects for judicial reform, with what do you intend to
initiate it and what steps do you consider necessary in the immediate future?

Putin:
I'd rather not jump ahead here. I want to tell you only that in the very
near future we will finish work on a package of laws on this sphere of
activity and put it to the country's parliament. It will be aimed at
perfecting the judicial system.

It contains - I repeat - a whole complex, a whole package of proposals
connected with the perfecting of the mechanism of the judicial system
itself and with the strengthening of this judicial system. After this, I
will propose a law that will be aimed at perfecting coordination between
various structural subdivisions, or various spheres of law-protecting and
law-enforcing activity.

I mean the competence of the prosecutor's office, of the judges, and so
forth.

Bridget Kendall (BBC):
And now an international question. Many people are interested in your
opinion on relations between Russia and NATO and in particular with
America, all the more so since there is a new American president now, whom
you have not met yet.
Here is a question from Patrick Santoso, Canberra, Australia. What will you
do if the USA insists on developing the National Missile Defence system? It
is being reported that you may break off all the arms limitation talks. Is
that the case?

Putin:
We are not preparing to deliver anyone any ultimatums. We want to be part
of the negotiating process and are reckoning on that. Judging by the
reactions that we have today from the new American administration, our
American partners are inclined to think the same. And this fills us with a
certain optimism.

If, nevertheless, a decision is taken to withdraw unilaterally from the
1972 ABM treaty, then there will be consequences of a legal nature, which
will not depend on Russia. I would like to stress this and I want all the
participants in our meeting today to understand this. The consequences will
not depend on Russia.

A whole series of treaties and agreements in the field of international
security are linked with the treaty of 1972 as if it is an axis. As soon as
we pull out that axis, they will all automatically fall apart. The whole of
today's international security structure will collapse.

So, this is how Russia understands it, lets say. Russia ratified START-2,
cuts in the numbers of our strategic missiles, but in the law on the
ratification it states that it, this ratification, is only in force, if the
ABM treaty of 1972 is observed. In other words, we are not automatically,
by law, obliged to observe the numerical restrictions in the sphere of
missile defence.

BBC:
If so, if the treaty is violated in your opinion, then talks end, by law.

Putin:
No, we will be prepared to hold more talks. We are simply proceeding from
the fact that things should not be taken that far, that today we need to
look, within the framework of a negotiating process, for ways out of our
current concerns regarding international security which could make it
possible not to violate the existing system of international agreements in
this sphere but to determine the degree, the level and the nature of
threats which could be common to the USA, Russia, Europe or other regions
of the world.

And then, after determining the nature of these threats, to think together
how to neutralize them without instilling a lack of confidence and
suspicion in each other.

BBC:
Do you think it is possible to maintain good relations with the new US
president George Bush, like it was with the former president? Will it be
more difficult because of this issue?

Putin: I do not think it will be more difficult. I hope very much that
common sense and a deep understanding of the national interests in the
sphere of security will bring our American partners and us to a positive
search and the final result, jointly.

Vladislav Borodoulin (Gazeta.Ru):
Vladimir Vladimirovich, I would like to go back to our audience. I have to
admit that the vast majority of questions are about a professional army.
When will a professional army be created in Russia? When will the law on
compulsory military service be changed?

Putin:
As you know, Russia is a continental country and few continental countries
have a professional army. Can you name me a European country with a
professional army? Practically all European countries have military duty,
conscription. I must say that even today most of our military men belong to
the professional military class.

For example, serving in the navy, in the air force, in the space troops,
and so on, there are professionals. Practically 100% are professionals. And
yet, moving towards a fully professional army is in my opinion right -
given both the political and the social situation, and given the fact that
the modern army uses more and more advanced equipment.

To be able to operate it efficiently, one has to be a professional and to
serve not for two or three months, or even a year, but to devote one's
whole life to it. This is the right approach and we shall act accordingly.
I would like to assure you of that.
The issue here is of course that of the time frame. And the time frame
depends on the economic capabilities of the state. They are not significant
but I have instructed the economic group within the government to deal with
this issue.

And I think that time will come, and it is not too far away, when we will
be able to name a specific schedule for, if not a 100% one, then at least
an extensive transition to a professional army. And this time frame will be
a feasible one.

Vladislav Borodoulin (Gazeta.Ru):
Will it fit in within two presidential terms?

Putin:
Possibly.

Rosbalt Agency, Novosti Pskova newspaper:
Is the integration of Russia in united Europe a priority task for you? If
so, will Russia be able to defend effectively its national interests and at
the same time stay within European integration processes?

Putin:
You see, one should be realistic. Today's united Europe is a complex body.
Quite strict rules are in operation there. I am not sure Russia totally
conforms with these rules.

Take the external issues, for instance. We are still a state without
well-protected external borders. We still have no well-protected borders in
the south. Despite all their democracy, strict customs and border rules are
in operation in united Europe. Within the Schengen agreement, a step left
or step right is considered an escape and a jump on the spot is a
provocation. Everything is very strict and serious, in a grown-up manner.

Therefore, at the moment, this is unrealistic for us, but - and here comes
an answer to your question - I think it would be right if we build up our
legislative base in tune with how different areas, including, and first of
all, the economy, are regulated with the European community. As a matter of
fact, this is how we are acting, in a majority of cases. Thus, we will
gradually be building up Russia, Russian economic life, according with the
rules which are in operation on the continent, of which Russia is an
inalienable part.

That is the first thing. And the second thing is that already today foreign
economic ties - or rather the volume of foreign economic ties - between
Russia and Europe is very high - they account for more than one third.

Central and Eastern European countries will, of course, play a big part in
this. Once they are included in a united Europe we shall ask our partners
that they should, at least for a certain period of time, not break their
special relationship with Russia in their own interests and in the
interests of Europe and Russia and that some sort of preferential
relationship should be maintained between these states and Russia.

Our European partners are understanding about this and we are grateful to
them for this and count on this understanding in the future. All this gives
us grounds to expect that in the longer term - but we shall, of course, be
getting closer and closer to European standards - at some stage of
development we can, of course, become a fully-fledged part of a united
Europe.

Bridget Kendall (BBC):
We're just a day or two away from 8 March (International Women's Day). My
question is that I would like to know what the president will give to his
wife as a present.

And there is a question from Yelizaveta from St Petersburg who asks what
the reason is for the fairly strict patriarchal behaviour of the Putin
couple in public. Are you afraid to repeat the error of the Gorbachevs in
the eyes of the electorate or is this how Mr Putin really sees the role of
women?

And another question from Denmark. It is from Jetta Westfalis from Aarhus
who says that when she looks at various levels of power in Russia she is
unable to see any women at the top. Where are the women leaders? It is just
men everywhere.

Putin:
That's a correct remark. Let me start with the final bit of your sentence.
As we are aware, the level of the freedom of society and the level of the
democratic nature of society are defined by the situation of women in this
society.
Given that unfortunately the number of women in the state power agencies is
very small, we still have a lot of problems in this sphere.

As for how my wife and I behave in public, well, this is our way of
behaving. Some may like it and some may not. I think that the citizens of
Russia elected me - rather than my wife - as the president. I must perform
certain functions. I am very grateful to her for playing her difficult part
as she does. It is not easy for her. As for the behaviour style, this is
very much individual.

BBC:
Have you discussed how the first lady of Russia should behave? Perhaps,
this is not the way -

Putin:
I cannot give her instructions. Our relations are such that if I start
doing this, this will backfire. She behaves the way she considers to be
appropriate. As for the present I am going to give her for 8 March, I think
I should not speak about it in public right now because in that case it
would not be a surprise. I would like to arrange a pleasant surprise for my
wife on 8 March.

Vladislav Borodoulin (Gazeta.Ru):
One can really get lost when you have such a great number of questions and
you should choose only one. You know, there are a lot of sports fans among
Gazeta.Ru readers and they draw some parallels that are unfavourable for
you. You visited football matches many times, and each time your team lost.
Are you going to see Spartak vs. Arsenal?

Putin:
I would like to. But, as far as we touch this issue, when I came to the
last match, I came after the first match, when the team was losing already.
And I was told not to come to see the game, they said it is not very good
for public relations. But I come not for PR effects, I am simply
interested, I love Spartak, that is why I come to see the game.
(Gazeta.Ru):
But will the tradition be broken this time?

Putin:
We'll see. It would be good if it will.

Vadim Malkin(Strana.Ru):
This is really a question to finish off with. Many readers and journalists
are asking how you assess the year which will soon have passed since you
were elected, with regard to the main objectives, failures or plans for the
future and such like. I would also like to ask a question of my own.

In your last address to the Federal Assembly you named three principal
objectives and areas for the authorities. The first referred to building an
efficient state, the second implementation of reform of the federal system
to equalize the chances for the various constituent parts of the federation
and bring the country together, and the third refers to creating the legal
guarantees for the development of the Russian economy.

What would be your assessment? On which of these areas have you managed to
have made the most progress during the year and in which have you had the
biggest problems.

Putin:
The first thing I would like to say is that it was a very tough year. It
was a full working year. I must say frankly we worked very hard. We managed
to make progress on virtually all these areas. Perhaps we could have done
more on some of them.

However, I repeat, there was progress made on virtually all these areas and
I am generally satisfied with the results of the work done during the year.

Gordon Ackerman:
I am concerned that there appear to be attempts by yourself, Mr President,
to suppress reasonable criticism of your government and its actions. Are my
concerns justified? Thank you.

Putin:
This a rather cheeky question from our correspondent, not a very tolerant
one, but still I will try to answer it as I see it. Very many positive and
destructive processes have taken place in our country during the last
decade. The subjugation - and not always lawfully - of entire economic
sectors and political structures to a small group of people, who wish to
safeguard their economic interests, was one of these destructive processes.

To a certain extent this can be described as privatization of state
structures and the mass media. We will develop political processes in the
sense of the word that is traditional - and I wish to stress this -
traditional for Western democracy. But this does not mean that anarchy and
total permissiveness must flourish in Russia.

But if some people, either here in our country or abroad, do not like the
fact that we are trying - and I am not saying that everything we are doing
in this area is working out, some mistakes have probably been made - but if
they do not like the very fact that we are trying to restore order in this
area, that we are trying to make sure the entire country lives by the law -
I would guess there are people who would like to live by the previous
rules, to fish in muddy waters. But that will not happen.

Nor we will go to the opposite extreme. Democratic structures and
institutions will not be broken up and there will be no withdrawal from the
rule of law. That will not happen either. Not only would that be
counterproductive, it contradicts the entire philosophy of what we intend
to do in the country. So our questioner's fears are, in this sense,
groundless.

I wish to assure him that I will do my utmost to make sure that Russia will
continue to be a democratic country and that it will develop in precisely
in this direction.

Vadim Malkin (Strana.Ru):
Our interview is drawing to a close and I'd like to thank you once again
for your straightforward answers to difficult questions from our readers.
We would like to thank our readers for having send their questions.

Naturally, we were unable to answer even the best of these questions.
Nevertheless the topics you have raised are important and significant for
us. As journalists we will cover them and keep you posted. I hope our
president will read us too. Therefore we will keep our president in touch
with our readers. Thank you all very much.

You'll be able to find the full text of the interview on the
president.kremlin.ru site in a short while. The text with the video can be
found on strana.ru, gazeta.ru and bbc.co.uk sites. Thank you.

Putin:
I too would like to thank you. Thank you very much. I looked at the screen
and found very interesting questions for which we have not had time.
Frankly speaking I would love to answer them. I would like to thank you for
the opportunity you gave me to get in touch with Internet users. Thank you.

******

#11
strana.ru
March 3, 2001
Putin prefers to remove stress of a hard working day in a gym
Nikolai Ulyanov, Strana.ru observer
 
Vladimir Putin's image may easily be expressed in a single word - workaholic.
By far not all, nor even sportsmen, can endure his work rhythm. When in
Moscow, he usually takes part in eight or nine meetings a day. The greater
part of them is not in the news and is videotaped only for his personal
archives. This does not concern the president's meetings with his assistants
and presidential Administration officials. And there are quite a few such
meetings.

On Mondays Putin meets with cabinet members and the leaders of the power
agencies, such as army commanders and security service chiefs. On Thursdays
he conducts Security Council meetings. Before leaving for Russia's regions or
going abroad, such meeting are usually held at 7 a.m. at an airport.

In 2000 Vladimir Putin took part in nearly 150 international undertakings -
from receiving credentials from ambassadors to making speeches in the
parliaments of other countries and meeting with foreign big businessmen.
Before every foreign visit his TV interview is recorded for foreign newsmen.
It normally takes him 1.5 to 2 hours to do this, though the recording is
shown within not more than 30 minutes.

The president devotes much time to analyzing news reports. At the start of
his term in office the presidential press service made clippings of news and
analytical programs broadcast by Russia's main TV channels (say, one video
recording may be about the State Duma, another about the government
activities, and so on) the way it had been done under Boris Yeltsin. Putin
asked to change that procedure, and now such broadcastings are recorded for
him unabridged. He looks them through and analyses them. Apart from the main
TV channels - the ORT, RTR and NTV - programs of the TVTs, TV-6 and "Culture"
channels are also recorded for the president. When he is abroad, written
accounts of what is told by a TV new reader or a correspondent or a
description of a TV scene are sent to him to any part of the world. On top of
that, the president receives regular press digests. So the president is the
last man to be accused of being inattentive to the press.

All this makes one wonder how president Putin removes the stress of an
intensive working day. Boris Yeltsin, for instance, took his rest hunting, or
drinking liquor in good company. Putin is indifferent to hunting or fishing.
A high-ranking official of the president's Administration said Putin does not
accept killing animals for fun. He prefers to remove some aggression, which
is accumulated in him like in any other man, by doing some wrestling or
exercising in a gym. For instance, at the G-8 summit in Okinawa Putin took a
swim in a swimming pool at 2 a.m., and at about 6 a.m. he went to a gym.
According to a Kremlin administration official, the president uses sports
exercise to be fit enough to resist big strains.

As distinct from Boris Yeltsin, Putin does not drink strong liquor. During
his visit to Britain in 2000 Putin asked that all liquor be taken away from
his hotel room and only beer and milk be left. Putin came to like beer during
his work in Germany.

"We used go regularly to a small town of Radeberg, which had one of the best
breweries of East Germany. I would take a cylinder for over three liters. You
just pour beer in there and then you press a tap as in a keg and drink beer.
So, it came to 3.8 liters of beer every week," Putin recalled.

Putin is quite indifferent to the cult of food. "Usually I have no time for
dinner. In the daytime I eat fruits and drink sour milk when it is possible.
When it is not, I prefer to each nothing at all. In the evening I have
supper. I am not going either to slim or to put on weight," Putin said in an
interview.

********

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