{"doc_id":"president_ru-en-037362","text":"Acting President Vladimir Putin met with Chairman of the Central Bank Viktor Gerashchenko\n\nJanuary 3, 2000, The Kremlin, Moscow \n\nIn talking about the influence of the latest political events on the financial situation, the head of the Central Bank said the retirement of the first Russian president, Boris Yeltsin, had not resulted in a shock on the stock markets. On the contrary, it had led to a rise in prices of Russian equities, primarily Eurobonds, said Mr Gerashchenko. \nThe head of the Central Bank also said there had been no errors in the working of the Russian bank system due to the Year 2000 problem. \nMr Putin asked the Central Bank leadership to come up with measures for increasing Russians’ purchasing power. Mr Putin said that one of these measures could be the development of consumer and housing credit, and a more active policy of the Central Bank in the field of interest rates.","date":"2000-01-03","title":"Acting President Vladimir Putin met with Chairman of the Central Bank Viktor Gerashchenko","location":"The Kremlin, Moscow","link":"http://en.special.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/37362","id":37362}
{"doc_id":"president_ru-en-037360","text":"Acting President and Prime Minister Vladimir Putin met with Nikolai Koshman, Deputy Prime Minister and Government Plenipotentiary Envoy to the Chechen Republic\n\nJanuary 3, 2000, The Kremlin, Moscow \n\nVladimir Putin demanded that the appropriate steps be taken towards the reconstruction of social infrastructure in the Chechen districts that had suffered the most from the militants, including sending there all the necessary medical supplies and school equipment.\nMr Putin instructed Mr Koshman to hold a meeting on January 5 on financial, material and technical relief actions for the Chechen Republic for the first quarter of the year 2000 and give a report on the discussion the next day.","date":"2000-01-03","title":"Acting President and Prime Minister Vladimir Putin met with Nikolai Koshman, Deputy Prime Minister and Government Plenipotentiary Envoy to the Chechen Republic","location":"The Kremlin, Moscow","link":"http://en.special.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/37360","id":37360}
{"doc_id":"president_ru-en-037399","text":"Acting President Vladimir Putin met with leaders of the Second and Third State Duma's parliamentary parties and deputy groups\n\nJanuary 5, 2000, The Kremlin, Moscow \n\nThe meeting discussed ways of organising the work of the Third State Duma and the forthcoming presidential elections.\nA fair presidential election race, as well as equal opportunities for all presidential candidates, would help unite society, Mr Putin told journalists after the meeting.\nAccording to Mr Putin, his interlocutors focused on setting up the executive bodies of the Third State Duma. Parliamentary parties and deputy groups will hold consultations on this issue in the near future. \nThe meeting also discussed the need for closer cooperation between the government and the State Duma, as well as the Federal Assembly’s more prominent role in legislative activity and in societal life, Mr Putin told journalists. \nThe acting president noted the need to strengthen the government’s role in law-making activity and said the government and the Second State Duma had accumulated some positive experience of such joint work. He said continuity of cooperation should be preserved whenever necessary. Everything that hinders our work must be left behind, whereas all that helps us move forward must be used in the future, Mr Putin stressed. \nThe meeting involved Gennady Seleznyov, the Second State Duma’s speaker, Gennady Zyuganov, chairman of the Russian Communist Party (KPRF), Yevgeny Primakov, leader of the Fatherland-All Russia election bloc, Pavel Krasheninnikov, one of the leaders of the Union of Right Forces, Sergei Shoigu, leader of the Unity interregional movement, Vladimir Zhirinovsky, leader of the Liberal-Democratic Party of Russia, Grigory Yavlinsky, leader of the Yabloko association, Nikolai Kharitonov, coordinator of the Agrarian Deputy Group, Nikolai Ryzhkov, coordinator of the People’s Power deputy group, Oleg Morozov, coordinator of the Russian Regions deputy group, Vladimir Ryzhkov, leader of the Our Home is Russia parliamentary party, and Viktor Chernomyrdin, leader of the Our Home is Russia movement.","date":"2000-01-05","title":"Acting President Vladimir Putin met with leaders of the Second and Third State Duma's parliamentary parties and deputy groups","location":"The Kremlin, Moscow","link":"http://en.special.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/37399","id":37399}
{"doc_id":"president_ru-en-037414","text":"Acting President and Prime Minister Vladimir Putin had a meeting with Finance Minister Mikhail Kasyanov\n\nJanuary 6, 2000, The Kremlin, Moscow \n\nThe discussion focused on topical issues related to budget policy.\nIn January 2000, the government managed to balance the federal budget without borrowings from Russia’s Central Bank, Mr Kasyanov said. The deputy prime minister said that one of the main goals of the government in the first quarter of the year was to concentrate efforts on mini-programmes without external sources of financing.","date":"2000-01-06","title":"Acting President and Prime Minister Vladimir Putin had a meeting with Finance Minister Mikhail Kasyanov","location":"The Kremlin, Moscow","link":"http://en.special.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/37414","id":37414}
{"doc_id":"president_ru-en-037413","text":"Acting President and Prime Minister Vladimir Putin had a meeting with Deputy Prime Minister and plenipotentiary government envoy to the Chechen Republic Nikolai Koshman\n\nJanuary 6, 2000, The Kremlin, Moscow \n\nThe discussion focused on issues related to rebuilding the social infrastructure destroyed by terrorists in Chechnya’s southern districts of Shali, Urus-Martan and Achkhoi Martan. Mr Koshman said that in February the Russian government would allocate 750 million roubles on agricultural development in the region. \nActing President Vladimir Putin will shortly sign a resolution on paying wages to public sector employees in the Chechen Republic for January 2000.","date":"2000-01-06","title":"Acting President and Prime Minister Vladimir Putin had a meeting with Deputy Prime Minister and plenipotentiary government envoy to the Chechen Republic Nikolai Koshman","location":"The Kremlin, Moscow","link":"http://en.special.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/37413","id":37413}
{"doc_id":"president_ru-en-037412","text":"Acting President and Prime Minister Vladimir Putin met with Chairman of the Central Election Commission Alexander Veshnyakov\n\nJanuary 6, 2000, The Kremlin, Moscow \n\nThe discussion focused on preparations for the Russian presidential election, including issues related to organising the election process in the Chechen Republic. \nSpeaking to reporters after the meeting, Mr Veshnyakov stressed that all the necessary conditions must be met in order to hold the election of the Russian president on March 26 in Chechnya simultaneously with the election of a State Duma deputy to represent the 31st single mandate district. \n In the autumn of 1999, the Central Election Commission postponed the elections to the lower house of the Russian Parliament in Chechnya because the adverse situation there made the elections impossible.","date":"2000-01-06","title":"Acting President and Prime Minister Vladimir Putin met with Chairman of the Central Election Commission Alexander Veshnyakov","location":"The Kremlin, Moscow","link":"http://en.special.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/37412","id":37412}
{"doc_id":"president_ru-en-037411","text":"Acting President and Prime Minister Vladimir Putin had a meeting with Security Council Secretary Sergei Ivanov\n\nJanuary 6, 2000, The Kremlin, Moscow \n\nThe discussion focused on the situation in the Chechen Republic and preparations for the upcoming summit of the Commonwealth of Independent States.\nThe acting head of state endorsed an agenda for the Russian Security Council for the next six months. At its next meeting the Security Council will discuss a strategy for the development of the aircraft-building industry. \nMr Putin signed a decree making changes to Russia’s national security strategy, the Security Council secretary told reporters after the meeting. The 21-page document more clearly describes the notion of a multi-polar world and defines the problem of terrorism and organised crime in a new way, which according to Mr Ivanov, is now regarded as a political rather than criminal offence. The document contains proposals for neutralising those threats.","date":"2000-01-06","title":"Acting President and Prime Minister Vladimir Putin had a meeting with Security Council Secretary Sergei Ivanov","location":"The Kremlin, Moscow","link":"http://en.special.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/37411","id":37411}
{"doc_id":"president_ru-en-037406","text":"Acting President and Prime Minister Vladimir Putin had a meeting with First Deputy Prime Minister Viktor Khristenko\n\nJanuary 6, 2000, The Kremlin, Moscow \n\nThe discussion focused on topical issues related to raw materials exports and the social and economic situation in the country.\nMr Khristenko said that it had been decided that in 2000, oil companies would have access to the pipeline only if they were not in arrears to the federal budget. \nThe first deputy prime minister also spoke about the government’s measures to fulfil the goal Mr Putin set last December to pay overdue wages by April 15, 2000. The government will spend additionally 4 to 4.5 billion roubles for that purpose. It will hold a telephone conference on the matter on January 25.","date":"2000-01-06","title":"Acting President and Prime Minister Vladimir Putin had a meeting with First Deputy Prime Minister Viktor Khristenko","location":"The Kremlin, Moscow","link":"http://en.special.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/37406","id":37406}
{"doc_id":"president_ru-en-037405","text":"Acting President Vladimir Putin had a meeting with Chairman of the Central Bank Viktor Gerashchenko\n\nJanuary 6, 2000, The Kremlin, Moscow \n\nMr Putin and Mr Gerashchenko discussed the Central Bank’s lowering of the interest rate for refinancing. The acting head of state said such a step would serve as a good example of the stabilisation of the Russian economy and would stimulate consumer activity and the development of consumer credit.\nCommenting on the Central Bank’s proposal that exporters should sell 100% of their hard currency earnings, the acting president pointed out that such a decision should be balanced and should not harm the exporters themselves. \nSpeaking to reporters after the meeting, Mr Putin expressed confidence that though under the constitution the head of government takes over as acting head of state until a new president takes office, the effectiveness of the government’s work would not decline.","date":"2000-01-06","title":"Acting President Vladimir Putin had a meeting with Chairman of the Central Bank Viktor Gerashchenko","location":"The Kremlin, Moscow","link":"http://en.special.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/37405","id":37405}
{"doc_id":"president_ru-en-037428","text":"Acting President Vladimir Putin held a meeting with Acting Prosecutor-General Vladimir Ustinov\n\nJanuary 10, 2000, The Kremlin, Moscow \n\nMr Ustinov reported to the acting president on the criminal investigation into the genocide of the Russian people in the Chechen Republic.\nThe issues discussed also included the fight against crime, including investigations concerning the North Caucasus, among other things.","date":"2000-01-10","title":"Acting President Vladimir Putin held a meeting with Acting Prosecutor-General Vladimir Ustinov","location":"The Kremlin, Moscow","link":"http://en.special.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/37428","id":37428}
{"doc_id":"president_ru-en-037427","text":"Acting President and Prime Minister Vladimir Putin commented to reporters on the situation in the Chechen Republic\n\nJanuary 10, 2000, The Kremlin, Moscow \n\nThe Russian authorities know for a fact that the bombers who carried out the terrorist attacks in Moscow, Volgodonsk and Buinaksk had been trained in the town of Urus-Martan in Chechnya. \nMr Putin stressed that the terrorists were trying to escape punishment, but they would not. Recent attempts by terrorists to escalate hostilities have been unsuccessful. He said that Interior Ministry forces had seized control of all buildings in the town of Argun that had been under the control of terrorists. He also said that Interior Ministry forces had sustained losses, and the exact number was being determined.\nOne of the causes of the worsening situation in Chechnya, Mr Putin said, was the terrorists’ efforts to hide what was really happening in the republic. As Russian forces moved across Chechen territory, more proof was emerging of the brutal crimes committed by gangsters against the Chechen people, said the acting president.\nThe Russian military has followed Mr Putin’s order to suspend hostilities for the last few days because of religious holidays, but as he pointed out, the events that followed showed that “we are facing gangsters, people without traditions, without faith.”","date":"2000-01-10","title":"Acting President and Prime Minister Vladimir Putin commented to reporters on the situation in the Chechen Republic","location":"The Kremlin, Moscow","link":"http://en.special.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/37427","id":37427}
{"doc_id":"president_ru-en-037447","text":"Acting President Vladimir Putin discussed ways to support small business with Minister of Anti-monopoly Policy and Support of Entrepreneurship Ilya Yuzhanov\n\nJanuary 11, 2000, The Kremlin, Moscow \n\nMr Putin and Mr Yuzhanov discussed the possibility of establishing a prime minister’s council on small businesses and entrepreneurship and a commission for fighting administrative obstacles that prevent the development of business. They also talked about some aspects of competition policy, including the issue of protecting competition on the financial and commodity markets.","date":"2000-01-11","title":"Acting President Vladimir Putin discussed ways to support small business with Minister of Anti-monopoly Policy and Support of Entrepreneurship Ilya Yuzhanov","location":"The Kremlin, Moscow","link":"http://en.special.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/37447","id":37447}
{"doc_id":"president_ru-en-037444","text":"Acting President Vladimir Putin met with the heads of the security agencies\n\nJanuary 11, 2000, The Kremlin, Moscow \n\nThe state defence order for the year 2000 and the situation in the North Caucasus, including Chechnya, were discussed during the meeting. The meeting participants paid special attention to additional measures to stabilise the situation in the republic. Mr Putin approved an action plan for the federal authorities in Chechnya that took the current situation into account. \nIgor Sergeyev, the defence minister, Nikolai Solovyov, deputy minister of internal affairs, Nikolai Patrushev, director of the FSB, Vladimir Ustinov, acting prosecutor-general, Yury Chaika, justice minister, Sergei Ivanov, secretary of the Security Council, Konstantin Totsky, director of the Federal Boarder Guard Service, Anatoly Kvashnin, chief of the Armed Forces’ General Staff, and Alexander Voloshin, chief of staff of the Presidential Executive Office, participated in the meeting.","date":"2000-01-11","title":"Acting President Vladimir Putin met with the heads of the security agencies","location":"The Kremlin, Moscow","link":"http://en.special.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/37444","id":37444}
{"doc_id":"president_ru-en-037773","text":"Acting President and Prime Minister Vladimir Putin met with the Chairman of the Constitutional Court of Ukraine Viktor Skomorokha\n\nJanuary 17, 2000, The Kremlin, Moscow \n\nOpening the meeting, Vladimir Putin said the Russian leadership attached great importance to relations with Ukraine. \nMr Putin said that the governments and departments of the two countries had already signed about 250 agreements, and expressed hope for continued constructive and fruitful cooperation.\nHe pointed out that the meeting preceded a CIS foreign minister conference and summit, and suggested discussing preparations for these representative international forums.","date":"2000-01-17","title":"Acting President and Prime Minister Vladimir Putin met with the Chairman of the Constitutional Court of Ukraine Viktor Skomorokha","location":"The Kremlin, Moscow","link":"http://en.special.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/37773","id":37773}
{"doc_id":"president_ru-en-037772","text":"Acting President and Prime Minister Vladimir Putin met with Russian and Ukrainian ministers of internal affairs Vladimir Rushailo and Yury Kravchenko\n\nJanuary 17, 2000, The Kremlin, Moscow \n\nThe parties discussed urgent issues pertaining to the cooperation between the Russian and Ukrainian ministries of internal affairs in countering organised crime, and prospects of upgrading this cooperation at regional and other levels.","date":"2000-01-17","title":"Acting President and Prime Minister Vladimir Putin met with Russian and Ukrainian ministers of internal affairs Vladimir Rushailo and Yury Kravchenko","location":"The Kremlin, Moscow","link":"http://en.special.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/37772","id":37772}
{"doc_id":"president_ru-en-037771","text":"Acting President and Prime Minister Vladimir Putin met with a delegation of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) headed by its President Lord Russell-Johnston\n\nJanuary 17, 2000, The Kremlin, Moscow \n\nDuring the three-hour meeting, Mr Putin and Lord Russell-Johnston discussed the situation in the North Caucasus and the prospects of a political settlement in the Chechen Republic.\nMr Putin said the Russian leadership understood the world public’s concern over the events in the North Caucasus, but would like the international community to base its assessment of Russia’s position on real and verified facts rather than propaganda.\nThe acting president emphasised that Russia had always been open for cooperation with different international organisations in achieving settlement in the Chechen Republic, and said he was prepared to answer any questions the PACE delegates might have.\nEuropean parliamentarians asked Mr Putin about the developments in the North Caucasus. In particular, they wanted to know why the Russian leaders had to resort to the current measures, how justified Moscow’s actions were, and to what extent the rights of civilians were observed in Chechnya and the rest of the North Caucasus.\nThey also wanted to establish whether Moscow’s actions in the North Caucasus complied with Russia’s international commitments, in particular in the sphere of human rights.\nTaking part in the meeting on the Russian side were Foreign Minister Igor Ivanov, Deputy Prime Minister and head of the Emergencies Ministry Sergei Shoigu, and Minister of Internal Affairs Vladimir Rushailo.\nIn order to evaluate the situation in the North Caucasus, the PACE delegation will visit the Chechen Republic on January 18–19. After the visit, the European MPs will prepare a special report to be discussed at a regular PACE session in Strasbourg later in January.","date":"2000-01-17","title":"Acting President and Prime Minister Vladimir Putin met with a delegation of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) headed by its President Lord Russell-Johnston","location":"The Kremlin, Moscow","link":"http://en.special.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/37771","id":37771}
{"doc_id":"president_ru-en-037781","text":"Acting President and Prime Minister Vladimir Putin met with China's Minister of National Defence, General Chi Haotian, Deputy Chairman of the Central Military Commission of China\n\nJanuary 18, 2000, The Kremlin, Moscow \n\nThe two leaders discussed the possibilities of promoting multilateral Russian-Chinese partnership, notably in the economic, military-technical and border control spheres, as well as their interaction on the international scene in promoting the principles of multipolarity.\nThe acting president spoke highly about the contribution of Russia’s first president, Boris Yeltsin, and Chinese President Jiang Zemin to the revival and development of Russian-Chinese relations. Mr Putin confirmed the Russian leadership’s firm commitment to the agreements reached at the previous summits.\nMr Putin asked General Chi Haotian to convey his best regards to the Chinese president and gratitude for the invitation to visit China. The acting president said he had very warm memories of his meeting with the Chinese president in New Zealand in September 1999.\nDefence Minister Chi Haotian confirmed the Chinese leadership’s full support for the anti-terrorist efforts of the Russian authorities in Chechnya. He also said Russia and China had the same attitude to the struggle against separatism, extremism and terrorism.\nDefence Minister Igor Sergeyev, Deputy Chief of Staff Sergei Prikhodko, Secretary of the Russian Security Council Sergei Ivanov, and Deputy Foreign Minister Grigory Karasin attended the talks.","date":"2000-01-18","title":"Acting President and Prime Minister Vladimir Putin met with China's Minister of National Defence, General Chi Haotian, Deputy Chairman of the Central Military Commission of China","location":"The Kremlin, Moscow","link":"http://en.special.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/37781","id":37781}
{"doc_id":"president_ru-en-037793","text":"Acting President Vladimir Putin discussed current issues of bilateral relations with Kazakhstan Prime Minister Kasymzhomart Tokayev\n\nJanuary 19, 2000, The Kremlin, Moscow \n\nOn opening the meeting, Mr Putin praised the current level of Russian-Kazakh cooperation and said he hoped it would continue developing productively.\nThe Russian party was represented at the talks by First Deputy Prime Minister Mikhail Kasyanov, Deputy Chief of Staff Sergei Prikhodko, Minister for CIS Affairs Leonid Drachevsky and Russian Ambassador to Kazakhstan Yuri Merzlyakov.\nFirst Deputy Prime Minister of Kazakhstan Alexander Pavlov was also present at the meeting.","date":"2000-01-19","title":"Acting President Vladimir Putin discussed current issues of bilateral relations with Kazakhstan Prime Minister Kasymzhomart Tokayev","location":"The Kremlin, Moscow","link":"http://en.special.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/37793","id":37793}
{"doc_id":"president_ru-en-037792","text":"Acting President and Prime Minister Vladimir Putin discussed the situation in the lower house of parliament with State Duma Speaker Gennady Seleznev\n\nJanuary 19, 2000, The Kremlin, Moscow \n\nThe acting president specifically addressed the need to establish constructive and businesslike cooperation between the executive and legislative branches of government. The success of this task will have a direct influence on how fast measures to improve living standards will be carried out, he emphasized.\nMr Putin and Mr Seleznev discussed the bills that needed to be debated in the lower house more urgently than others. These were the Land, Labour, Criminal Procedure and Civil Procedure Codes.\nThe acting president also instructed the Justice Ministry to consider a set of bills the government had earlier submitted to the second State Duma in order to update them and determine the order in which the house would discuss the legislation.","date":"2000-01-19","title":"Acting President and Prime Minister Vladimir Putin discussed the situation in the lower house of parliament with State Duma Speaker Gennady Seleznev","location":"The Kremlin, Moscow","link":"http://en.special.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/37792","id":37792}
{"doc_id":"president_ru-en-037799","text":"Acting President and Prime Minister Vladimir Putin met with Italian Foreign Minister Lamberto Dini\n\nJanuary 20, 2000, The Kremlin, Moscow \n\nVladimir Putin and Lamberto Dini expressed their high opinion of the present state of Russian-Italian relations, stressing that they play a major role in global stability and security. Each country has the political will to build up bilateral cooperation.\nMr Putin and Mr Dini discussed prospects for expanding trade and economic cooperation, and implementing joint investment projects.\nThe acting president and Italy’s foreign minister focused on a number of foreign policy issues, including plans to continue the reform of the United Nations Organisation and its Security Council.\nMr Putin and Mr Dini share the opinion that it was important to exercise caution in reforming the UN.\nDuring the conversation, the two parties confirmed their interest in expanding Russia’s contacts with the European Union and the Group of Eight. Mr Putin said that the forthcoming meeting of foreign ministers of Italy, Germany and Russia was a good example of strengthening ties on the European continent. \nItaly’s foreign minister said that it was impossible to imagine global and European politics without Russia’s active involvement.\nMr Dini also showed interest in restoring Russia-NATO relations. Touching on the problem of settlement in the Balkans, the two sides stressed the need to preserve the territorial integrity of the existing states.\nRussia’s acting president informed Mr Dini about the developments in the North Caucasus and on measures taken by the Russian government to reach political settlement in the region. Mr Putin said that Russia was ready for a broader cooperation with international organisations in this matter.\nThe Italian foreign minister invited Mr Putin to visit Italy. The acting president accepted the invitation with gratitude, but said that his visit was possible only after the presidential election. In turn, he asked Mr Dini to extend his invitation to Prime Minister Massimo d’Alema and President Carlo Azeglio Ciampi to visit Russia during the year.\nRussian Foreign Minister Igor Ivanov and Deputy Chief of Staff of Presidential Executive Office Sergei Prikhodko also took part in the talks.","date":"2000-01-20","title":"Acting President and Prime Minister Vladimir Putin met with Italian Foreign Minister Lamberto Dini","location":"The Kremlin, Moscow","link":"http://en.special.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/37799","id":37799}
{"doc_id":"president_ru-en-037798","text":"Acting President Vladimir Putin met with Mikhail Shmakov, chairman of the Federation of Independent Trade Unions\n\nJanuary 20, 2000, The Kremlin, Moscow \n\nVladimir Putin supported the trade union's proposal to set up a commission made up of members of the government, the State Duma, trade unions as well as scientists in order to finalise and adopt a new Labour Code as soon as possible.\n Mikhail Shmakov put forward the initiative to set up supervisory councils that would ensure the transparency and efficiency of social foundations.\nMr Putin and Mr Shmakov also discussed plans to raise wages and pensions.","date":"2000-01-20","title":"Acting President Vladimir Putin met with Mikhail Shmakov, chairman of the Federation of Independent Trade Unions","location":"The Kremlin, Moscow","link":"http://en.special.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/37798","id":37798}
{"doc_id":"president_ru-en-037813","text":"Acting President Vladimir Putin met with Joschka Fischer, German vice-chancellor and foreign minister\n\nJanuary 21, 2000, The Kremlin, Moscow \n\nThey discussed topical aspects of bilateral partnership and joint efforts on the international scene.\nMr Putin pointed out the progress of Russian-German partnership lately somewhat dropping pace. The year 1999 cut Russian imports from Germany by a third, and German companies drastically reduced investment activities in Russia.\nHe was rather critical of German spokesmen’s position in international financial institutions discussing partnership with Russia. The acting president found the German stance on those issues tougher than that of Russia’s other partners.\nIn that connection, the Russian leadership sees overcoming the slump and preventing a break in economic and political contacts among pivotal challenges of bilateral contacts. Mr Fischer, in his turn, highlighted German interest in developing strategic partnership with Russia. \nThe negotiators came to an understanding for contacts at the level of the two countries’ economy and finance ministers. They confirmed the importance of defence ministries’ interaction and Russian readiness to further extend parliamentary contacts.\nPutin and Fischer exchanged opinions on a number of practical projects in Russian-German economic partnership. In particular, Russia expressed dissatisfaction with the slow pace of implementing an AN-70 aircraft design project. As the vice-chancellor replied, despite its approval of the project, Germany had problems due to the stances of other partner countries, mainly France. \nThe negotiators paid major attention to foreign political issues, in particular, Russia’s role as a UN Security Council permanent member.\nThe Parties also discussed the North Caucasian situation. Whatever international organisations wanted to visit the North Caucasus they were given the opportunity, and their representatives saw what complicated tasks were tackled in the military sphere and economic rehabilitation, Mr Putin said. As he pointed out, Russia remained open on the issue, and willing to carry on constructive co-operation with the international community. The German leadership never argued Russia’s right and duty to fight the terrorist threat in Chechnya, Mr Fischer stressed.","date":"2000-01-21","title":"Acting President Vladimir Putin met with Joschka Fischer, German vice-chancellor and foreign minister","location":"The Kremlin, Moscow","link":"http://en.special.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/37813","id":37813}
{"doc_id":"president_ru-en-037828","text":"Acting President Vladimir Putin met Ukrainian President Leonid Kuchma\n\nJanuary 24, 2000, The Kremlin, Moscow \n\nMr Putin and Mr Kuchma discussed current issues connected with bilateral economic relations, including cooperation in the military-industrial sector, the outlook for energy cooperation and issues related to the free trade zone within the CIS. The two leaders also touched upon the implementation of the Naval Start and An-70 projects.\nThey agreed to resume the work of the Russian-Ukrainian strategic group, which will control the implementation of high-level agreements in order to develop comprehensive cooperation.\nMr Putin said that Ukrainian Prime Minister Viktor Yushchenko’s recent visit to Moscow had been a success.","date":"2000-01-24","title":"Acting President Vladimir Putin met Ukrainian President Leonid Kuchma","location":"The Kremlin, Moscow","link":"http://en.special.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/37828","id":37828}
{"doc_id":"president_ru-en-037826","text":"Acting President Vladimir Putin discussed current issues related to bilateral relations with Moldovan President Petru Lucinschi\n\nJanuary 24, 2000, The Kremlin, Moscow \n\nIn particular, Mr Putin and Mr Lucinschi considered the problem of Moldova’s debts for gas supplies and discussed the outlook for a settlement in Transdnestr. They also touched upon the removal of Russian military property from Moldova, but they did not discuss a specific timeframe.\nMr Lucinschi said he was positive that the formation of a new Moldovan government would help to resolve some of the problems that had damaged bilateral trade and economic cooperation.\nThe Russian side at the talks was also represented by the president’s deputy chief of staff, Sergei Prikhodko.","date":"2000-01-24","title":"Acting President Vladimir Putin discussed current issues related to bilateral relations with Moldovan President Petru Lucinschi","location":"The Kremlin, Moscow","link":"http://en.special.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/37826","id":37826}
{"doc_id":"president_ru-en-037827","text":"Acting President Vladimir Putin met President of Azerbaijan Heidar Aliyev\n\nJanuary 24, 2000, The Kremlin, Moscow \n\nMr Putin welcomed the continuation of the Armenian-Azerbaijani dialogue and said he hoped that the meeting between Mr Aliyev and Robert Kocharian had provided a fresh impetus to resolving the Nagorno-Karabakh problem.\nMr Putin and Mr Aliyev also discussed cooperation between law-enforcement bodies in the fight against international terrorism and collaboration between the two countries' border services. Mr Aliyev spoke of the efforts the Azerbaijani authorities had taken to keep militants and terrorists out of the country.\nHe emphasised that Azerbaijan was interested in the stability of the Caucasus as much as Russia.\nThe Russian side, in turn, praised Azerbaijan's efforts to protect its borders and fight international terrorism.","date":"2000-01-24","title":"Acting President Vladimir Putin met President of Azerbaijan Heidar Aliyev","location":"The Kremlin, Moscow","link":"http://en.special.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/37827","id":37827}
{"doc_id":"president_ru-en-037824","text":"Acting President Vladimir Putin met President of Kyrgyzstan Askar Akayev\n\nJanuary 24, 2000, The Kremlin, Moscow \n\nMr Akayev addressed Vladimir Putin with a request to restructure Kyrgyzstan's debt.\nThe two leaders also discussed the situation that had arisen after Kyrgyzstan's accession to the World Trade Organisation and ways to ensure the interests of the Russian population in the republic. The Kyrgyz president assured Mr Putin that the rights of Russian speakers would not be discriminated in any way.","date":"2000-01-24","title":"Acting President Vladimir Putin met President of Kyrgyzstan Askar Akayev","location":"The Kremlin, Moscow","link":"http://en.special.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/37824","id":37824}
{"doc_id":"president_ru-en-037823","text":"Acting President Vladimir Putin met President of Tajikistan Emomali Rakhmonov\n\nJanuary 24, 2000, The Kremlin, Moscow \n\nMr Putin and Mr Rakhmonov discussed current key issues of bilateral relations, including trade, the economy, hydropower and military-technical cooperation.\nThe two leaders spoke of the need to coordinate Russia's and Tajikistan's efforts in the fight against international terrorism.\nMr Putin and Mr Rakhmonov also touched upon the issue of coordinating their efforts to help settle the conflict in Afghanistan.","date":"2000-01-24","title":"Acting President Vladimir Putin met President of Tajikistan Emomali Rakhmonov","location":"The Kremlin, Moscow","link":"http://en.special.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/37823","id":37823}
{"doc_id":"president_ru-en-038031","text":"Acting President Vladimir Putin and Armenian President Robert Kocharian discussed important aspects of bilateral relations\n\nJanuary 25, 2000, The Kremlin, Moscow \n\nVladimir Putin and Robert Kocharian discussed the results of the CIS summit, issues of bilateral economic cooperation and prospects for settling the Nagorny-Karabakh conflict. Mr Putin supported the direct dialogue between Armenia and Azerbaijan that has now become regular.","date":"2000-01-25","title":"Acting President Vladimir Putin and Armenian President Robert Kocharian discussed important aspects of bilateral relations","location":"The Kremlin, Moscow","link":"http://en.special.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/38031","id":38031}
{"doc_id":"president_ru-en-038029","text":"Acting President Vladimir Putin met Georgian President Eduard Shevardnadze\n\nJanuary 25, 2000, The Kremlin, Moscow \n\nVladimir Putin and Eduard Shevardnadze discussed the results of the CIS summit, the situation in the Caucasus and Russian-Georgian relations.","date":"2000-01-25","title":"Acting President Vladimir Putin met Georgian President Eduard Shevardnadze","location":"The Kremlin, Moscow","link":"http://en.special.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/38029","id":38029}
{"doc_id":"president_ru-en-038027","text":"Acting President Vladimir Putin met Kazakh President Nursultan Nazarbayev\n\nJanuary 25, 2000, The Kremlin, Moscow \n\nVladimir Putin and Nursultan Nazarbayev discussed important issues of bilateral cooperation, as well as intra-CIS relations.","date":"2000-01-25","title":"Acting President Vladimir Putin met Kazakh President Nursultan Nazarbayev","location":"The Kremlin, Moscow","link":"http://en.special.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/38027","id":38027}
{"doc_id":"president_ru-en-038026","text":"Acting President and Prime Minister Vladimir Putin met Sergei Kiriyenko, leader of the Union of Right Forces (SPS) party, and Boris Gryzlov, leader of the Unity party\n\nJanuary 25, 2000, The Kremlin, Moscow \n\nThe parties agreed to resolve a parliamentary conflict that flared up on January 18, after members of the SPS, Fatherland-All Russia (OVR), Russian Regions and Yabloko parties and deputy groups walked out of the first plenary session of the Third State Duma to protest the reportedly unfair allocation of top positions in the lower house of parliament.\nThe leaders of the SPS and Unity parties worked out a joint position to settle the parliamentary crisis. Mr Gryzlov and Mr Kiriyenko also reached a consensus on the need for joint actions to ensure equal rights for parties and deputy groups in legislative work. \nUnity supported SPS’s legislative motions aimed at passing the Tax, Land, Customs and Labour Codes and other bills as soon as possible. \nA decision was made to create new mechanisms for the State Duma’s work that would enable the parliamentary minority to fully participate in the legislative process.","date":"2000-01-25","title":"Acting President and Prime Minister Vladimir Putin met Sergei Kiriyenko, leader of the Union of Right Forces (SPS) party, and Boris Gryzlov, leader of the Unity party","location":"The Kremlin, Moscow","link":"http://en.special.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/38026","id":38026}
{"doc_id":"president_ru-en-038024","text":"Acting President Vladimir Putin met Turkmen President Saparmurat Niyazov\n\nJanuary 25, 2000, The Kremlin, Moscow \n\nVladimir Putin and Saparmurat Niyazov discussed important aspects of bilateral relations and prospects for expanded economic cooperation, including Turkmen gas supplies to Russia.\nOn December 27, 1999, Russia began to receive Turkmen gas under a $772 million contract that was signed in Ashkhabad by Gazprom board chairman Rem Vyakhirev and Turkmen President Saparmurat Niyazov. Under the contract, Russia will receive 20 billion cubic metres of Turkmen gas in 2000.","date":"2000-01-25","title":"Acting President Vladimir Putin met Turkmen President Saparmurat Niyazov","location":"The Kremlin, Moscow","link":"http://en.special.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/38024","id":38024}
{"doc_id":"president_ru-en-037833","text":"Acting President Vladimir Putin met Uzbek President Islam Karimov\n\nJanuary 25, 2000, The Kremlin, Moscow \n\nMr Putin noted the impressive potential of bilateral cooperation and said that Russia’s leaders attached great importance to relations with Uzbekistan.\nMr Karimov confirmed his country’s interest in expanding contacts with Russia.","date":"2000-01-25","title":"Acting President Vladimir Putin met Uzbek President Islam Karimov","location":"The Kremlin, Moscow","link":"http://en.special.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/37833","id":37833}
{"doc_id":"president_ru-en-037841","text":"Acting President and Prime Minister Vladimir Putin met with Yevgeny Primakov, head of the Fatherland-All Russia parliamentary party\n\nJanuary 26, 2000, The Kremlin, Moscow \n\nMr Putin and Mr Primakov discussed the situation in the lower house of the Federal Assembly.","date":"2000-01-26","title":"Acting President and Prime Minister Vladimir Putin met with Yevgeny Primakov, head of the Fatherland-All Russia parliamentary party","location":"The Kremlin, Moscow","link":"http://en.special.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/37841","id":37841}
{"doc_id":"president_ru-en-037840","text":"Acting Russian President Vladimir Putin met with Cuban Foreign Minister Felipe Perez Roque\n\nJanuary 26, 2000, The Kremlin, Moscow \n\nMr Putin and Mr Perez Roque discussed current issues related to Russian-Cuban cooperation.\nMr Putin said that Russia was ready to develop bilateral relations with Cuba on a friendly and regular basis. \nIn the course of negotiations, the Russian side reiterated that it was against the introduction of any restrictions or sanctions against Cuba. The cooperation between a Russian and a Cuban delegation in preparing the 54th session of the UN General Assembly was emphasised. \nThe acting Russian president praised the actions of the Cuban government within the Non-aligned Movement.\nCuba’s debt to Russia, amounting to several billion dollars, was also touched upon.\nThe Cuban foreign minister handed the acting president a personal message from Fidel Castro, confirming Cuba’s desire for all-round cooperation with Russia both on a bilateral basis and in international affairs. Mr Castro invited Mr Putin to make an official visit to Cuba. The invitation was accepted with gratitude. The time of the visit will be agreed after the presidential election in Russia.","date":"2000-01-26","title":"Acting Russian President Vladimir Putin met with Cuban Foreign Minister Felipe Perez Roque","location":"The Kremlin, Moscow","link":"http://en.special.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/37840","id":37840}
{"doc_id":"president_ru-en-037838","text":"Acting President Vladimir Putin and Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko exchanged instruments of ratification of the Treaty on the Establishment of a Union State\n\nJanuary 26, 2000, The Kremlin, Moscow \n\nAt a ceremony for exchanging instruments of ratification, Mr Putin said that the main aim of building a Union State of Russia and Belarus was to improve the life of ordinary Russians and Belarusians. \nHe also said that the treaty was in the interests of the two powers and embodied the desire of the two peoples to live and work together for the common good.\nMr Putin indicated that a lot of difficult practical work lay ahead to translate the treaty into life, and the key phase of that work would be to establish a common legal framework for the Union and to identify common economic, defence and cultural areas of cooperation. The acting Russian president expressed his view that the treaty, which would enter into force on January 1, 2001, was necessary and would help to promote the unity of the two countries. \nMr Putin expressed special thanks to Russia’s first president, Boris Yeltsin, and Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko for their contributions to the drafting of the treaty.\nThe Belarusian leader, in turn, described the exchange of instruments of ratification and the treaty’s entry into force as acts of historical justice that would help piece together the torn-up fabric of a once united country. \nAccording to Mr Lukashenko, it was necessary to begin practical work, and the results of that work would depend above all on economic integration. \nThe Belarusian president highlighted the big contributions made to the unity of the two peoples by members of parliament and heads of both states. Mr Lukashenko expressed his conviction that Mr Putin was and would remain an active supporter of the union of the two fraternal peoples.","date":"2000-01-26","title":"Acting President Vladimir Putin and Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko exchanged instruments of ratification of the Treaty on the Establishment of a Union State","location":"The Kremlin, Moscow","link":"http://en.special.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/37838","id":37838}
{"doc_id":"president_ru-en-037836","text":"Acting President Vladimir Putin met Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko\n\nJanuary 26, 2000, The Kremlin, Moscow \n\nThe two men discussed current aspects of bilateral cooperation and the building of the Union State of Russia and Belarus.","date":"2000-01-26","title":"Acting President Vladimir Putin met Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko","location":"The Kremlin, Moscow","link":"http://en.special.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/37836","id":37836}
{"doc_id":"president_ru-en-038049","text":"Acting President and Prime Minister Vladimir Putin met with Kofi Annan, Secretary General of the United Nations (UN)\n\nJanuary 28, 2000, The Kremlin, Moscow \n\nAt the meeting, Mr Putin stressed the universal role of the UN and Russia’s great responsibility as a permanent member of the UN Security Council.\nMr Putin and Mr Annan discussed ways to strengthen the authority and influence of the UN, as well as Russia’s efforts towards that goal.\nThe participants touched on the Kosovo problem. The acting president emphasised the important lesson which the UN and all nations had to learn from that tragedy. He said that Russia rejected the principles of ‘humanitarian intervention’, which nullified those of ‘territorial integrity’ and ‘inviolability’.\nMr Putin highly praised UN’s humanitarian mission in the North Caucasus. He particularly acknowledged the role of the UN High Commissioner for Refugees. The prime minister stressed that Russia was ready to continue doing everything in its power to facilitate the work of the UN agencies in the North Caucasus.\nThe acting president told the Secretary General about the efforts of the Russian authorities to restore peace in the North Caucasus. Mr Annan said that the UN supported Russia in its effort to exterminate terrorism. He added, however, that there was a number of questions concerning the humanitarian situation.\nVladimir Putin shared the observations he had made at recent meetings with ministers of foreign affairs of Germany and Italy. He underlined that Western point of view and approach to the issue were quite clear to him.","date":"2000-01-28","title":"Acting President and Prime Minister Vladimir Putin met with Kofi Annan, Secretary General of the United Nations (UN)","location":"The Kremlin, Moscow","link":"http://en.special.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/38049","id":38049}
{"doc_id":"president_ru-en-038066","text":"Acting President, Prime Minister Vladimir Putin held a meeting with the Commission on Military-Technical Cooperation with Foreign States\n\nJanuary 31, 2000, The Kremlin, Moscow \n\nRelevant issues of increasing Russian military export in the current year were discussed.","date":"2000-01-31","title":"Acting President, Prime Minister Vladimir Putin held a meeting with the Commission on Military-Technical Cooperation with Foreign States","location":"The Kremlin, Moscow","link":"http://en.special.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/38066","id":38066}
{"doc_id":"president_ru-en-037867","text":"Acting President Vladimir Putin met with James Wolfensohn, president of the World Bank\n\nFebruary 1, 2000, The Kremlin, Moscow \n\nThey discussed pressing issues of Russia’s cooperation with the World Bank and the possibility of promoting it.\nThey also addressed the Chechen problem. Mr Putin provided exhaustive information to Mr Wolfensohn and expressed satisfaction with the pragmatic and firm stance of the World Bank’s officials, who were not influenced by Russia’s internal political situation in their decisions to grant loans.\nThey reached an agreement whereby a $100 million loan would be granted to Russia in March for the development of its coal industry and another $350 million would be allocated for social development and economic restructuring.\nSpeaking on behalf of Russia’s Government, Mr Putin congratulated Mr Wolfensohn on his re-election to the post of president of the World Bank.","date":"2000-02-01","title":"Acting President Vladimir Putin met with James Wolfensohn, president of the World Bank","location":"The Kremlin, Moscow","link":"http://en.special.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/37867","id":37867}
{"doc_id":"president_ru-en-037863","text":"Acting President Vladimir Putin held a meeting with Konstantin Totsky, director of the Federal Border Guard Service\n\nFebruary 1, 2000, The Kremlin, Moscow \n\nMr Totsky reported on measures to prevent the infiltration of terrorists into Chechnya, and on the situation on the state border, notably on the border with Georgia and Kazakhstan.\nMr Putin set several additional objectives connected with protecting the southern borders.\nThey also discussed the possibility of granting additional housing to the servicemen of the Federal Border Guard Service.","date":"2000-02-01","title":"Acting President Vladimir Putin held a meeting with Konstantin Totsky, director of the Federal Border Guard Service","location":"The Kremlin, Moscow","link":"http://en.special.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/37863","id":37863}
{"doc_id":"president_ru-en-037861","text":"Acting President and Prime Minister Vladimir Putin held a meeting with Interior Minister Vladimir Rushailo\n\nFebruary 1, 2000, The Kremlin, Moscow \n\nMr Rushailo reported on counter-terrorism efforts in Russia, notably in Chechnya, where nine new branches of the Interior Ministry had been opened, bringing the total number to 20.\nThe minister said that the Interior Ministry offices in Chechnya were carrying out an operation to establish the names of members of illegal armed groups. Several dozen people had been detained on suspicion of being members of such groups. Firearms and explosives had been confiscated from them.\nA considerable number of weapons and explosives have also been confiscated in the Krasnoyarsk Region, Moscow and the Moscow Region, the minister said.\nSpeaking about counter-terrorism operations in Russia, Mr Rushailo said that the Interior Ministry bodies were working to prevent attacks, including at residential blocks and transport junctions.\nThe minister also told Mr Putin about the fight against economic crimes. Following inspections by controlling agencies in some regions, criminal lawsuits have been initiated on the embezzlement of budgetary funds.\nMr Rushailo said that an operation had been held in Moscow, during which four foreign nationals had been detained for illegal transactions with precious stones worth about $10 million. The gems were confiscated.\nHe also spoke about joint operations of Russian and Armenian law-enforcers. On February 2 and 3, the two countries’ interior ministries will hold a board meeting to discuss the fight against terrorism, illegal transactions with weapons, and organised crime.","date":"2000-02-01","title":"Acting President and Prime Minister Vladimir Putin held a meeting with Interior Minister Vladimir Rushailo","location":"The Kremlin, Moscow","link":"http://en.special.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/37861","id":37861}
{"doc_id":"president_ru-en-037855","text":"Acting President and Prime Minister Vladimir Putin held a meeting with First Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Mikhail Kasyanov\n\nFebruary 1, 2000, The Kremlin, Moscow \n\nMr Kasyanov reported on the results of a visit by a governmental delegation to the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland. He said the delegation attained its goal of reinforcing Russia’s position on the attraction of foreign investment.\nMr Putin and Mr Kasyanov also discussed the federal budget for February and March 2000, and the government’s efforts to fund the budgetary spending.\nThey also discussed the forthcoming talks in Moscow with James Wolfensohn, head of the World Bank, and coordinated their positions on drawing World Bank loans.","date":"2000-02-01","title":"Acting President and Prime Minister Vladimir Putin held a meeting with First Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Mikhail Kasyanov","location":"The Kremlin, Moscow","link":"http://en.special.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/37855","id":37855}
{"doc_id":"president_ru-en-037851","text":"Acting President Vladimir Putin met with US Secretary of State Madeleine Albright\n\nFebruary 2, 2000, The Kremlin, Moscow \n\nMr Putin and Ms Albright discussed topical issues of bilateral relations and the international agenda.\nThey focused on the entire range of disarmament problems, including strategic offensive arms and missile defence, and reaffirmed their commitment to cooperation in nuclear non-proliferation.\nThe discussion also included the prospects for developing trade and economic relations between the two countries. Ms Albright confirmed the US government’s readiness to help develop the positive changes in the Russian economy that appeared last year. \nThe acting president and the secretary of state spoke highly of the results of the latest conference on the Middle East. \nThe two parties also discussed issues related to the fight against international terrorism. Mr Putin briefed Ms Albright on the situation in the North Caucasus. The acting president emphasised that Russia advocated a political solution to the Chechen conflict and was ready for a dialogue with everyone who had not been involved in serious crimes.\nThe meeting lasted for nearly three hours.","date":"2000-02-02","title":"Acting President Vladimir Putin met with US Secretary of State Madeleine Albright","location":"The Kremlin, Moscow","link":"http://en.special.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/37851","id":37851}
{"doc_id":"president_ru-en-037868","text":"A meeting of the Security Council chaired by Acting President Vladimir Putin endorsed a draft of the new military doctrine\n\nFebruary 4, 2000, The Kremlin, Moscow \n\nMr Putin opened the Security Council meeting by saying that the need to formulate new provisions of the Russian military doctrine resulted, in particular, from the latest developments in the North Caucasus and the endorsement of the NATO strategy allowing the alliance to take military decisions without UN approval.\nThe document will be finalised within the next two months and submitted to the president for signing.\nThe meeting also discussed the development of civil aviation in Russia.","date":"2000-02-04","title":"A meeting of the Security Council chaired by Acting President Vladimir Putin endorsed a draft of the new military doctrine","location":"The Kremlin, Moscow","link":"http://en.special.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/37868","id":37868}
{"doc_id":"president_ru-en-037866","text":"Acting President Vladimir Putin met with French Foreign Minister Hubert Vedrine\n\nFebruary 4, 2000, The Kremlin, Moscow \n\nDuring their conversation, Mr Putin and Mr Vedrine discussed topical aspects of bilateral relations and prospects for expanding Russian-EU cooperation. They underlined the special nature of the Russian-French partnership and expressed hope that it would continue to develop. \nMr Putin told Mr Vedrine about the situation in the North Caucasus, in particular Chechnya, and about measures that had been taken to restore normal life in the republic.\nIt was stressed at the meeting that even if Russia could not rely on the French government’s support, it could expect its understanding of the situation in the region. Mr Putin said that Russia was fighting international terrorism, and not only in its own interests: Tomorrow, international terrorism could choose any other region for attack.\nMr Vedrine gave Mr Putin a message from French President Jacques Chirac and invited the Russian president to visit France. The timeframe for his official visit will be determined after the presidential election in Russia.","date":"2000-02-04","title":"Acting President Vladimir Putin met with French Foreign Minister Hubert Vedrine","location":"The Kremlin, Moscow","link":"http://en.special.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/37866","id":37866}
{"doc_id":"president_ru-en-037887","text":"Acting President Vladimir Putin met Chairman of Gazprom Board of Directors Rem Vyakhirev\n\nFebruary 8, 2000, The Kremlin, Moscow \n\nThe discussion focused on the development of the Russian gas industry, the transportation of Russian gas through Ukraine and the prospects for building new pipelines to Western Europe.","date":"2000-02-08","title":"Acting President Vladimir Putin met Chairman of Gazprom Board of Directors Rem Vyakhirev","location":"The Kremlin, Moscow","link":"http://en.special.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/37887","id":37887}
{"doc_id":"president_ru-en-037931","text":"Acting President Vladimir Putin held a meeting with Defence Minister Igor Sergeyev\n\nFebruary 15, 2000, The Kremlin, Moscow \n\nMr Putin and Mr Sergeyev discussed preparations for the February 16 talks in Moscow with NATO Secretary-General George Robertson, the situation in the North Caucasus, problems of the Black Sea Fleet, and the implementation of the federal budget to finance the armed forces.","date":"2000-02-15","title":"Acting President Vladimir Putin held a meeting with Defence Minister Igor Sergeyev","location":"The Kremlin, Moscow","link":"http://en.special.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/37931","id":37931}
{"doc_id":"president_ru-en-037930","text":"Acting President and Prime Minister Vladimir Putin discussed the situation in Dagestan with Chairman of the State Council of Dagestan Magomedali Magomedov\n\nFebruary 15, 2000, The Kremlin, Moscow \n\nMr Magomedov primarily reported on the situation in the fuel and energy and agro-industrial sectors of the republic’s economy.","date":"2000-02-15","title":"Acting President and Prime Minister Vladimir Putin discussed the situation in Dagestan with Chairman of the State Council of Dagestan Magomedali Magomedov","location":"The Kremlin, Moscow","link":"http://en.special.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/37930","id":37930}
{"doc_id":"president_ru-en-037927","text":"Acting President and Prime Minister Vladimir Putin held a meeting with State Customs Committee (GTK) Chairman Mikhail Vanin\n\nFebruary 15, 2000, The Kremlin, Moscow \n\nMr Vanin reported to Mr Putin that customs auditing had been introduced for imported goods.","date":"2000-02-15","title":"Acting President and Prime Minister Vladimir Putin held a meeting with State Customs Committee (GTK) Chairman Mikhail Vanin","location":"The Kremlin, Moscow","link":"http://en.special.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/37927","id":37927}
{"doc_id":"president_ru-en-037926","text":"Acting President and Prime Minister Vladimir Putin held a meeting with First Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Mikhail Kasyanov\n\nFebruary 15, 2000, The Kremlin, Moscow \n\nAs part of elaborating a budget for 2001 and improving the investment climate, Mr Putin and Mr Kasyanov discussed plans for updating tax legislation with a view to removing discrepancies. \nThe finance minister reported progress in collecting taxes and budget revenues in the first months of the year.\nThey also considered possible additional government moves to strengthen the banking sector through enlisting the Agency for Restructuring Credit Institutions.\nThe acting head of state praised agreements reached with the London Club of creditors to write off part of the Soviet-era debt. Mr Kasyanov had conducted the negotiations. Mr Putin said that theoretically the Government could pretend it had nothing to do with the repayment of this $32 billion debt because Vneshekonombank was directly responsible. However, since it was a state-owned bank, the cabinet would never make believe that the problem was not its concern. He said Russia’s relations with foreign partners must be based on high moral and ethical principles. The Acting President stressed that if a state “swindles”, it loses the trust of partners both outside and inside the country.","date":"2000-02-15","title":"Acting President and Prime Minister Vladimir Putin held a meeting with First Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Mikhail Kasyanov","location":"The Kremlin, Moscow","link":"http://en.special.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/37926","id":37926}
{"doc_id":"president_ru-en-037942","text":"Acting President Vladimir Putin met with NATO Secretary-General George Robertson\n\nFebruary 16, 2000, The Kremlin, Moscow \n\nMr Putin and Mr Robertson discussed current issues of bilateral cooperation, regional and international security, and the situation in the North Caucasus.\nDuring the meeting the men agreed to resume Russia-NATO contacts. The first step would be to compare the military doctrines and strategic concepts of Russia and NATO. \nFollowing the talks, a joint statement was passed. Russia and NATO, it said, are fully determined to contribute to a stable and undivided Europe, free and united, for the good of its peoples.\nThe sides said that they would observe in good faith their obligations under international law, including the UN Charter, and provisions and principles contained in the Helsinki Final Act and OSCE Charter for European Security. \nThe statement also stressed that Russia and the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation would contribute to security in the Euro-Atlantic region building on the Russia-NATO Founding Act and cooperating in the Permanent Joint Council. The sides expressed their intention to continue an active dialogue on a wide spectrum of security issues, allowing them to react to future challenges and make joint cooperation one of the cornerstones of European security. \nNATO and Russia also welcome the signing of the Agreement on the Adaptation of the Conventional Forces in Europe Treaty (CFE). \nThe statement reaffirmed the sides’ desire to continue their joint peacekeeping efforts as part of the Bosnia and Herzegovina stabilisation force and the international force in Kosovo with a view to final fulfilment of earlier adopted UN resolutions.\nOn the Russian side the meeting was attended by Foreign Minister Igor Ivanov, Defence Minister Igor Sergeyev and Deputy Chief of Staff of the Presidential Executive Office Sergei Prikhodko.","date":"2000-02-16","title":"Acting President Vladimir Putin met with NATO Secretary-General George Robertson","location":"The Kremlin, Moscow","link":"http://en.special.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/37942","id":37942}
{"doc_id":"president_ru-en-037972","text":"Acting President and Prime Minister Vladimir Putin received his individual taxpayer's identification number\n\nFebruary 21, 2000, The Kremlin, Moscow \n\nRussian Minister for Taxes and Duties Alexander Pochinok presented the taxpayer’s identification document to Mr Putin.\nIndividual taxpayers’ identification numbers are being issued in Moscow, St Petersburg, the North Caucasus and Bashkortostan. Speaking about the successful experiment, Mr Pochinok called on the people of these regions to apply for identification numbers as soon as possible. He said that all federal departments, including law-enforcement agencies, were using security features to protect all individual taxpayers’ registration numbers.\nMr Putin and Mr Pochinok also discussed measures to improve tax collection and to reduce corporations’ tax arrears.","date":"2000-02-21","title":"Acting President and Prime Minister Vladimir Putin received his individual taxpayer's identification number","location":"The Kremlin, Moscow","link":"http://en.special.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/37972","id":37972}
{"doc_id":"president_ru-en-037971","text":"Acting President and Prime Minister Vladimir Putin met First Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Mikhail Kasyanov\n\nFebruary 21, 2000, The Kremlin, Moscow \n\nMr Putin instructed Mr Kasyanov to completely repay between July and December 2000 all food-ration debts owed to military personnel. He also requested that the Cabinet work more quickly to draw up the Russian fuel and energy balance for the period until 2005.\nMr Putin and Mr Kasyanov also discussed preparations for the latter’s visit to Ukraine, slated for February 22. In Kiev, Ukrainian leaders and Mr Kasyanov will discuss the repayment of debts owed by Ukraine for Russian fuel and energy supplies and the ratification of the so-called “zero agreement” by the Supreme Rada. Under the terms of the agreement, Kiev will cede all its rights to Soviet-era assets to Moscow, provided that the latter undertakes to repay the foreign debts accumulated by Ukraine before the break-up of the Soviet Union.","date":"2000-02-21","title":"Acting President and Prime Minister Vladimir Putin met First Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Mikhail Kasyanov","location":"The Kremlin, Moscow","link":"http://en.special.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/37971","id":37971}
{"doc_id":"president_ru-en-037982","text":"Acting President and Prime Minister Vladimir Putin held a meeting with Justice Minister Yury Chaika\n\nFebruary 23, 2000, The Kremlin, Moscow \n\nYury Chaika reported to Vladimir Putin on his ministry’s analytical study of the legal situation in the Chechen Republic.","date":"2000-02-23","title":"Acting President and Prime Minister Vladimir Putin held a meeting with Justice Minister Yury Chaika","location":"The Kremlin, Moscow","link":"http://en.special.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/37982","id":37982}
{"doc_id":"president_ru-en-037978","text":"Acting President and Prime Minister Vladimir Putin met with British Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs Robin Cook\n\nFebruary 23, 2000, The Kremlin, Moscow \n\nThe parties discussed prospects of bilateral cooperation in trade, economic and other spheres. Robin Cook welcomed Russia’s efforts to create an attractive investment climate. He said that they had evoked much interest in the United Kingdom. At present, more than 400 British companies are working in Russia, and British investment exceeds 13% of the total foreign capital in Russia. During the meeting, the sides pointed to the need to overcome negative trends in bilateral trade.\nMr Putin and Mr Cook also discussed urgent international issues and regional security problems. In this context, they talked about countering international terrorism. Mr Putin spoke at length about the situation in the North Caucasus, and gave a detailed account of the counter-terrorist operation in Chechnya. He observed that currently it was moving to a political plane. Mr Putin confirmed that Russia was open for cooperation with international bodies, in particular, regarding humanitarian relief to civilians.\nMr Cook forwarded to Mr Putin an invitation from British Prime Minister Tony Blair to pay an official visit to the UK.","date":"2000-02-23","title":"Acting President and Prime Minister Vladimir Putin met with British Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs Robin Cook","location":"The Kremlin, Moscow","link":"http://en.special.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/37978","id":37978}
{"doc_id":"president_ru-en-037998","text":"Acting President and Prime Minister Vladimir Putin chaired a Security Council meeting\n\nFebruary 25, 2000, The Kremlin, Moscow \n\nThe meeting discussed the North Caucasian counter-terrorist operation and measures to help Chechnya’s transition to peacetime.\nSpeaking about Chechnya in his opening address, Mr Putin said, “I do not think that there has ever been such an enclave of gangsters who obey no one and nothing, no laws and no regulations”. He added that the republic “has not just fallen out of Russia's legal and governmental orbit… [It] has fallen out of civilization, both Christian and Muslim”. \nHe stressed that the Russian leadership’s top priority was to stabilise the region and help the Chechen people to restore their own statehood and rebuild their economy.\nMr Putin pointed out the necessity of closely monitoring Chechnya as it rebuilt its infrastructure. He strongly warned against squandering federal budget allocations lest the republic turn into a “black hole” in the Russian budget. Mr Putin told the Cabinet to draft appropriate proposals within the next two weeks.\nThe meeting approved a resolution to establish an interim Chechen government with a leader appointed by the federal authorities. The republican government would consist of central administrative boards to take control of key regional economic and community issues.\nThe Security Council also decided to work on practical proposals concerning the revival of Chechen state institutions and the socio-economic sphere.","date":"2000-02-25","title":"Acting President and Prime Minister Vladimir Putin chaired a Security Council meeting","location":"The Kremlin, Moscow","link":"http://en.special.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/37998","id":37998}
{"doc_id":"president_ru-en-038004","text":"Acting President and Prime Minister Vladimir Putin met with the leaders of the State Duma parliamentary parties and deputy groups\n\nFebruary 26, 2000, The Kremlin, Moscow \n\nThe meeting discussed ways of organising the work of the State Duma and its cooperation with the executive bodies, as well as several international and nationwide issues, in particular the situation in the North Caucasus, Russia’s socio-economic situation, development of Russia’s agro-industrial sector, defence policy and ratification of the START II. \nDuring the meeting deputies criticised the cabinet, in particular the process of drafting laws. \nThe government will accept these comments, Mr Putin told journalists after the meeting. \nAnswering journalists’ questions, the acting president said that he had not been informed that the Sibneft company had bought shares in the Krasnoyarsk aluminium plant. Mr Putin said that the State Committee on Antimonopoly Policy should have paid greater attention to this deal long ago.","date":"2000-02-26","title":"Acting President and Prime Minister Vladimir Putin met with the leaders of the State Duma parliamentary parties and deputy groups","location":"The Kremlin, Moscow","link":"http://en.special.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/38004","id":38004}
{"doc_id":"president_ru-en-038018","text":"Acting President and Prime Minister Vladimir Putin met with Deputy Prime Minister Ilya Klebanov, Trade Minister Mikhail Fradkov and Deputy Chief of Staff of the Presidential Executive Office, Head of the Presidential Foreign Policy Directorate Sergei Prikhodko\n\nFebruary 28, 2000, The Kremlin, Moscow \n\nThey discussed preparations for the Russian president's visit to the People's Republic of China, scheduled for early summer 2000.","date":"2000-02-28","title":"Acting President and Prime Minister Vladimir Putin met with Deputy Prime Minister Ilya Klebanov, Trade Minister Mikhail Fradkov and Deputy Chief of Staff of the Presidential Executive Office, Head of the Presidential Foreign Policy Directorate Sergei Prikhodko","location":"The Kremlin, Moscow","link":"http://en.special.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/38018","id":38018}
{"doc_id":"president_ru-en-038017","text":"Acting President Vladimir Putin met Mexican Foreign Minister Rosario Green\n\nFebruary 28, 2000, The Kremlin, Moscow \n\nThey discussed current issues related to Russian-Mexican economic cooperation.","date":"2000-02-28","title":"Acting President Vladimir Putin met Mexican Foreign Minister Rosario Green","location":"The Kremlin, Moscow","link":"http://en.special.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/38017","id":38017}
{"doc_id":"president_ru-en-038016","text":"Defence Minister Igor Sergeyev reported to Acting President Vladimir Putin on the capture by the federal forces of Chechen separatists' last stronghold-the district centre Shatoi\n\nFebruary 29, 2000, The Kremlin, Moscow \n\nThe Acting President and the defence minister also traced progress in the current Russian military operation against the insurgents in the Northern Caucasus and discussed social problems confronting the servicemen.","date":"2000-02-29","title":"Defence Minister Igor Sergeyev reported to Acting President Vladimir Putin on the capture by the federal forces of Chechen separatists' last stronghold-the district centre Shatoi","location":"The Kremlin, Moscow","link":"http://en.special.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/38016","id":38016}
{"doc_id":"president_ru-en-038761","text":"Vladimir Putin met with Chinese Minister of Foreign Affairs Tang Jiaxuan\n\nMarch 1, 2000, The Kremlin, Moscow \n\nMr Putin and Mr Tang discussed in detail the prospects of bilateral trade and economic cooperation and development of contacts between Russian and Chinese regions. They also exchanged opinions on stepping up cultural exchanges. \nMr Putin confirmed a high extent of Russian-Chinese mutual understanding and confidence on all matters. There was nothing to darken bilateral relations, he said. \nThey also discussed the ways for the two countries to provide a material basis for strategic partnership as they were building up political, military and military-technological cooperation.\nAs Mr Putin stressed during the meeting, Russian-Chinese interaction had no analogue outside the CIS for intensity, breadth and the number of partnership fields. \nMr Tang passed Mr Putin a personal message from Chinese President Jiang Zemin. As the Minister said, the message stressed that “at a watershed of two eras, in a complicated and changeable situation, Russia and China were duty bound as great powers to work together for the preservation of global peace and stability, give their strategic partnership a practical purport, and strengthen their all-round cooperation.”\nMr Tang confirmed an invitation to Mr Putin to visit China within the year.","date":"2000-03-01","title":"Vladimir Putin met with Chinese Minister of Foreign Affairs Tang Jiaxuan","location":"The Kremlin, Moscow","link":"http://en.special.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/38761","id":38761}
{"doc_id":"president_ru-en-038831","text":"Acting President Vladimir Putin met with Alexii II, the Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia, and Karekin II, the Catholicos of All Armenians\n\nMarch 1, 2000, The Kremlin, Moscow \n\nThe meeting followed a liturgy Patriarch Alexii II celebrated at the Kremlin’s Assumption Cathedral in remembrance of Patriarch Hermogen. \nAs he talked to the Primates of the two Churches, Mr Putin stressed the value of close ties between the Russian and Armenian nations after centuries of peace and accord. \nMr Putin pointed out the importance of the Armenian religious leader’s visit to Russia.","date":"2000-03-01","title":"Acting President Vladimir Putin met with Alexii II, the Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia, and Karekin II, the Catholicos of All Armenians","location":"The Kremlin, Moscow","link":"http://en.special.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/38831","id":38831}
{"doc_id":"president_ru-en-038811","text":"Vladimir Putin met with Internal Affairs Minister Vladimir Rushailo\n\nMarch 1, 2000, The Kremlin, Moscow \n\nMr Rushailo told the Acting President about the situation in Chechnya and the entire North Caucasus, where Internal Affairs Ministry’s units were actively engaged. \nAs he addressed journalists after the meeting, the Minister told them about the operation which took place the previous day and night in the Urus-Martan district of Chechnya. Internal Affairs and Defence ministry units captured 42 rebels and killed five in armed resistance.\nAs the Minister said, army involvement in the Chechen action was soon to finish. Emphasis would shift on Internal Affairs units at its final stage.\nInterior Ministry and Security Council leaders are to visit Chechnya quite soon to see what could be done for social welfare.","date":"2000-03-01","title":"Vladimir Putin met with Internal Affairs Minister Vladimir Rushailo","location":"The Kremlin, Moscow","link":"http://en.special.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/38811","id":38811}
{"doc_id":"president_ru-en-038775","text":"Acting President Vladimir Putin met with Secretary of the Security Council Sergei Ivanov and Defence Minister Igor Sergeyev\n\nMarch 4, 2000, The Kremlin, Moscow \n\nMr Putin, Mr Ivanov and Mr Sergeyev discussed the situation in Chechnya, measures aimed to eliminate militant groups in the republic and assistance to families of servicemen killed in Chechnya. \nMr Putin was informed of the activities of the Russian peace-keeping forces in Kosovo.","date":"2000-03-04","title":"Acting President Vladimir Putin met with Secretary of the Security Council Sergei Ivanov and Defence Minister Igor Sergeyev","location":"The Kremlin, Moscow","link":"http://en.special.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/38775","id":38775}
{"doc_id":"president_ru-en-038802","text":"Acting President and Prime Minister Vladimir Putin met with top law-enforcement officers\n\nMarch 13, 2000, The Kremlin, Moscow \n\nThe meeting discussed the situation in the North Caucasus and ways of more effectively coordinating ministerial and departmental actions during the regional counter-terrorist operation. \nThe meeting also discussed the 2000 political timeframe for Chechnya, including the issue of preparing and holding republican elections.","date":"2000-03-13","title":"Acting President and Prime Minister Vladimir Putin met with top law-enforcement officers","location":"The Kremlin, Moscow","link":"http://en.special.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/38802","id":38802}
{"doc_id":"president_ru-en-038790","text":"Acting President and Prime Minister Vladimir Putin met with Sergei Shoigu, Minister of Civil Defence, Emergencies and Disaster Relief\n\nMarch 14, 2000, The Kremlin, Moscow \n\nThe Minister made a report about the situation in Chechnya and Government measures for financial assistance to refugees returning home.","date":"2000-03-14","title":"Acting President and Prime Minister Vladimir Putin met with Sergei Shoigu, Minister of Civil Defence, Emergencies and Disaster Relief","location":"The Kremlin, Moscow","link":"http://en.special.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/38790","id":38790}
{"doc_id":"president_ru-en-038788","text":"Acting President and Prime Minister Vladimir Putin met with First Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Mikhail Kasyanov\n\nMarch 14, 2000, The Kremlin, Moscow \n\nThey discussed many aspects of Russian social and economic development, in particular, tax and welfare reforms, and overdue military salary payments. \nMr Kasyanov said after the meeting that Russia would support the candidacy of Germany’s Horst Koehler for the post of Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund.","date":"2000-03-14","title":"Acting President and Prime Minister Vladimir Putin met with First Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Mikhail Kasyanov","location":"The Kremlin, Moscow","link":"http://en.special.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/38788","id":38788}
{"doc_id":"president_ru-en-038809","text":"Acting President Vladimir Putin met with members of the Council of Muftis of Russia\n\nMarch 15, 2000, The Kremlin, Moscow \n\nRussia has for centuries been a home for both Muslims and Christians, and will always remain one, said Mr Putin addressing participants in this meeting. He thanked the religious leaders of Russia’s Muslims for their resolute stand in support of the state, especially in the light of recent developments in the Chechen Republic.\nOn behalf of all participants in the meeting, Mr Putin wished all Muslims of Russia a happy Kurban Bairam holiday.\nAt the beginning of the meeting, Sheikh Ravil Gainutdin, Chairman of the Council of Muftis of Russia, presented Mr Putin with a gift of a dagger. According to Islamic tradition, such gifts are a symbol of high esteem.","date":"2000-03-15","title":"Acting President Vladimir Putin met with members of the Council of Muftis of Russia","location":"The Kremlin, Moscow","link":"http://en.special.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/38809","id":38809}
{"doc_id":"president_ru-en-038868","text":"Acting President Vladimir Putin met with heads of administrations of eight districts of the Chechen Republic\n\nMarch 15, 2000, The Kremlin, Moscow \n\nThe main issues discussed at the meeting included the restoration of the region’s social and industrial infrastructure and the organisation of peaceful life in the republic, as well as problems in Chechnya’s fuel and energy sector and the agro-industrial complex. The delegates criticised the Russian Finance Ministry and the Ministry of Agriculture for delays in the transfer of funds allocated for a spring sowing campaign in the region.\nPreparations for presidential election slated for March 26 were also discussed. Mr Putin underlined the need for Chechen citizens to be able to exercise their voting rights.","date":"2000-03-15","title":"Acting President Vladimir Putin met with heads of administrations of eight districts of the Chechen Republic","location":"The Kremlin, Moscow","link":"http://en.special.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/38868","id":38868}
{"doc_id":"president_ru-en-039090","text":"Acting President Vladimir Putin and Prime Minister met with Chairman of the Arbitration Court Veniamin Yakovlev\n\nMarch 16, 2000, The Kremlin, Moscow \n\nMr Putin and Mr Yakovlev discussed the main issues related to the development of separate branches of the legislative system, including administrative. They noted that the lack of up-to-date administrative legislation was one of the main reasons for corruption.","date":"2000-03-16","title":"Acting President Vladimir Putin and Prime Minister met with Chairman of the Arbitration Court Veniamin Yakovlev","location":"The Kremlin, Moscow","link":"http://en.special.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/39090","id":39090}
{"doc_id":"president_ru-en-039020","text":"Acting President and Prime Minister Vladimir Putin met with the Head of the Supreme Court Vyacheslav Lebedev\n\nMarch 16, 2000, The Kremlin, Moscow \n\nMr Putin and Mr Lebedev discussed independence of courts from local authorities. Mr Putin said that all courts should be financed from the federal budget. The Acting President also emphasised the need to increase judges’ salaries and improve the material and technical basis of all the courts. Mr Putin was going to raise the issue on increasing the financing for the judicial system from the 2001 budget.\nDuring the meeting the need to work more efficiently on passing laws, particularly in the Supreme Court and regular courts, was noted. Mr Lebedev said that the lack of laws had a negatively impact on the judicial system.","date":"2000-03-16","title":"Acting President and Prime Minister Vladimir Putin met with the Head of the Supreme Court Vyacheslav Lebedev","location":"The Kremlin, Moscow","link":"http://en.special.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/39020","id":39020}
{"doc_id":"president_ru-en-039019","text":"Acting President and Prime Minister Vladimir Putin presented a standard to Colonel General Konstantin Totsky, Director of the Federal Border Guard Service\n\nMarch 16, 2000, The Kremlin, Moscow \n\nRussia was not going to re-establish the Iron Curtain, Russia needed a civilised state border which would be open to the whole world, said Mr Putin, presenting the standard. \nThe Acting President noted that the key objectives for boarder guards were to protect Russia’s economic interests, fight against international terrorism, organised crime, smuggling and drug trafficking. Mr Putin emphasised the need to pay special attention to fortification and construction of border areas of the Chechen Republic.","date":"2000-03-16","title":"Acting President and Prime Minister Vladimir Putin presented a standard to Colonel General Konstantin Totsky, Director of the Federal Border Guard Service","location":"The Kremlin, Moscow","link":"http://en.special.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/39019","id":39019}
{"doc_id":"president_ru-en-038863","text":"Acting President and Prime Minister Vladimir Putin met with Internal Affairs Minister Vladimir Rushailo\n\nMarch 23, 2000, The Kremlin, Moscow \n\nMr Rushailo reported to Mr Putin on the criminal case against the Transkredit bank. This institution is suspected of having relations with terrorist and criminal organisations in the Chechen Republic.","date":"2000-03-23","title":"Acting President and Prime Minister Vladimir Putin met with Internal Affairs Minister Vladimir Rushailo","location":"The Kremlin, Moscow","link":"http://en.special.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/38863","id":38863}
{"doc_id":"president_ru-en-038840","text":"Acting President and Prime Minister Vladimir Putin chaired a meeting on issues related to the agro-industrial complex\n\nMarch 24, 2000, The Kremlin, Moscow \n\nMr Putin voiced criticism of preparations for the spring sowing campaign. \nIn particular, he commented on delays in financing and the lack of fuel, lubricants and equipment for the agro-industrial complex. The Prime Minister said that by March 24 agricultural enterprises had received only 76% of allocations from the federal budget. \nMr Putin instructed the Cabinet to make sure that the money is transferred on time. \nFirst Deputy Finance Minister Alexei Kudrin assured Mr Putin that the problem would be solved by the end of the month.\nAfter the meeting, Mr Putin signed a decree on the procedure of using the Soft Credit Fund for agricultural needs. \nDeputy Prime Minister Vladimir Shcherbak, Agriculture Minister Alexei Gordeyev, First Deputy Fuel and Energy Minister Gurami Avalishvili, First Deputy Finance Minister Alexei Kudrin and Head of the Presidential Economic Directorate Anton Danilov-Danilyan attended the meeting.","date":"2000-03-24","title":"Acting President and Prime Minister Vladimir Putin chaired a meeting on issues related to the agro-industrial complex","location":"The Kremlin, Moscow","link":"http://en.special.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/38840","id":38840}
{"doc_id":"president_ru-en-038805","text":"Acting President and Prime Minister Vladimir Putin chaired a Security Council meeting on Russia's foreign policy\n\nMarch 24, 2000, The Kremlin, Moscow \n\nMr Putin outlined the need to more actively and prudently defend the interests of Russian citizens abroad, those who live in the CIS and Baltic countries, and elsewhere. \nThe Acting President spoke for increasing the role of the Foreign Ministry in coordinating the efforts of Russian diplomats in dealing with current issues related to Russia’s foreign policy. In this connection, the Prime Minister emphasised the need to promote Russia’s economic interests abroad with the help of the Foreign Ministry.","date":"2000-03-24","title":"Acting President and Prime Minister Vladimir Putin chaired a Security Council meeting on Russia's foreign policy","location":"The Kremlin, Moscow","link":"http://en.special.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/38805","id":38805}
{"doc_id":"president_ru-en-038869","text":"Acting President and Prime Minister Vladimir Putin met with Helle Degn, President of the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly at her request\n\nMarch 25, 2000, The Kremlin, Moscow \n\nHelle Degn is in Moscow as a special envoy of the acting chairman of the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe to the Russian presidential election.\nMs Degn underlined a high level of preparations for the election. Mr Putin, for his part, wished international observers success in fulfilling their mission and spoke highly of cooperation between Russia and the OSCE.","date":"2000-03-25","title":"Acting President and Prime Minister Vladimir Putin met with Helle Degn, President of the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly at her request","location":"The Kremlin, Moscow","link":"http://en.special.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/38869","id":38869}
{"doc_id":"president_ru-en-038998","text":"Acting President Vladimir Putin met with Minister of Internal Affairs Vladimir Rushailo\n\nMarch 28, 2000, The Kremlin, Moscow \n\nMr Rushailo said the efforts of law enforcement agencies and the Armed Forces prevented any disruptions and crimes during the presidential election, including in Chechnya. \nThe Minister of Internal Affairs reported that on March 25–26 attempts to disrupt the elections took place in four Chechen villages. Militants tried to attack two polling stations and to place explosion devices in the others. Law enforcement agencies prevented the attacks, said Mr Rushailo. \nOver 15,000 military personnel from Internal Affairs Ministry units and Armed Forces were mobilised to guarantee security during the presidential election in Chechnya.","date":"2000-03-28","title":"Acting President Vladimir Putin met with Minister of Internal Affairs Vladimir Rushailo","location":"The Kremlin, Moscow","link":"http://en.special.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/38998","id":38998}
{"doc_id":"president_ru-en-038997","text":"Acting President Vladimir Putin met with Vladimir Yakovlev, Governor of St Petersburg\n\nMarch 28, 2000, The Kremlin, Moscow \n\nThe Acting President thanked St Petersburg residents for their support in the presidential election. \nMr Putin and Mr Yakovlev discussed preparations for the Ice Hockey World Championship, which would be held in St Petersburg from April 29 to May 15, 2000.","date":"2000-03-28","title":"Acting President Vladimir Putin met with Vladimir Yakovlev, Governor of St Petersburg","location":"The Kremlin, Moscow","link":"http://en.special.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/38997","id":38997}
{"doc_id":"president_ru-en-038996","text":"Acting President Vladimir Putin met with Defence Minister Igor Sergeyev\n\nMarch 28, 2000, The Kremlin, Moscow \n\nThe Defence Minister reported on the Armed Forces operation to secure law and order in the Chechen Republic during the presidential election.\nMr Putin and Mr Sergeyev discussed the current situation in the North Caucasus, the Kosovo problem and the issue of financing the Black Sea Fleet. \nThe Acting President issued instructions to prepare all the necessary documents to reappoint Mr Sergeyev to the post of Defence Minister for the next year.","date":"2000-03-28","title":"Acting President Vladimir Putin met with Defence Minister Igor Sergeyev","location":"The Kremlin, Moscow","link":"http://en.special.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/38996","id":38996}
{"doc_id":"president_ru-en-039004","text":"Acting President Vladimir Putin got a report from General Staff Chief Anatoly Kvashnin about the murder of Chechen resident Elza Kungayeva\n\nMarch 29, 2000, The Kremlin, Moscow \n\nA suspect, Colonel Valery Budanov, the commander of the 106th tank regiment, was arrested. Criminal proceedings on charges of murder were instituted by the United Group of Federal Forces leadership.","date":"2000-03-29","title":"Acting President Vladimir Putin got a report from General Staff Chief Anatoly Kvashnin about the murder of Chechen resident Elza Kungayeva","location":"The Kremlin, Moscow","link":"http://en.special.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/39004","id":39004}
{"doc_id":"president_ru-en-039032","text":"Acting President Vladimir Putin met with a group of Federation Council members\n\nMarch 29, 2000, The Kremlin, Moscow \n\nThey reviewed the situation in the North Caucasus and prospects for bringing life in the Chechen Republic to normal.\nThe meeting was attended by Krasnodar Region Governor Nikolai Kondratenko, Stavropol Region Governor Alexander Chernogorov, Kabardino-Balkaria President Valery Kokov and Saratov Region Governor Dmitry Ayatskov.","date":"2000-03-29","title":"Acting President Vladimir Putin met with a group of Federation Council members","location":"The Kremlin, Moscow","link":"http://en.special.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/39032","id":39032}
{"doc_id":"president_ru-en-039006","text":"Acting President Vladimir Putin met with Jacob Kellenberger, president of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC)\n\nMarch 30, 2000, The Kremlin, Moscow \n\nThey discussed the situation in Chechnya as well as ensuring security for the ICRC personnel fulfilling a humanitarian mission in the republic. The Committee declared its intention to expand aid to Chechen citizens. \nDuring the meeting, the Russian side expressed readiness to provide ICRC officials with permits to visit all temporary detention facilities should they need to do so.\nVladimir Putin and Jacob Kellenberger praised the level of interaction and cooperation between Russia and ICRC, the oldest international humanitarian organization. \nThe meeting was also attended by Russia’s Foreign Minister Igor Ivanov, the president’s aide Sergei Yastrzhembsky, and deputy chief of staff of the presidential executive office Sergei Prikhodko.","date":"2000-03-30","title":"Acting President Vladimir Putin met with Jacob Kellenberger, president of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC)","location":"The Kremlin, Moscow","link":"http://en.special.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/39006","id":39006}
{"doc_id":"president_ru-en-039103","text":"Acting President Vladimir Putin met with Nikolai Koshman, deputy prime minister and Russian government's plenipotentiary envoy in Chechnya\n\nMarch 30, 2000, The Kremlin, Moscow \n\nThey discussed the current situation in the North Caucasus and the results of the campaign for the election of Russian President held in the Chechen Republic.\nNikolai Koshman pointed out that terrorists had failed to carry out their threats, and election in Chechnya was held. The voter turnout was 74%, with 54% of the votes given to Vladimir Putin. OSCE representatives made no critical remarks on the vote.","date":"2000-03-30","title":"Acting President Vladimir Putin met with Nikolai Koshman, deputy prime minister and Russian government's plenipotentiary envoy in Chechnya","location":"The Kremlin, Moscow","link":"http://en.special.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/39103","id":39103}
{"doc_id":"president_ru-en-037468","text":"Acting President Vladimir Putin met with Muneo Suzuki, special envoy of the Japanese prime minister\n\nApril 4, 2000, The Kremlin, Moscow \n\nVladimir Putin said when opening the meeting that Moscow was alarmed by the news about the deteriorating health of Prime Minister Keizo Obuchi.\nMr Putin said he was shocked by the news because he had talked with the prime minister by telephone only recently to arrange a meeting.\nThe acting president also said that Mr Obuchi had asked him to meet with Muneo Suzuki, which he was doing now. He said Mr Obuchi expected important results from that meeting, notably an agreement for a summit meeting.\nMr Putin and Mr Suzuki discussed Russian-Japanese relations, preparations for the G8 summit to be held in Okinawa in July, and the schedule of possible future contacts between the two leaders.","date":"2000-04-04","title":"Acting President Vladimir Putin met with Muneo Suzuki, special envoy of the Japanese prime minister","location":"The Kremlin, Moscow","link":"http://en.special.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/37468","id":37468}
{"doc_id":"president_ru-en-037482","text":"Acting President Vladimir Putin with Stanley Fischer, First Deputy Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund\n\nApril 6, 2000, The Kremlin, Moscow \n\nVladimir Putin and Stanley Fischer discussed Russia’s relations with international financial organisations, including the IMF.\nThe meeting was also attended by Deputy Prime Minister Viktor Khristenko, Foreign Minister Igor Ivanov, and Sergei Prikhodko, deputy chief of staff.","date":"2000-04-06","title":"Acting President Vladimir Putin with Stanley Fischer, First Deputy Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund","location":"The Kremlin, Moscow","link":"http://en.special.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/37482","id":37482}
{"doc_id":"president_ru-en-037495","text":"Vladimir Putin met with Jaime Gama, foreign minister of Portugal, current holder of the European Union presidency, and Javier Solana, secretary-general of the EU Council\n\nApril 7, 2000, The Kremlin, Moscow \n\nThe enlargement of the European Union should not impede the progress of Russia’s relations with countries intending to join the EU, Acting President Vladimir Putin said as he opened the meeting.\nRussia is interested in the progress of its contacts with the European Union as much as before, he stressed. At the same time, there are certain problems in Russia-EU relations, and Russia believes those problems are important.\nMr Putin thanked the leaders of practically all European countries, who had congratulated him on his election as president.\nThe agenda included preparations for a Russia-EU summit due in May, and a Russia-EU cooperation meeting of foreign ministers in Luxemburg, to be held the following week. In response to the visitors’ request, Vladimir Putin offered them detailed information about the progress of reforms and about developments in Chechnya, as well as Russia’s efforts to end the conflict in the North Caucasus.","date":"2000-04-07","title":"Vladimir Putin met with Jaime Gama, foreign minister of Portugal, current holder of the European Union presidency, and Javier Solana, secretary-general of the EU Council","location":"The Kremlin, Moscow","link":"http://en.special.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/37495","id":37495}
{"doc_id":"president_ru-en-037490","text":"Vladimir Putin met with Nikolai Koshman, deputy prime minister and Russian government envoy to the Chechen Republic\n\nApril 7, 2000, The Kremlin, Moscow \n\nThey discussed economic and social recovery in Chechnya, in particular, the restoration of electrical and gas networks, car and railroad transport, communications, education and health services.\nAddressing journalists after the meeting, Mr Koshman said the acting president had instructed him to draw up proposals for the reform of the federal government representation in Chechnya. Officials from government ministries and other federal offices would be sent to the republic to restore government authority.","date":"2000-04-07","title":"Vladimir Putin met with Nikolai Koshman, deputy prime minister and Russian government envoy to the Chechen Republic","location":"The Kremlin, Moscow","link":"http://en.special.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/37490","id":37490}
{"doc_id":"president_ru-en-037576","text":"Vladimir Putin met with Belarusian Prime Minister Vladimir Yermoshin, who is on his first official visit to Russia\n\nApril 12, 2000, The Kremlin, Moscow \n\nMr Putin and Mr Yermoshin discussed fundamental issues related to their countries’ joint efforts to implement the ideas formalised in the treaty on the establishment of the Union State, as well as practical issues of economic and political cooperation.","date":"2000-04-12","title":"Vladimir Putin met with Belarusian Prime Minister Vladimir Yermoshin, who is on his first official visit to Russia","location":"The Kremlin, Moscow","link":"http://en.special.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/37576","id":37576}
{"doc_id":"president_ru-en-037564","text":"Vladimir Putin met with the leaders of the Russian space industry and cosmonauts\n\nApril 12, 2000, The Kremlin, Moscow \n\nVladimir Putin met with the leaders of the Russian space industry and cosmonauts.\nThe acting president said that the development and financing of the aerospace industry would soon be discussed by the Russian Security Council. \nHe said financing was a serious problem. Last year, the government for the first time fulfilled its [financial] obligations to cosmonauts and plans to do so again in 2000. \nMr Putin said that the main guideline for state policy in that sector was to support the national producers of spacecraft. At the same time, Russia will also fulfil its obligations under the International Space Station (ISS) project.\nThe acting president also congratulated the audience on Cosmonautics Day.\nThe meeting in the Kremlin was attended by Yury Koptev, head of the Russian Aerospace Agency, Marshal Yevgeny Shaposhnikov, an aide to the Russian president, Valentina Tereshkova, cosmonauts Sergei Krikalyov and Sergei Avdeyev, and Sergei Ivanov, secretary of the Russian Security Council.\nThe entire package of issues relating to the development of the space industry had been discussed earlier at a separate meeting between Putin, Koptev and Shaposhnikov.","date":"2000-04-12","title":"Vladimir Putin met with the leaders of the Russian space industry and cosmonauts","location":"The Kremlin, Moscow","link":"http://en.special.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/37564","id":37564}
{"doc_id":"president_ru-en-037580","text":"Vladimir Putin met with Austrian Foreign Minister and OSCE Chairperson-in-Office Benita Ferrero-Waldner\n\nApril 13, 2000, The Kremlin, Moscow \n\nActing Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed hope that the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe would become a much more effective instrument for regulating international relations under Austria’s guidance.\nMr Putin, who said that the Soviet Army had liberated Vienna exactly 55 years ago, also noted the Soviet Union’s role in asserting Austrian statehood. \nMr Putin also said that the Russian-Austrian agreement on avoiding dual taxation, which was signed today, highlighted the two countries’ continued positive bilateral contacts. \nOn behalf of the Austrian government and the federal chancellor, Benita Ferrero-Waldner congratulated Mr Putin on his election as President of Russia and invited him to visit Austria.\nMr Putin and Ms Ferrero-Waldner discussed bilateral Russian-Austrian relations and noted the need for their expansion in every sphere. At the Austrian side’s request, Mr Putin spoke of plans to create a favourable investment climate in Russia. \nRussia-OSCE interaction was also discussed. In Mr Putin’s opinion, the OSCE should address problems in the former Soviet Union and other regions, including Kosovo. He spoke about the situation in Chechnya and Russian leaders’ efforts to normalise life there.","date":"2000-04-13","title":"Vladimir Putin met with Austrian Foreign Minister and OSCE Chairperson-in-Office Benita Ferrero-Waldner","location":"The Kremlin, Moscow","link":"http://en.special.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/37580","id":37580}
{"doc_id":"president_ru-en-037592","text":"Acting President Vladimir Putin held a news conference\n\nApril 15, 2000, The Kremlin, Moscow \n\nVladimir Putin discussed the government’s plans to raise pensions. He said that this could be done ahead of the schedule set by the budget due to the work carried out by the government and the Pension Fund. \nVladimir Putin talked about the State Duma vote on the START II Treaty. He said if the treaty is ratified, Russia will be able to become more assertive in negotiations on international security. The treaty would also help preserve a nuclear parity, the acting president said.\nMr Putin also answered journalists’ questions about his expectations from the forthcoming visits to Belarus, Britain and Ukraine.","date":"2000-04-15","title":"Acting President Vladimir Putin held a news conference","location":"The Kremlin, Moscow","link":"http://en.special.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/37592","id":37592}
{"doc_id":"president_ru-en-037627","text":"Acting President Vladimir Putin chaired a Security Council meeting, which approved Russia's Military Doctrine\n\nApril 21, 2000, The Kremlin, Moscow \n\nThe Security Council also discussed the Action Plan to guarantee Russia’s strategic interests in the Caspian region.\nAfter the meeting, the acting president said that he would sign the new Military Doctrine the same day. \nA decision was also made to establish the office of a presidential envoy for Caspian problems and a coordination team at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to tackle problems of the Caspian region. \nAs he answered questions from journalists after the Security Council meeting, President Putin called their attention to the fact that the co-ordination team at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs would include spokesmen not only from different government agencies but also from Russia’s largest energy and transportation companies. The rank of the future presidential envoy for the Caspian will be determined and candidates to the post selected after a new Cabinet is formed. \nThe Security Council instructed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to show more initiative in consultations with the Caspian countries. Russia is determined to cooperate with all Caspian projects participants and respects their interests, but will not overlook its own interests, Mr Putin stressed.\nThe acting president also discussed prospects for the settlement of the conflict in the Chechen Republic. He said Moscow was ready to start negotiations anytime, if the matter concerned practical steps. As he pointed out, it was not the negotiation process in itself but national security guarantees that were of great importance in this case. It is necessary to create conditions under which no one will ever use Chechnya as a bridgehead to attack Russia.\nAlthough Moscow is determined to continue its practical efforts for political settlement in Chechnya, and will cooperate with all those who are ready to contribute to solving the problem, it will go on using its Armed Forces and law enforcement bodies to ensure regional security. \nAs Mr Putin has stressed, the conditions Russia is advancing to start political negotiations stay unchanged: immediate and unconditional release of all hostages and handing over the militants.\nThe acting president also answered a question about cooperating with Belarus in the military sphere. In establishing a Russian-Belarusian armed group, Moscow and Minsk proceed from the premise that although the units will coordinate their efforts in some cases, the troops of either country will be subordinate only to their own command. \nVladimir Putin summed up the results of his visits to Minsk, London and Kiev. He said that the issues of establishing a Union State, military technological partnership, and coordination of the two countries’ economic policies were the focus of his negotiations in Belarus. \nEuropean security and bilateral economic cooperation dominated the negotiations in the UK, while in Ukraine the spotlight was on energy problems and issues concerning the Black Sea Fleet.","date":"2000-04-21","title":"Acting President Vladimir Putin chaired a Security Council meeting, which approved Russia's Military Doctrine","location":"The Kremlin, Moscow","link":"http://en.special.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/37627","id":37627}
{"doc_id":"president_ru-en-037672","text":"Vladimir Putin met with head of the Russian Audit Chamber Sergei Stepashin\n\nApril 27, 2000, The Kremlin, Moscow \n\nThey discussed how the Audit Chamber will supervise the distribution of budgetary resources in the Chechen Republic. \nAccording to Sergei Stepashin, the Audit Chamber will coordinate this task with law enforcement agencies, and first and foremost with the office of the Prosecutor General.","date":"2000-04-27","title":"Vladimir Putin met with head of the Russian Audit Chamber Sergei Stepashin","location":"The Kremlin, Moscow","link":"http://en.special.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/37672","id":37672}
{"doc_id":"president_ru-en-038090","text":"A ceremonial prayer on the inauguration of the new President was held by Alexy II, Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia, in the Annunciation Cathedral, where Mr Putin arrived after the inauguration ceremony\n\nMay 7, 2000, The Kremlin, Moscow \n\nAlexy II addressed the new President, saying that the majority of Russians had voted for a balanced and responsible leadership, for law and order, concern for the people, and a strong country open to the world.\nSpeaking on behalf of the clergy and believers of the Russian Orthodox Church and everyone who cares for the spiritual heritage of Russia, the Patriarch asked the new head of state “to remember about the great responsibility of the leader to his people, history and God,” and appealed to Mr Putin to take care of the people’s welfare, both material and spiritual.\nAlexy II also assured the President that the Russian Orthodox Church would help the secular authorities in their efforts to revitalise the country.\nHe presented to Mr Putin an icon of St Alexander Nevsky, and expressed his hope that the famous defender and patron saint of Russia also would become the holy defender of the President in his service to the country.\nThe Patriarch also handed over to Mr Putin the recreated icons of the Saviour and St Nicholas, which had been kept in the Spasskaya and Nikolskaya towers of the Kremlin until 1917, asking him to return them there.\nMr Putin replied that it was thanks to the guidance of the Russian Orthodox Church that Russia had preserved century-old traditional spiritual and moral values, which would have been otherwise lost irretrievably.\nThe prayer was also attended by Boris Yeltsin and his wife, and Lyudmila Putin.","date":"2000-05-07","title":"A ceremonial prayer on the inauguration of the new President was held by Alexy II, Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia, in the Annunciation Cathedral, where Mr Putin arrived after the inauguration ceremony","location":"The Kremlin, Moscow","link":"http://en.special.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/38090","id":38090}
{"doc_id":"president_ru-en-038145","text":"An official reception to mark the 55th anniversary of the USSR's victory in the Great Patriotic War was held in the State Kremlin Palace\n\nMay 9, 2000, The Kremlin, Moscow \n\n","date":"2000-05-09","title":"An official reception to mark the 55th anniversary of the USSR's victory in the Great Patriotic War was held in the State Kremlin Palace","location":"The Kremlin, Moscow","link":"http://en.special.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/38145","id":38145}
{"doc_id":"president_ru-en-038138","text":"President Vladimir Putin met with Ted Turner, a prominent American entrepreneur and public figure\n\nMay 11, 2000, The Kremlin, Moscow \n\nVladimir Putin and Ted Turner discussed issues related to international security and possible measures to increase trust between Russia and the United States.\nMr Putin and Mr Turner first met at the Good Will Games in St Petersburg in 1994.","date":"2000-05-11","title":"President Vladimir Putin met with Ted Turner, a prominent American entrepreneur and public figure","location":"The Kremlin, Moscow","link":"http://en.special.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/38138","id":38138}
{"doc_id":"president_ru-en-038159","text":"President Vladimir Putin met with Juan Antonio Samaranch, president of the International Olympic Committee (IOC)\n\nMay 15, 2000, The Kremlin, Moscow \n\nMr Putin highly praised the contribution made by Mr Samaranch, the IOC’s president, to the development of the international Olympic movement and sports in general. “Your name is known to everyone in Russia,” he said when opening the meeting.\nMr Samaranch thanked Mr Putin for his kind words and recalled that he had first met him several years ago during a visit to St Petersburg.\nAt the meeting, they discussed Russia’s role in the development of the international Olympic movement.","date":"2000-05-15","title":"President Vladimir Putin met with Juan Antonio Samaranch, president of the International Olympic Committee (IOC)","location":"The Kremlin, Moscow","link":"http://en.special.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/38159","id":38159}
{"doc_id":"president_ru-en-038157","text":"President Vladimir Putin accepted the credentials of foreign ambassadors in Moscow\n\nMay 15, 2000, The Kremlin, Moscow \n\nSpeaking at the ceremony, Vladimir Putin reaffirmed that Russia was open to the world. He said that the main goal of Russian foreign policy was to help create a stable and secure world based on equality, respect and mutually beneficial cooperation.\nHe accepted the credentials of the ambassadors of the Republic of Zimbabwe, the United Mexican States, the Confederation of Switzerland, the Lithuanian Republic, the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, the Union of Myanmar, the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the Republic of Bulgaria, Turkmenistan, the Republic of Korea, the Kingdom of Thailand, the Republic of Angola and the Vatican.","date":"2000-05-15","title":"President Vladimir Putin accepted the credentials of foreign ambassadors in Moscow","location":"The Kremlin, Moscow","link":"http://en.special.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/38157","id":38157}
{"doc_id":"president_ru-en-038165","text":"President Vladimir Putin met Princess Anne of Britain\n\nMay 16, 2000, The Kremlin, Moscow \n\nOn May 15, Princess Anne arrived in Moscow for a two-day stay. She will take part in the opening ceremony of the new British Embassy in Moscow.","date":"2000-05-16","title":"President Vladimir Putin met Princess Anne of Britain","location":"The Kremlin, Moscow","link":"http://en.special.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/38165","id":38165}
{"doc_id":"president_ru-en-038171","text":"President Vladimir Putin met with Prime Minister Mikhail Kasyanov\n\nMay 17, 2000, The Kremlin, Moscow \n\n One of the key issues they discussed was the structure and composition of the new Government.\nThe President gave Mr Kasyanov the certificate of Prime Minister. He had signed the decree appointing him earlier that day.","date":"2000-05-17","title":"President Vladimir Putin met with Prime Minister Mikhail Kasyanov","location":"The Kremlin, Moscow","link":"http://en.special.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/38171","id":38171}
{"doc_id":"president_ru-en-038170","text":"The President and members of the Federation Council discussed the state structure of Russia following the division of the country into federal districts\n\nMay 17, 2000, The Kremlin, Moscow \n\nThe meeting also discussed a series of laws on new approaches to forming the Federation Council.\nThe meeting, attended by Yegor Stroyev, speaker of the Federation Council, and heads of nearly all its committees, lasted nearly three hours.","date":"2000-05-17","title":"The President and members of the Federation Council discussed the state structure of Russia following the division of the country into federal districts","location":"The Kremlin, Moscow","link":"http://en.special.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/38170","id":38170}
{"doc_id":"president_ru-en-038176","text":"Vladimir Putin met United States National Security Adviser Samuel Berger\n\nMay 18, 2000, The Kremlin, Moscow \n\nMr Putin and Mr Berger discussed the non-proliferation of nuclear weapons, the fight against terrorism, the Anti-Ballistic Missile Treaty and prospects for concluding the START III treaty. \nSergei Ivanov, Secretary of the Russian Security Council, and Foreign Minister Igor Ivanov also took part in the talks.","date":"2000-05-18","title":"Vladimir Putin met United States National Security Adviser Samuel Berger","location":"The Kremlin, Moscow","link":"http://en.special.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/38176","id":38176}
{"doc_id":"president_ru-en-038214","text":"President Vladimir Putin introduced Viktor Cherkesov, Plenipotentiary Presidential Envoy to the North-West Federal District, to the governors and legislative speakers of the North-West Federal District\n\nMay 22, 2000, The Kremlin, Moscow \n\nVladimir Putin said that Plenipotentiary Presidential Envoys must enforce federal laws in the regions and must also promote more effective interaction between regional and federal institutions of state authority.\nHe said Plenipotentiary Presidential Envoys had no right to intervene in matters under the jurisdiction of regional governors and legislative speakers. \nMr Putin said Russia was a federation; consequently, its regions and federal authorities must abide by all provisions of the national Constitution. He said that current efforts did not amount to a constitutional reform, aiming instead to streamline control over federal institutions.\nMr Putin and the governors of the North-West Federal District discussed relations between federal authorities and the regions, the Federation Council reform and the possible establishment of a State Council comprising regional administrators.","date":"2000-05-22","title":"President Vladimir Putin introduced Viktor Cherkesov, Plenipotentiary Presidential Envoy to the North-West Federal District, to the governors and legislative speakers of the North-West Federal District","location":"The Kremlin, Moscow","link":"http://en.special.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/38214","id":38214}
{"doc_id":"president_ru-en-038210","text":"President Vladimir Putin met with Government members\n\nMay 22, 2000, The Kremlin, Moscow \n\nVladimir Putin opened the meeting by saying that the new Cabinet was almost complete. The head of state expressed hope that the newly-established Government would work fruitfully and for a long time.\nThe President thanked former Deputy Prime Minister Viktor Shcherbak for his work and expressed confidence that his experience would prove useful to the upcoming agricultural reform. \nPrime Minister Mikhail Kasyanov, Deputy Prime Ministers Alexei Kudrin, Ilya Klebanov, Alexei Gordeyev, Valentina Matviyenko and Viktor Khristenko, as well as Security Council Secretary Sergei Ivanov, Foreign Minister Igor Ivanov, Interior Minister Vladimir Rushailo, Federal Security Service Director Nikolai Patrushev, Economic Development and Trade Minister German Gref and Chief of the Government Staff Igor Shuvalov attended the meeting.","date":"2000-05-22","title":"President Vladimir Putin met with Government members","location":"The Kremlin, Moscow","link":"http://en.special.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/38210","id":38210}
{"doc_id":"president_ru-en-038231","text":"President Vladimir Putin introduced Georgy Poltavchenko, Presidential Plenipotentiary Envoy, to leaders of Central Federal District regions\n\nMay 25, 2000, The Kremlin, Moscow \n\nIn his address to the regional governors, the president said that plenipotentiary envoys to the federal districts would draw more attention to regional interests. He said he would hold regular meetings with his envoys and invite them to Security Council meetings. \nThe head of state highly praised the governors’ participation in drafting a decree creating the position of presidential plenipotentiary envoys to the federal districts. In his words, these changes will help tackle such major tasks as streamlining the distribution of powers between the Government and the regions, and improving the work of federal bodies in the regions. \nGovernors of central regions discussed the idea of establishing a state council, which had previously been raised at a meeting of North-Western Federal District leaders.","date":"2000-05-25","title":"President Vladimir Putin introduced Georgy Poltavchenko, Presidential Plenipotentiary Envoy, to leaders of Central Federal District regions","location":"The Kremlin, Moscow","link":"http://en.special.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/38231","id":38231}
{"doc_id":"president_ru-en-038240","text":"President Vladimir Putin introduced his envoy, Konstantin Pulikovsky, to the regional leaders of the Far Eastern Federal District\n\nMay 26, 2000, The Kremlin, Moscow \n\nVladimir Putin, commenting on recent speculations about some kind of confrontation between some governors and the federal government, stressed that no one would succeed in sowing discord between the federal and regional authorities.\nSpeaking at a meeting with the leaders of the Far Eastern Federal District, the head of state underlined that the efforts currently being made by the central government were not aimed at weakening the regions. On the contrary, he indicated that the goal was to make the presence of the federal government in the regions more meaningful.\nThe President stressed the importance of regional leaders’ having enough power to perform their duties, and said that the main goal of the President’s plenipotentiary envoys was to make sure that the laws of the Russian Federation are strictly observed in all regions of the country.\nMr Putin said that all proposals made at such meetings were being analyzed and taken into account.\nThe head of state also discussed with the governors of the Far Eastern Federal District issues related to changes in forming the Federation Council, as well as the federal budget and the authority of the State Council.","date":"2000-05-26","title":"President Vladimir Putin introduced his envoy, Konstantin Pulikovsky, to the regional leaders of the Far Eastern Federal District","location":"The Kremlin, Moscow","link":"http://en.special.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/38240","id":38240}
{"doc_id":"president_ru-en-038244","text":"President Vladimir Putin met with members of the National Public Human Rights Commission in the North Caucasus\n\nMay 27, 2000, The Kremlin, Moscow \n\nThe head of state stressed that human rights must never be violated in Chechnya. He said that no matter how difficult it might be, it was necessary to strictly obey the law in the republic, including the Criminal Procedure Code. \nMr Putin said that members of the commission had already visited Chechnya and had started their work. The President said he supported the commission because the country’s leadership was more interested in its effectiveness than in its mere presence or the positive response it had met with in the republic and abroad.","date":"2000-05-27","title":"President Vladimir Putin met with members of the National Public Human Rights Commission in the North Caucasus","location":"The Kremlin, Moscow","link":"http://en.special.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/38244","id":38244}
{"doc_id":"president_ru-en-038260","text":"A bilateral meeting took place between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Portuguese Prime Minister Antonio Guterres\n\nMay 29, 2000, The Kremlin, Moscow \n\nWelcoming Mr Guterres, Mr Putin said that the relations between Russia and Portugal had acquired a new positive tone, especially from the moment that country had assumed the chairmanship of the European Union. \nMr Putin accepted the formal invitation to visit Portugal extended to him by Mr Guterres.","date":"2000-05-29","title":"A bilateral meeting took place between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Portuguese Prime Minister Antonio Guterres","location":"The Kremlin, Moscow","link":"http://en.special.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/38260","id":38260}
{"doc_id":"president_ru-en-038255","text":"A Russia-EU summit took place in the Kremlin\n\nMay 29, 2000, The Kremlin, Moscow \n\nPresident Vladimir Putin opened the meeting by saying that the fundamental principles that united Europe were also fundamental for Russia. He said that Russia had always been and would always be a European country and had always assigned top priority to its relations with the European Union. \nThe meeting focused on economic cooperation, EU enlargement and nuclear security. \nThe Russian side briefed the European representatives on the economic and political situation in the country and ways of dealing with the complex problems in the North Caucasus.\nTaking part in the meeting on the side of the EU, which is currently chaired by Portugal, were that country’s Prime Minister Antonio Guterres and Foreign Minister Jaime Gama, as well as President of the European Commission Romano Prodi and Secretary General of the EU Council and High Representative for the Common Foreign and Security Policy Javier Solana. \nTaking part on the Russian side were Prime Minister Mikhail Kasyanov, Deputy Prime Minister Viktor Khristenko, Foreign Minister Igor Ivanov and Chairman of the Russian Inter-Departmental Commission for the G8 Andrei Illarionov. \nThe summit adopted a joint statement which notes that the key common goal of the Russian Federation and the European Union is the early accession of Russia to the World Trade Organisation. The document also affirms the commitment of the parties to increasing European investment in the Russian economy.\nDuring the final press conference, Mr Putin described the meeting with the EU as constructive, frank and productive. \nCoordinating positions in international affairs loomed large in the discussion, according to the President. \nOn the situation in the North Caucasus, Mr Putin said that after the armed resistance of the terrorists and extremists in the Chechen Republic was crushed, the reconstruction of the social, economic and cultural life of the region began. He added that everything possible would be done in short order to ensure the presence of an OSCE group in Chechnya.\nMr Putin stressed the need not only to safeguard human rights, but to respect all Russian laws in Chechnya. He noted that Russia had never aimed to enslave the Chechen people but was against human rights being used as a pretext to impede the restoration of order and the normalisation of the situation in the republic.","date":"2000-05-29","title":"A Russia-EU summit took place in the Kremlin","location":"The Kremlin, Moscow","link":"http://en.special.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/38255","id":38255}
{"doc_id":"president_ru-en-038266","text":"President Vladimir Putin introduced Viktor Kazantsev, his Plenipotentiary Envoy to the North Caucasus Federal District, to regional leaders\n\nMay 30, 2000, The Kremlin, Moscow \n\nMr Putin suggested that governors should revert to the question of distributing powers between the federal authorities and regional leaders. When introducing his Plenipotentiary Envoy to the North Caucasus Federal District to 13 heads of southern regions, the President suggested they should share their ideas on that issue. \nThe head of state pointed to the importance of settling problems in the North Caucasus.","date":"2000-05-30","title":"President Vladimir Putin introduced Viktor Kazantsev, his Plenipotentiary Envoy to the North Caucasus Federal District, to regional leaders","location":"The Kremlin, Moscow","link":"http://en.special.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/38266","id":38266}
{"doc_id":"president_ru-en-038265","text":"President Vladimir Putin held a meeting with the Cabinet\n\nMay 30, 2000, The Kremlin, Moscow \n\nThe President began the meeting by announcing breaking news of five Russian pilots who had been freed as a result of the efforts of Foreign Ministry officials, secret services and public organisations. The pilots were flying aircraft that were shot down in Angola in May and June of last year. \nThe five pilots had been released and were staying in Zambia. An Emergencies Ministry plane will fly there this coming Thursday. The head of state drew the attention of heads of ministries and departments to the fact that the number of instances when Russian ships were used to transport cargoes that had nothing to do with Russian interests had recently increased. As a result, the crews of these vessels sometimes find themselves in difficult situations and ask Russia for help. \nMr Putin stressed that Russia would take care of its citizens in any case and under any circumstances. He said that very often non-Russian crews that found themselves in trouble applied for Russian citizenship, seeking protection from the Russian Federation. \nMr Putin thanked the Foreign Ministry, other agencies and public organisations for their assistance in securing the release of the five Russian pilots.\nThe President introduced his plenipotentiary envoys to the federal districts. \nHe asked the plenipotentiary envoys and the cabinet for their mutual support and cooperation. The head of state said that it was mutual support and cooperation, rather than antagonism and lack of understanding, that would help them to tackle the challenges facing the Russian regions.\nAll the plenipotentiary envoys attended the meeting, except Sergei Kiriyenko, who was on an official trip at that time.\nPrior to his meeting with deputy prime ministers and ministers, the President met with Prime Minister Mikhail Kasyanov.","date":"2000-05-30","title":"President Vladimir Putin held a meeting with the Cabinet","location":"The Kremlin, Moscow","link":"http://en.special.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/38265","id":38265}
{"doc_id":"president_ru-en-038608","text":"The President introduced Pyotr Latyshev, his Plenipotentiary Envoy to the Urals Federal District, to the governors of six regions of that district\n\nJune 1, 2000, The Kremlin, Moscow \n\nWhile introducing Mr Latyshev, President Putin underlined that the decision to create federal districts was in no way aimed at moving away from the principles of federalism, and that any departure from the norms proclaimed by the Constitution would undermine Russia’s statehood. \nThe President suggested that the participants in the ceremony should discuss organising the work of all levels of government in the federal districts.\nThe Urals Federal District comprises the Kurgan, Sverdlovsk, Tyumen, Chelyabinsk, Khanty-Mansi and Yamalo-Nenets regions.","date":"2000-06-01","title":"The President introduced Pyotr Latyshev, his Plenipotentiary Envoy to the Urals Federal District, to the governors of six regions of that district","location":"The Kremlin, Moscow","link":"http://en.special.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/38608","id":38608}
{"doc_id":"president_ru-en-038611","text":"President Vladimir Putin introduced his envoy, Sergei Kiriyenko, to the regional leaders of the Volga Federal District\n\nJune 2, 2000, The Kremlin, Moscow \n\nRussia’s seven federal districts must by no means turn into quasi-states, Vladimir Putin said at the ceremony of introducing Sergei Kiriyenko, his plenipotentiary envoy, to the regional leaders of the Volga Federal District. \nThe head of state offered the participants in the meeting to think together what limits should be set to the authority of presidential representatives in the federal districts. \nIn the opinion of the President, the issues of defense, security, foreign affairs and a common legal space should stay in the competence of federal agencies. He stressed that the appointment of presidential envoys to the federal districts should not lead to weakening of regional government bodies. Observing the principles of federalism is an absolute priority, as violation of these principles is fraught with numerous problems, Mr Putin said.\nThe President emphasised that all necessary conditions should be created to ensure that all elements of the vertical structure of power function reliably.","date":"2000-06-02","title":"President Vladimir Putin introduced his envoy, Sergei Kiriyenko, to the regional leaders of the Volga Federal District","location":"The Kremlin, Moscow","link":"http://en.special.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/38611","id":38611}
{"doc_id":"president_ru-en-038511","text":"Vladimir Putin and Bill Clinton had their first meeting as the US president visited Moscow\n\nJune 3, 2000, The Kremlin, Moscow \n\nAfter a face-to-face discussion, Mr Putin and Mr Clinton had an informal dinner.\nThe subjects discussed included arms control and the situations in the Balkans and the North Caucasus. \nMr Putin also gave Mr Clinton a small guided tour of the Kremlin’s Senate Palace. \nThe evening ended with a jazz concert featuring the orchestra directed by Oleg Lundstrem, the Igor Butman quartet, and the children’s song and dance group conducted by Pyotr Petrukhin.","date":"2000-06-03","title":"Vladimir Putin and Bill Clinton had their first meeting as the US president visited Moscow","location":"The Kremlin, Moscow","link":"http://en.special.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/38511","id":38511}
{"doc_id":"president_ru-en-038619","text":"President Vladimir Putin and US President Bill Clinton finished their final round of talks\n\nJune 5, 2000, The Kremlin, Moscow \n\nPresidents Putin and Clinton were pleased with the results of the talks and spoke highly of the agreements signed. \nMr Putin underlined Russia’s readiness to continue a constant, constructive dialogue with the US leadership on all topical issues related to bilateral relations, particularly international issues of mutual interest.","date":"2000-06-05","title":"President Vladimir Putin and US President Bill Clinton finished their final round of talks","location":"The Kremlin, Moscow","link":"http://en.special.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/38619","id":38619}
{"doc_id":"president_ru-en-038571","text":"President Vladimir Putin met with Nikolai Koshman, the Russian Government's Plenipotentiary Envoy to Chechnya\n\nJune 7, 2000, The Kremlin, Moscow \n\nMr Koshman reported on measures to rebuild the economy and social services in Chechnya. \nMr Putin and Mr Koshman discussed proposals for rebuilding Grozny and towns in mountainous areas that had suffered during the hostilities.","date":"2000-06-07","title":"President Vladimir Putin met with Nikolai Koshman, the Russian Government's Plenipotentiary Envoy to Chechnya","location":"The Kremlin, Moscow","link":"http://en.special.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/38571","id":38571}
{"doc_id":"president_ru-en-038519","text":"President Vladimir Putin met with President Tarja Halonen of Finland\n\nJune 7, 2000, The Kremlin, Moscow \n\nMr Putin praised the role of Ms Halonen in strengthening Russian-Finnish relations and expressed hope that Moscow and Helsinki would preserve their positive achievements of previous years. \nMr Putin and Ms Halonen discussed bilateral relations, Russia’s cooperation with the European Union, the situation in the Baltic region, implementation of the EU’s Northern Dimension programme, and the situation in the Balkans. \nThe one-to-one talks ran for three times as long as scheduled. Mr Putin opened talks between the two countries’ delegations by stressing that Russia maintained and would continue to maintain good relations with Finland both bilaterally and within the framework of the European Union. \nAt the final news conference, Mr Putin said that no territorial disputes existed between Russia and Finland, and that the matter had been decided and closed once and for all. The President expressed his fear that discussions on the territorial issue might spoil the good relations established between the two countries over the past few decades. \nHe stressed that Russia valued its ties with Finland and proposed to nurture what had been achieved in their bilateral relations.","date":"2000-06-07","title":"President Vladimir Putin met with President Tarja Halonen of Finland","location":"The Kremlin, Moscow","link":"http://en.special.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/38519","id":38519}
{"doc_id":"president_ru-en-038584","text":"President Vladimir Putin met Brice Fleutiaux, the French photojournalist freed by Russian security forces from Chechen captivity\n\nJune 12, 2000, The Kremlin, Moscow \n\nPresident Putin underlined that those who kidnapped Mr Fleutiaux had nothing to do with Islam, but were instead religious fanatics, since those who profess Islam would have never attacked a republic of that faith.\nThe French Ambassador to Russia, Claude Blanchmaison, who attended the meeting, handed Mr Putin a message from President Jacques Chirac on the rescue of the French photojournalist by Russian security forces.\n Mr Putin said that on Tuesday he would speak by telephone with Mr Chirac.","date":"2000-06-12","title":"President Vladimir Putin met Brice Fleutiaux, the French photojournalist freed by Russian security forces from Chechen captivity","location":"The Kremlin, Moscow","link":"http://en.special.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/38584","id":38584}
{"doc_id":"president_ru-en-038583","text":"President Vladimir Putin attended a reception on Declaration of Russia's State Sovereignty Day\n\nJune 12, 2000, The Kremlin, Moscow \n\nAt the reception, President Putin stressed that the Declaration of State Sovereignty had changed the nature of Russia’s statehood and political order.","date":"2000-06-12","title":"President Vladimir Putin attended a reception on Declaration of Russia's State Sovereignty Day","location":"The Kremlin, Moscow","link":"http://en.special.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/38583","id":38583}
{"doc_id":"president_ru-en-038620","text":"President Vladimir Putin met with US Defence Secretary William S. Cohen, who arrived in Russia at the invitation of Russian Defence Minister Igor Sergeyev\n\nJune 13, 2000, The Kremlin, Moscow \n\nDuring the meeting, Mr Putin emphasised the importance of the continuation of the Russian-American dialogue on international security issues, including that between the military agencies. \nSuch contacts are intended to strengthen mutual trust and create favourable environment for fruitful cooperation between Russia and the US both within the framework of their bilateral relations and on the international arena, the President said.\nAmong other issues, the problems of maintaining strategic stability were discussed as relating to the US.-Russian Strategic Stability and Cooperation Initiative, which the Presidents of the two countries signed recently in Moscow.\nMr Putin once again stressed that abiding by the commitments of the 1972 Anti-Ballistic Missile Treaty and keeping the world’s strategic stability are the issues of crucial importance.","date":"2000-06-13","title":"President Vladimir Putin met with US Defence Secretary William S. Cohen, who arrived in Russia at the invitation of Russian Defence Minister Igor Sergeyev","location":"The Kremlin, Moscow","link":"http://en.special.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/38620","id":38620}
{"doc_id":"president_ru-en-038652","text":"President Vladimir Putin met President Heidar Aliyev of Azerbaijan and President Robert Kocharian of Armenia\n\nJune 20, 2000, The Kremlin, Moscow \n\nPresidents Putin, Aliyev and Kocharian discussed relations between Azerbaijan and Armenia in the context of the problem of Nagorny Karabakh.","date":"2000-06-20","title":"President Vladimir Putin met President Heidar Aliyev of Azerbaijan and President Robert Kocharian of Armenia","location":"The Kremlin, Moscow","link":"http://en.special.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/38652","id":38652}
{"doc_id":"president_ru-en-038712","text":"President Vladimir Putin met President Eduard Shevardnadze of Georgia\n\nJune 20, 2000, The Kremlin, Moscow \n\nMr Putin and Mr Shevardnadze discussed ways of strengthening security in the Caucasus, problems related to conflict settlement, and coordination of efforts to fight international terrorism through the counterterrorism centre which was being set up by the Commonwealth of Independent States.","date":"2000-06-20","title":"President Vladimir Putin met President Eduard Shevardnadze of Georgia","location":"The Kremlin, Moscow","link":"http://en.special.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/38712","id":38712}
{"doc_id":"president_ru-en-038711","text":"President Vladimir Putin met Chief Justice of the Constitutional Court of the Republic of Korea Kim Yang-kyun\n\nJune 20, 2000, The Kremlin, Moscow \n\nVladimir Putin reaffirmed his intention to visit the Republic of Korea. The President opened the meeting by pointing out that Russia and the Republic of Korea were establishing lasting good relations.\nMr Putin sent his greetings to the South Korean President and expressed support for the recent meeting between the leaders of the two Korean states in Pyongyang. He also expressed his readiness to develop bilateral relations in all areas, including the economic and cultural spheres.","date":"2000-06-20","title":"President Vladimir Putin met Chief Justice of the Constitutional Court of the Republic of Korea Kim Yang-kyun","location":"The Kremlin, Moscow","link":"http://en.special.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/38711","id":38711}
{"doc_id":"president_ru-en-038694","text":"President Vladimir Putin met State Duma Speaker Gennady Seleznyov\n\nJune 20, 2000, The Kremlin, Moscow \n\nDuring the meeting the President announced the possible date of his address to the Federal Assembly. It is tentatively scheduled for July 3, 2000.\nMr Putin and Mr Seleznyov discussed a number of bills to be considered by the State Duma before the current session ends. The President agreed with the timetable for debating the bills.\nThe State Duma Speaker briefed the President on his trip to Syria to attend the funeral of President Hafiz al-Assad and the results of his meetings with Syrian leaders. \nThe two men exchanged proposals for a bill on elections to the parliamentary assembly of the Union State of Russia and Belarus. The bill will be finalised and submitted to the State Duma in the near future.\nMr Seleznyov also informed the President about the upcoming visits by members of the Russian parliament to Britain and Italy set for June 20–29.","date":"2000-06-20","title":"President Vladimir Putin met State Duma Speaker Gennady Seleznyov","location":"The Kremlin, Moscow","link":"http://en.special.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/38694","id":38694}
{"doc_id":"president_ru-en-038596","text":"President Vladimir Putin held meetings with presidents of Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Armenia and Belarus\n\nJune 21, 2000, The Kremlin, Moscow \n\nDuring the meeting with Uzbek President Islam Karimov, the two leaders discussed current issues related to bilateral cooperation in the fight against international terrorism. \nThe Russian President’s meeting with Turkmen President Saparmurat Niyazov focused on perspectives of bilateral cooperation in different spheres.\nMr Putin also chaired meetings with Armenian President Robert Kocharian and Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko.","date":"2000-06-21","title":"President Vladimir Putin held meetings with presidents of Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Armenia and Belarus","location":"The Kremlin, Moscow","link":"http://en.special.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/38596","id":38596}
{"doc_id":"president_ru-en-038627","text":"President Vladimir Putin met with Ukrainian President Leonid Kuchma\n\nJune 21, 2000, The Kremlin, Moscow \n\nThe two heads of state discussed various aspects of bilateral cooperation, including economic cooperation.","date":"2000-06-21","title":"President Vladimir Putin met with Ukrainian President Leonid Kuchma","location":"The Kremlin, Moscow","link":"http://en.special.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/38627","id":38627}
{"doc_id":"president_ru-en-038651","text":"President Vladimir Putin met Defence Minister Igor Sergeyev\n\nJune 22, 2000, The Kremlin, Moscow \n\nDefence Minister Igor Sergeyev submitted a report on the state of the Armed Forces and the pace of the counter-terrorist operation in the Chechen Republic to President Putin.\nMr Sergeyev also reported on the current state of funding for the Armed Forces and the draft 2001 defence budget.","date":"2000-06-22","title":"President Vladimir Putin met Defence Minister Igor Sergeyev","location":"The Kremlin, Moscow","link":"http://en.special.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/38651","id":38651}
{"doc_id":"president_ru-en-038695","text":"President Vladimir Putin met Azerbaijani President Heidar Aliyev\n\nJune 22, 2000, The Kremlin, Moscow \n\nPresidents Putin and Aliyev discussed ways of expanding bilateral cooperation.","date":"2000-06-22","title":"President Vladimir Putin met Azerbaijani President Heidar Aliyev","location":"The Kremlin, Moscow","link":"http://en.special.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/38695","id":38695}
{"doc_id":"president_ru-en-038662","text":"The Russian Security Council endorsed a draft doctrine on information security\n\nJune 23, 2000, The Kremlin, Moscow \n\n When addressing the session, President Vladimir Putin stressed that Russia continued to shape its national security policy, and that the draft doctrine under consideration was a part of such policy.\nThe President singled out four major groups of objectives in the area of information security. \nThe first group includes protection of the constitutional rights and freedoms of individuals. The President welcomed the significance attributed to the subject by the doctrine authors.\nThe second group outlines development of the national industry of information and communication to ensure the presence of Russian products in the global market.\nThe third group of objectives focuses on information and telecommunication systems security. \nPresident Putin also noted the importance of every person being made aware of the steps planned by the Government in the economic sphere. \nThe draft doctrine on information security is to be finalized in line with the comments made at the Security Council meeting, including those by presidential plenipotentiary envoys to the Federal Districts.","date":"2000-06-23","title":"The Russian Security Council endorsed a draft doctrine on information security","location":"The Kremlin, Moscow","link":"http://en.special.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/38662","id":38662}
{"doc_id":"president_ru-en-038700","text":"Vladimir Putin met with Marco Masiel, Vice President of Brazil\n\nJune 23, 2000, The Kremlin, Moscow \n\nOpening the meeting, Vladimir Putin expressed confidence that trade between Russia and Brazil could be doubled.\n The President welcomed commencement of work of a high-level Russian-Brazilian commission.\n The head of state accepted an official invitation to visit Brazil.","date":"2000-06-23","title":"Vladimir Putin met with Marco Masiel, Vice President of Brazil","location":"The Kremlin, Moscow","link":"http://en.special.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/38700","id":38700}
{"doc_id":"president_ru-en-038679","text":"President Vladimir Putin met with a European Union delegation headed by the President of the EU Council of Ministers and Italian Foreign Minister Lamberto Dini\n\nJune 24, 2000, The Kremlin, Moscow \n\nThe delegation included Walter Schwimmer, Secretary General of the Council of Europe, and Umberto Ranieri, Italian Deputy Foreign Minister.\nRussian Foreign Minister Igor Ivanov and Vladimir Kalamanov, Special Presidential Representative for Human Rights in Chechnya, represented Russia at the meeting. \nMr Putin emphasised that Russia’s relations with the European Union were a key element of its foreign policy. \nSpeaking about the EU representatives’ recent trip to the Chechen Republic, Mr Putin expressed hope that they would consider Russia’s arguments carefully and impartially. \nIn the morning, the European Union delegation held a meeting with Russian Foreign Minister Igor Ivanov. \nBased on the results of negotiations in Moscow and taking into account Mr Schwimmer’s and Mr Ranieri’s visit to Chechnya, the President of the EU Council of Ministers and Secretary General of the Council of Europe will make a presentation to the plenary session of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe on June 27.","date":"2000-06-24","title":"President Vladimir Putin met with a European Union delegation headed by the President of the EU Council of Ministers and Italian Foreign Minister Lamberto Dini","location":"The Kremlin, Moscow","link":"http://en.special.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/38679","id":38679}
{"doc_id":"president_ru-en-038677","text":"President Vladimir Putin held talks with Greek President Konstantinos Stephanopoulos\n\nJune 26, 2000, The Kremlin, Moscow \n\nMr Putin opened the meeting by saying that Russia highly appreciated the state of bilateral relations with Greece and the consent reached on a number of international issues, on which the two countries have identical views. \nThe Russian leader stressed the relations between the two countries have been making steady progress. \nAt a joint news conference on the outcome of the talks, Mr Putin said the parties had discussed a number of cooperation projects, including in the military-technical and energy spheres. \nWhen speaking of the situation in the Balkans, the President of Russia emphasised the crisis could only be overcome by implementing the UN Security Council’s Resolution 1244 and Kosovo’s unconditional demilitarisation. \nIn the Moscow Kremlin Mr Stephanopoulos handed over to Mr Putin the gonfalon which once belonged to the Russian Navy, which jointly with British and French naval forces defeated Ibrahim Pasha’s flotilla. \nThe Greek President said the relics had been kept at the Greek Embassy’s chapel in Algeria. \nMr Putin thanked the Greek leader for the relics which are of great historical value to the Russian Navy.","date":"2000-06-26","title":"President Vladimir Putin held talks with Greek President Konstantinos Stephanopoulos","location":"The Kremlin, Moscow","link":"http://en.special.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/38677","id":38677}
{"doc_id":"president_ru-en-038663","text":"President Vladimir Putin met with Serzh Sargsyan, Secretary of the Armenian Security Council\n\nJune 27, 2000, The Kremlin, Moscow \n\nMr Putin and Mr Sargsyan discussed a number of issues, including military-technical cooperation and the expansion of Russian-Armenian economic and energy relations. These issues were discussed in the context of the upcoming visit by Armenian President Robert Kocharian to Moscow. \nRussian Defence Minister Igor Sergeyev and Secretary of the Security Council Sergei Ivanov took part in the meeting.","date":"2000-06-27","title":"President Vladimir Putin met with Serzh Sargsyan, Secretary of the Armenian Security Council","location":"The Kremlin, Moscow","link":"http://en.special.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/38663","id":38663}
{"doc_id":"president_ru-en-038664","text":"President Vladimir Putin met with Indian Defence Minister George Fernades\n\nJune 28, 2000, The Kremlin, Moscow \n\nPresident Putin and the Indian Defence Minister discussed issues related to political cooperation between Russia and India on the international stage, military-technical cooperation, the fight against international terrorism and efforts to guarantee stability in the world. \nMr Fernandes’ visit and the recent visit by the Indian Foreign Minister to Russia took place in preparation for Mr Putin’s official visit to India, scheduled for October 2–4, 2000.","date":"2000-06-28","title":"President Vladimir Putin met with Indian Defence Minister George Fernades","location":"The Kremlin, Moscow","link":"http://en.special.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/38664","id":38664}
{"doc_id":"president_ru-en-038717","text":"Vladimir Putin met with Oleg Mironov, the Government's Commissioner for Human Rights\n\nJune 29, 2000, The Kremlin, Moscow \n\nPresident Vladimir Putin and Oleg Mironov primarily discussed human rights issues in Russia and looked at the priority areas of the ombudsman’s work.\nThe President offered Mironov his full support and underlined the importance of his work.","date":"2000-06-29","title":"Vladimir Putin met with Oleg Mironov, the Government's Commissioner for Human Rights","location":"The Kremlin, Moscow","link":"http://en.special.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/38717","id":38717}
{"doc_id":"president_ru-en-038275","text":"Russian President Vladimir Putin met with Grigory Yavlinsky, leader of the Yabloko party in the State Duma\n\nJuly 3, 2000, The Kremlin, Moscow \n\nThe President and the leader of the Yabloko party discussed the passage of laws on state construction in the lower chamber of the Federal Assembly, as well as some issues related to Russian foreign and domestic policy.","date":"2000-07-03","title":"Russian President Vladimir Putin met with Grigory Yavlinsky, leader of the Yabloko party in the State Duma","location":"The Kremlin, Moscow","link":"http://en.special.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/38275","id":38275}
{"doc_id":"president_ru-en-038335","text":"President Vladimir Putin met with Chairman of the Central Election Commission Alexander Veshnyakov\n\nJuly 3, 2000, The Kremlin, Moscow \n\nThe President and the Chairman of the Central Election Commission discussed the disrupted election of a deputy to the State Duma representing Ingushetia. Mr Putin said that the culprits should be brought to account. \nMr Putin and Mr Veshnyakov discussed preparations for the election of a deputy representing the Chechen Republic in the State Duma and key issues related to election procedures in Russia.","date":"2000-07-03","title":"President Vladimir Putin met with Chairman of the Central Election Commission Alexander Veshnyakov","location":"The Kremlin, Moscow","link":"http://en.special.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/38335","id":38335}
{"doc_id":"president_ru-en-038332","text":"President Vladimir Putin met with Yevgeny Primakov, leader of the Fatherland-All Russia party in the State Duma\n\nJuly 3, 2000, The Kremlin, Moscow \n\nAs a follow-up to the presidential decree “On Establishing the State Commission on a Political Settlement of the Transdnestr Problem” and the appointment of Yevgeny Primakov as the commission’s chairman, the President and the leader of the Fatherland-All Russia party discussed issues related to the Transdnestr problem. \nAccording to the decree, the chairman of the State Commission must submit within a week’s time his proposals on the commission’s membership and its draft regulations for the President to approve. \nThe decree states that in its efforts to solve the Transdnestr problem the State Commission should work jointly with representatives from Ukraine and the OSCE.","date":"2000-07-03","title":"President Vladimir Putin met with Yevgeny Primakov, leader of the Fatherland-All Russia party in the State Duma","location":"The Kremlin, Moscow","link":"http://en.special.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/38332","id":38332}
{"doc_id":"president_ru-en-038338","text":"President Vladimir Putin met with Boris Nemtsov, leader of the Union of Right Forces parliamentary party\n\nJuly 4, 2000, The Kremlin, Moscow \n\nThe President and the leader of the Union of Right Forces party discussed the prospects of the government restructuring and issues related to the possibility of abolishing immunity for members of Parliament, as well as cooperation between government and business.","date":"2000-07-04","title":"President Vladimir Putin met with Boris Nemtsov, leader of the Union of Right Forces parliamentary party","location":"The Kremlin, Moscow","link":"http://en.special.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/38338","id":38338}
{"doc_id":"president_ru-en-038336","text":"President Vladimir Putin met with Vladimir Zhirinovsky, leader of the Liberal Democratic Party of Russia\n\nJuly 4, 2000, The Kremlin, Moscow \n\nThe President and Mr Zhirinovsky discussed bills on government restructuring, in particular, the new procedure of forming the Federal Council.","date":"2000-07-04","title":"President Vladimir Putin met with Vladimir Zhirinovsky, leader of the Liberal Democratic Party of Russia","location":"The Kremlin, Moscow","link":"http://en.special.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/38336","id":38336}
{"doc_id":"president_ru-en-038269","text":"President Vladimir Putin met with Nikolai Ryzhkov, State Duma deputy and former Chairman of the USSR Council of Ministers\n\nJuly 4, 2000, The Kremlin, Moscow \n\nThe President and Mr Ryzhkov discussed issues related to the country’s social and economic development. They also paid attention to passing the bills on reorganising the government in parliament.","date":"2000-07-04","title":"President Vladimir Putin met with Nikolai Ryzhkov, State Duma deputy and former Chairman of the USSR Council of Ministers","location":"The Kremlin, Moscow","link":"http://en.special.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/38269","id":38269}
{"doc_id":"president_ru-en-038283","text":"President Vladimir Putin met with Boris Gryzlov, leader of the State Duma's United Russia party, and Gennady Raikov, leader of the People's Deputy group\n\nJuly 4, 2000, The Kremlin, Moscow \n\nThe President, Mr Gryzlov and Mr Raikov discussed cooperation between the upper and lower chambers of the Federal Assembly in passing bills on state government restructuring, in particular, the new procedure of forming the Federation Council.","date":"2000-07-04","title":"President Vladimir Putin met with Boris Gryzlov, leader of the State Duma's United Russia party, and Gennady Raikov, leader of the People's Deputy group","location":"The Kremlin, Moscow","link":"http://en.special.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/38283","id":38283}
{"doc_id":"president_ru-en-038277","text":"President Vladimir Putin chaired two meetings on resolving the situation in the Chechen Republic\n\nJuly 6, 2000, The Kremlin, Moscow \n\nMembers of the Cabinet, heads of security agencies, Presidential Plenipotentiary Envoy to the Southern Federal District Viktor Kazantsev and head of the interim government of the Chechen Republic Akhmat Kadyrov took part in the meetings, which dealt with law enforcement and socio-economic problems in Chechnya.\nThe President set the objective of transferring power from the Russian Government’s representative office in Chechnya to a republican administration as soon as possible. \nThe meetings also discussed measures for preventing terrorist attacks and rebuilding the region’s economy.","date":"2000-07-06","title":"President Vladimir Putin chaired two meetings on resolving the situation in the Chechen Republic","location":"The Kremlin, Moscow","link":"http://en.special.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/38277","id":38277}
{"doc_id":"president_ru-en-038344","text":"President Vladimir Putin met with Greek National Defence Minister Akis Tsohatzopoulos\n\nJuly 7, 2000, The Kremlin, Moscow \n\nMr Putin and Mr Tsohatzopoulos discussed current issues related to bilateral cooperation, including military issues and problems of regional security. The President and National Defence Minister paid special attention to the situation in South-East Europe.","date":"2000-07-07","title":"President Vladimir Putin met with Greek National Defence Minister Akis Tsohatzopoulos","location":"The Kremlin, Moscow","link":"http://en.special.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/38344","id":38344}
{"doc_id":"president_ru-en-038302","text":"President Vladimir Putin delivered his annual State of the Nation Address\n\nJuly 8, 2000, The Kremlin, Moscow \n\nAfter the President delivered his annual State of the Nation Address in the Marble Hall of the Kremlin, he met with the Prime Minister, the speakers of the Federal Assembly and State Duma, heads of factions, groups and committees of the upper and lower houses of the Federal Assembly, and representatives of the Presidential Executive Office.","date":"2000-07-08","title":"President Vladimir Putin delivered his annual State of the Nation Address","location":"The Kremlin, Moscow","link":"http://en.special.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/38302","id":38302}
{"doc_id":"president_ru-en-038286","text":"President Vladimir Putin met with Polish President Alexander Kwasniewski\n\nJuly 10, 2000, The Kremlin, Moscow \n\nMr Putin and Mr Kwasniewski first met one-on-one. Afterwards, the delegations of the two countries joined them for the second round of talks. \nThe two leaders confirmed their mutual interest in developing long-term and stable bilateral relations. \nMr Putin and Mr Kwasniewski discussed current issues related to bilateral economic relations, in particular, mutual investment guarantees and the possibility of building a transcontinental gas pipeline. \nMr Putin accepted an invitation to make an official visit to Poland.","date":"2000-07-10","title":"President Vladimir Putin met with Polish President Alexander Kwasniewski","location":"The Kremlin, Moscow","link":"http://en.special.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/38286","id":38286}
{"doc_id":"president_ru-en-038298","text":"President Vladimir Putin met with Constitutional Court Chairman Marat Baglai, President of the Supreme Court Vyacheslav Lebedev and Chairman of the Arbitration Court Veniamin Yakovlev\n\nJuly 11, 2000, The Kremlin, Moscow \n\nMessrs Putin, Baglai, Lebedev and Yakovlev discussed issues related to strengthening the judicial system and improving Russia’s legislature.","date":"2000-07-11","title":"President Vladimir Putin met with Constitutional Court Chairman Marat Baglai, President of the Supreme Court Vyacheslav Lebedev and Chairman of the Arbitration Court Veniamin Yakovlev","location":"The Kremlin, Moscow","link":"http://en.special.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/38298","id":38298}
{"doc_id":"president_ru-en-038347","text":"President Vladimir Putin met with Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Alexei Kudrin\n\nJuly 11, 2000, The Kremlin, Moscow \n\nMr Kudrin informed the President about his trip to Fukuoka (Japan), where he took part in a G8 finance ministers’ meeting. \nHe confirmed the willingness of the leaders of industrialised countries to help Russia rapidly integrate into the world economy. \nMr Putin and Mr Kudrin discussed the President’s participation in the G8 summit in Okinawa. \nIn addition, the Finance Minister informed Mr Putin about plans for meeting budget commitments by the end of the year, prospects for passing budget and tax laws in the State Duma, and financing the security-related services.","date":"2000-07-11","title":"President Vladimir Putin met with Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Alexei Kudrin","location":"The Kremlin, Moscow","link":"http://en.special.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/38347","id":38347}
{"doc_id":"president_ru-en-038295","text":"President Vladimir Putin chaired a meeting of the organising committee for the preparation and participation of Russian sportsmen in the 27th Olympic Games in 2000 in Sydney\n\nJuly 11, 2000, The Kremlin, Moscow \n\nThe President said that the Australian Summer Olympic Games were of great importance. He also expressed confidence that Russians would support the national team. \nMr Putin discussed the final stage of preparations for the Olympic Games and the amount of the reward for winning. \nOn July 6, Mr Putin signed a decree approving the membership of the organising committee for the preparation and participation of Russian sportsmen in the 27th Olympic Games in 2000 in Sydney.","date":"2000-07-11","title":"President Vladimir Putin chaired a meeting of the organising committee for the preparation and participation of Russian sportsmen in the 27th Olympic Games in 2000 in Sydney","location":"The Kremlin, Moscow","link":"http://en.special.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/38295","id":38295}
{"doc_id":"president_ru-en-038330","text":"President Vladimir Putin met with Deputy Prime Minister Ilya Klebanov\n\nJuly 12, 2000, The Kremlin, Moscow \n\nThe main issue discussed at the meeting was financing the security and law-enforcement agencies in 2001 and fulfilling the defence order. The discussion also covered issues related to Mr Putin’s visits to China and North Korea.","date":"2000-07-12","title":"President Vladimir Putin met with Deputy Prime Minister Ilya Klebanov","location":"The Kremlin, Moscow","link":"http://en.special.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/38330","id":38330}
{"doc_id":"president_ru-en-038349","text":"President Vladimir Putin met with Oleg Morozov, head of the Russian Regions party in the State Duma\n\nJuly 12, 2000, The Kremlin, Moscow \n\nThe discussion focussed on reforming the Russian system of government and on the proposal to set up a State Council.","date":"2000-07-12","title":"President Vladimir Putin met with Oleg Morozov, head of the Russian Regions party in the State Duma","location":"The Kremlin, Moscow","link":"http://en.special.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/38349","id":38349}
{"doc_id":"president_ru-en-038476","text":"President Vladimir Putin met with Viktor Kazantsev, the Presidential Plenipotentiary Envoy to the Southern Federal District\n\nJuly 25, 2000, The Kremlin, Moscow \n\nMr Putin and Mr Kazantsev discussed the resolution “On Mutual Understanding, Peace and Multi-Ethnic Accord in the Southern Federal District”, signed by the Presidential Plenipotentiary Envoy and the heads of regions in the south of Russia. The President instructed the Russian Prime Minister to give financial aid to the Republic of Kabardino-Balkaria.","date":"2000-07-25","title":"President Vladimir Putin met with Viktor Kazantsev, the Presidential Plenipotentiary Envoy to the Southern Federal District","location":"The Kremlin, Moscow","link":"http://en.special.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/38476","id":38476}
{"doc_id":"president_ru-en-038417","text":"President Vladimir Putin met with high-ranking military officers to confer higher ranks and promotions\n\nJuly 25, 2000, The Kremlin, Moscow \n\nThe President said that security agencies should concentrate on strengthening all aspects of national security. He said he believed that they ought to engage in teamwork and close cooperation, but he ruled out any steps towards merging them and transforming them into “a super system”. Mr Putin added that he believed it was urgently necessary to set up agencies responsible to the Ministry of Internal Affairs in the federal districts.","date":"2000-07-25","title":"President Vladimir Putin met with high-ranking military officers to confer higher ranks and promotions","location":"The Kremlin, Moscow","link":"http://en.special.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/38417","id":38417}
{"doc_id":"president_ru-en-038479","text":"President Vladimir Putin met with Iraqi Deputy Prime Minister Tariq Aziz\n\nJuly 26, 2000, The Kremlin, Moscow \n\nMr Putin and Mr Aziz discussed current issues connected with bilateral relations, including trade and economic cooperation, regional security problems, prospects for normalising the situation in Iraq and the Arab-Israeli peace process in light of the latest US initiatives. \nThe Russian head of state said Russian-Iraqi cooperation would be productive if monitoring of weapons of mass destruction resumed. Mr Putin underlined that Russia would continue its support for Iraq, including in the United Nations.\nMr Aziz passed on to the Russian President a reply message from President Saddam Hussein.","date":"2000-07-26","title":"President Vladimir Putin met with Iraqi Deputy Prime Minister Tariq Aziz","location":"The Kremlin, Moscow","link":"http://en.special.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/38479","id":38479}
{"doc_id":"president_ru-en-038425","text":"President Vladimir Putin chaired a meeting of the Presidential Council on Culture and the Arts\n\nJuly 26, 2000, The Kremlin, Moscow \n\nMr Putin stressed that the state could not be strong if its power was based only on the economy or military might, adding that the foundation of well-being lay in moral principles.","date":"2000-07-26","title":"President Vladimir Putin chaired a meeting of the Presidential Council on Culture and the Arts","location":"The Kremlin, Moscow","link":"http://en.special.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/38425","id":38425}
{"doc_id":"president_ru-en-038464","text":"Foreign ambassadors presented their credentials to President Vladimir Putin\n\nJuly 27, 2000, The Kremlin, Moscow \n\nAmbassador Lyson Potipher Tembo of Zambia, Ambassador Harry Alberto Diaz Strunz of Panama, Ambassador Claude Blanchemaison of France, Ambassador Louis Obiang Menge of Equatorial Guinea, Ambassador Peter Carlisle de Bross Black of Jamaica and Richard Wright, Head of the Delegation of the European Commission in Russia, presented their credentials to President Putin.\nAddressing the ceremony, Mr Putin said that Russia planned to implement a pragmatic and reasonable foreign policy that would guarantee all aspects of its national security. Considering the complicated nature of present-day international relations, Mr Putin said that Russia planned to promote a democratic world order based on the primacy of law, equality, mutual respect, a balance of interests and a love for humanity.","date":"2000-07-27","title":"Foreign ambassadors presented their credentials to President Vladimir Putin","location":"The Kremlin, Moscow","link":"http://en.special.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/38464","id":38464}
{"doc_id":"president_ru-en-038471","text":"President Vladimir Putin met with the heads of Russia's leading companies and commercial banks\n\nJuly 28, 2000, The Kremlin, Moscow \n\nThe discussion centred on the role of business in strengthening Russian statehood, maintaining social stability, and preserving and increasing the national wealth. \nThe representatives of Russian business expressed concern about the ageing of industrial equipment and called for greater investment in modernising the fixed assets. \nThe President reaffirmed that the Government did not plan to reconsider the results of privatisation. But he called unacceptable the situation in which rival companies tried to use state bodies and law enforcement agencies to achieve their goals in the competitive struggle. \nThe participants in the meeting underlined the need to continue Russia’s economic reforms, whose main goal should be higher living standards.\nA decision was taken to set up a permanent mechanism for consultations between the Government and businessmen. Representative bodies bringing together Russian business leaders will assume responsibility for presenting a coordinated position at regular meetings with the President and the Government.","date":"2000-07-28","title":"President Vladimir Putin met with the heads of Russia's leading companies and commercial banks","location":"The Kremlin, Moscow","link":"http://en.special.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/38471","id":38471}
{"doc_id":"president_ru-en-038470","text":"President Vladimir Putin met with President Petru Lucinschi of Moldova\n\nJuly 28, 2000, The Kremlin, Moscow \n\nThe two leaders discussed issues connected with bilateral relations, the economic situation in Moldova and ways of implementing the agreements reached during Mr Putin’s visit to Moldova.","date":"2000-07-28","title":"President Vladimir Putin met with President Petru Lucinschi of Moldova","location":"The Kremlin, Moscow","link":"http://en.special.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/38470","id":38470}
{"doc_id":"president_ru-en-038486","text":"President Vladimir Putin met with Director of the Federal Border Service Konstantin Totsky and Minister of Communications and Information Leonid Reiman\n\nJuly 28, 2000, The Kremlin, Moscow \n\nMr Putin and Mr Totsky discussed the present situation on the border.\nThe President’s meeting with Mr Reiman focused on developing Russian-Japanese scientific and technical cooperation, including joint projects in communications and space research.","date":"2000-07-28","title":"President Vladimir Putin met with Director of the Federal Border Service Konstantin Totsky and Minister of Communications and Information Leonid Reiman","location":"The Kremlin, Moscow","link":"http://en.special.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/38486","id":38486}
{"doc_id":"president_ru-en-038452","text":"President Vladimir Putin and Libyan Foreign Minister Mohammed Abdul Rahman Shalgam discussed issues connected with bilateral cooperation and a number of key regional problems\n\nJuly 31, 2000, The Kremlin, Moscow \n\nThe Libyan Foreign Minister extended an invitation from the Libyan head of the state, Moammar Gadhafi, to Mr Putin to visit Libya.","date":"2000-07-31","title":"President Vladimir Putin and Libyan Foreign Minister Mohammed Abdul Rahman Shalgam discussed issues connected with bilateral cooperation and a number of key regional problems","location":"The Kremlin, Moscow","link":"http://en.special.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/38452","id":38452}
{"doc_id":"president_ru-en-038880","text":"Vladimir Putin held urgent meetings with Internal Affairs Minister Vladimir Rushailo, Defence Minister Igor Sergeyev, Federal Security Service First Deputy Director Vladimir Pronichev and Minister of Civil Defence, Emergencies and Disaster Relief Sergei Shoigu after an explosion in Pushkin Square\n\nAugust 8, 2000, The Kremlin, Moscow \n\nInvestigation headquarters were established. The President assumed personal supervision of the investigation, enhancing security and survivor relief.\nMr Putin expressed condolences to the victims of the explosion in Pushkin Square, Moscow, and compassion for the injured.\n“With my whole heart, I share the pain and grief of the survivors and the relatives of victims of the explosion in the city’s heart. The explosion shocked the entire country. I share the bereavement of all whose near and dear fell in the appalling tragedy. I am with you,” the President said in his message.","date":"2000-08-08","title":"Vladimir Putin held urgent meetings with Internal Affairs Minister Vladimir Rushailo, Defence Minister Igor Sergeyev, Federal Security Service First Deputy Director Vladimir Pronichev and Minister of Civil Defence, Emergencies and Disaster Relief Sergei Shoigu after an explosion in Pushkin Square","location":"The Kremlin, Moscow","link":"http://en.special.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/38880","id":38880}
{"doc_id":"president_ru-en-039063","text":"President Vladimir Putin met with Palestinian National Authority leader Yasser Arafat\n\nAugust 11, 2000, The Kremlin, Moscow \n\nThey discussed Middle Eastern settlement as a whole and the Palestine-Israeli dialogue. \nMr Arafat asked the President to step up Russian efforts for Middle Eastern settlement. \nMr Putin stressed that Russia had always respected the lawful rights of the Palestinian nation and was ready to further contribute to settling the current situation as a co-sponsor of Middle Eastern settlement.","date":"2000-08-11","title":"President Vladimir Putin met with Palestinian National Authority leader Yasser Arafat","location":"The Kremlin, Moscow","link":"http://en.special.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/39063","id":39063}
{"doc_id":"president_ru-en-038954","text":"President Vladimir Putin met with the Prime Minister and heads of security agencies\n\nAugust 12, 2000, The Kremlin, Moscow \n\nThe meeting involved Prime Minister Mikhail Kasyanov, Defence Minister Igor Sergeyev, Internal Affairs Minister Vladimir Rushailo, Foreign Minister Igor Ivanov, Security Council Secretary Sergei Ivanov and Federal Security Service Director Nikolai Patrushev.\nThose present discussed routine issues and focused on the investigation of the August 8 terrorist attack in Moscow.\nThey examined cooperation between security agencies probing into the terrorist attack. Mr Patrushev reported on the results of the investigation and its prospects.\nThe President instructed those present to more effectively search for suspects.\nInternal Affairs Minister Vladimir Rushailo reported on the fifth stage of operation Vikhr-Antiterror, which had started after the terrorist act. He said 62,500 police units comprising 310,000 officers had maintained law and order in the past 24 hours and were assisted by 27,000 members of civilian patrols.\nMr Rushailo said several related crimes had been solved. Police arrested two men in Kursk and confiscated 14 400-gram TNT packs. He said the Voskresensk police department in the Moscow Region had arrested a man carrying 800 grams of TNT and two detonators. All three suspects are being checked for possible complicity in the Moscow terrorist attack.\nMr Rushailo said over 1,000 kg of explosives and 48 explosive devices had been confiscated in the last 24 hours.","date":"2000-08-12","title":"President Vladimir Putin met with the Prime Minister and heads of security agencies","location":"The Kremlin, Moscow","link":"http://en.special.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/38954","id":38954}
{"doc_id":"president_ru-en-039080","text":"Vladimir Putin met with members of the Cabinet and heads of security-related agencies to discuss the operation to rescue the crew of the Kursk nuclear-powered submarine\n\nAugust 19, 2000, The Kremlin, Moscow \n\nPresident Putin held separate meetings with Prime Minister Mikhail Kasyanov, Secretary of the Security Council Sergei Ivanov and Defence Minister Igor Sergeyev.\nHe also had a meeting with Prime Minister Mikhail Kasyanov, head of the Presidential Executive Office Alexander Voloshin, Secretary of the Security Council Sergei Ivanov and heads of security-related agencies.\n All the meetings focused on operations to rescue the crew of the Kursk nuclear-powered submarine, which had sunk in the Barents Sea.","date":"2000-08-19","title":"Vladimir Putin met with members of the Cabinet and heads of security-related agencies to discuss the operation to rescue the crew of the Kursk nuclear-powered submarine","location":"The Kremlin, Moscow","link":"http://en.special.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/39080","id":39080}
{"doc_id":"president_ru-en-038972","text":"Vladimir Putin met with hierarchs of the Russian Orthodox Church\n\nAugust 20, 2000, The Kremlin, Moscow \n\nThe President had substituted the meeting with Bishops’ Council delegates for a reception due in the Kremlin that night. The festive occasion was cancelled because of the Kursk nuclear submarine tragedy.","date":"2000-08-20","title":"Vladimir Putin met with hierarchs of the Russian Orthodox Church","location":"The Kremlin, Moscow","link":"http://en.special.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/38972","id":38972}
{"doc_id":"president_ru-en-038911","text":"Vladimir Putin met with Igor Spassky, member of the Russian Academy of Sciences, director general of the Rubin central naval technical design bureau\n\nAugust 20, 2000, The Kremlin, Moscow \n\nThe Rubin bureau designed the Kursk nuclear submarine, now wrecked in the Barents Sea.","date":"2000-08-20","title":"Vladimir Putin met with Igor Spassky, member of the Russian Academy of Sciences, director general of the Rubin central naval technical design bureau","location":"The Kremlin, Moscow","link":"http://en.special.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/38911","id":38911}
{"doc_id":"president_ru-en-038914","text":"Vladimir Putin met with Igor Spassky, Fellow of the Russian Academy of Sciences\n\nAugust 23, 2000, The Kremlin, Moscow \n\nThe President and Igor Spassky, Fellow of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Designer General of the Rubin central naval technical design bureau, discussed the chances of recovering the crew’s bodies from the Kursk nuclear submarine wrecked in the Barents Sea.\nAs the scientist said, he had proposed a number of technical solutions. The operation would largely depend on Norwegian assistance, he added. \nMr Putin advanced an initiative of unifying submarine escape and survival systems on a pattern established in spacecraft.","date":"2000-08-23","title":"Vladimir Putin met with Igor Spassky, Fellow of the Russian Academy of Sciences","location":"The Kremlin, Moscow","link":"http://en.special.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/38914","id":38914}
{"doc_id":"president_ru-en-038912","text":"President Vladimir Putin met with Minister of Foreign Affairs Igor Ivanov\n\nAugust 23, 2000, The Kremlin, Moscow \n\nAs Igor Ivanov said to journalists after the meeting, the Norwegian-based Stolt Offshore Company would give its conclusions in 10 days about the chances of recovering the nuclear submarine Kursk. \nThe minister added that the Norwegian company was studying every aspect of the problem, including available personnel and equipment, and related hazards. \nAs he was answering journalists’ questions, Mr Ivanov said Dutch experts may be invited to join the recovery operation.","date":"2000-08-23","title":"President Vladimir Putin met with Minister of Foreign Affairs Igor Ivanov","location":"The Kremlin, Moscow","link":"http://en.special.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/38912","id":38912}
{"doc_id":"president_ru-en-038971","text":"President Vladimir Putin met with Deputy Prime Minister Valentina Matviyenko\n\nAugust 23, 2000, The Kremlin, Moscow \n\nThe President issued instructions to set up an ad hoc government commission for the relief of families of the wrecked nuclear submarine Kursk crew. All obligations must be met within legal terms, he said, with 120 monthly salaries of the supporter paid to every bereaved family plus 25 salaries for every family member.\nAs Valentina Matviyenko announced after the meeting, she was urgently flying to the Murmansk Region.","date":"2000-08-23","title":"President Vladimir Putin met with Deputy Prime Minister Valentina Matviyenko","location":"The Kremlin, Moscow","link":"http://en.special.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/38971","id":38971}
{"doc_id":"president_ru-en-039057","text":"President Vladimir Putin met with Information Technology and Communications Minister Leonid Reiman\n\nAugust 27, 2000, The Kremlin, Moscow \n\nMr Putin and Mr Reiman discussed the possibility of using standby channels to resume television broadcasting after the fire at the Ostankino television tower, and measures to secure uninterrupted operation of communications, ambulance, police and other services.\nThe President had urgent telephone conversations about the accident with Internal Affairs Minister Vladimir Rushailo, Minister of Civil Defense, Emergencies and Disaster Relief Sergei Shoigu, and Moscow Mayor Yury Luzhkov.","date":"2000-08-27","title":"President Vladimir Putin met with Information Technology and Communications Minister Leonid Reiman","location":"The Kremlin, Moscow","link":"http://en.special.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/39057","id":39057}
{"doc_id":"president_ru-en-038889","text":"President Vladimir Putin met with Information Technology and Communications Minister Leonid Reiman and Press, Television and Radio Broadcasting and Mass Media Minister Mikhail Lesin\n\nAugust 28, 2000, The Kremlin, Moscow \n\nThe President heard the ministers’ reports and ordered all necessary measures to be taken within the week to resume federal television broadcasting in Moscow and the Moscow Region. \nParticipants in the President’s previous meeting with members of the Government and heads of his Executive Office also discussed measures to repair the Ostankino television tower after the fire. Mr Putin stressed during the meeting that the tower accident vividly demonstrated the state of vital projects.","date":"2000-08-28","title":"President Vladimir Putin met with Information Technology and Communications Minister Leonid Reiman and Press, Television and Radio Broadcasting and Mass Media Minister Mikhail Lesin","location":"The Kremlin, Moscow","link":"http://en.special.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/38889","id":38889}
{"doc_id":"president_ru-en-038893","text":"Vladimir Putin met with Aslanbek Aslakhanov, a Chechen representative in the State Duma\n\nAugust 29, 2000, The Kremlin, Moscow \n\nThe discussion focused on the situation in Chechnya, including issues related to social welfare of the civilian population, refugees and preparations for the new academic year and winter.","date":"2000-08-29","title":"Vladimir Putin met with Aslanbek Aslakhanov, a Chechen representative in the State Duma","location":"The Kremlin, Moscow","link":"http://en.special.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/38893","id":38893}
{"doc_id":"president_ru-en-038960","text":"President Vladimir Putin met with the Russian Olympic team before Sydney Olympics\n\nAugust 30, 2000, The Kremlin, Moscow \n\nAs they met in St George’s Hall in the Kremlin, the President wished the Russian team every success. Mr Putin said that victories in sports did more to cement the nation than a hundred political slogans. He added that sport was becoming once again a priority for the state.","date":"2000-08-30","title":"President Vladimir Putin met with the Russian Olympic team before Sydney Olympics","location":"The Kremlin, Moscow","link":"http://en.special.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/38960","id":38960}
{"doc_id":"president_ru-en-039287","text":"Vladimir Putin met with Prime Minister Mikhail Kasyanov and Russian Security Council Secretary Sergei Ivanov\n\nSeptember 9, 2000, The Kremlin, Moscow \n\nAt the meeting with Prime Minister Mikhail Kasyanov the discussion focused on the financial and economic situation in the country and cooperation between the Government and the State Duma on passing the draft budget for 2001 in the lower house of the Federal Assembly.\nSergei Ivanov briefed the President on his talks in New York with US National Security Advisor Samuel Berger and other officials.","date":"2000-09-09","title":"Vladimir Putin met with Prime Minister Mikhail Kasyanov and Russian Security Council Secretary Sergei Ivanov","location":"The Kremlin, Moscow","link":"http://en.special.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/39287","id":39287}
{"doc_id":"president_ru-en-039148","text":"Vladimir Putin met with Russia's new ambassadors to Azerbaijan and Georgia Nikolai Pyatov and Vladimir Gudev\n\nSeptember 12, 2000, The Kremlin, Moscow \n\nThe discussion focused on current issues in Russia’s relations with these countries.","date":"2000-09-12","title":"Vladimir Putin met with Russia's new ambassadors to Azerbaijan and Georgia Nikolai Pyatov and Vladimir Gudev","location":"The Kremlin, Moscow","link":"http://en.special.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/39148","id":39148}
{"doc_id":"president_ru-en-039212","text":"Vladimir Putin met with Prime Minister Phan Van Khai of Vietnam\n\nSeptember 12, 2000, The Kremlin, Moscow \n\nOn opening the meeting President Putin said that Russian-Vietnamese relations should remain stable and not be affected by immediate or short-term interests. He noted that relations between Russia and Vietnam were developing on the firm foundation of the 1994 Treaty.\nThe discussion covered economic cooperation, including in the fuel and energy sector, the prospects for the development of the Vietsovpetro company and the construction of a new oil refinery. Military-technical cooperation was also discussed.","date":"2000-09-12","title":"Vladimir Putin met with Prime Minister Phan Van Khai of Vietnam","location":"The Kremlin, Moscow","link":"http://en.special.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/39212","id":39212}
{"doc_id":"president_ru-en-039172","text":"President Vladimir Putin met with the leaders of the Russian State Duma parliamentary parties\n\nSeptember 13, 2000, The Kremlin, Moscow \n\nDuring the four-hour meeting the President and members of the State Duma discussed current issues of the Russian domestic and foreign policy. The key issue was the upcoming review by the State Duma of the 2001 budget. \nMr Putin spoke on the results of his trips abroad.\nThe meeting also discussed the initiatives of the Duma parliamentary parties, in particular, equipping Russian schools with computers and Internet access, as well as a possible creation of a working commission to tackle the so called “2003 problem” – the year when Russia would face the peak of external debt payments and, according to the Duma deputies, the maximum demographic slump and dilapidation of basic production assets. \nParticipants in the meeting also discussed the situation with the NTV channel and revocation of assigned operating frequencies from a number of mobile operators.","date":"2000-09-13","title":"President Vladimir Putin met with the leaders of the Russian State Duma parliamentary parties","location":"The Kremlin, Moscow","link":"http://en.special.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/39172","id":39172}
{"doc_id":"president_ru-en-039218","text":"Vladimir Putin met with the Chairman of the Chinese National People's Congress (NPC) Standing Committee, Li Peng\n\nSeptember 13, 2000, The Kremlin, Moscow \n\nOpening the meeting, President Putin said that the Russian-Chinese Treaty on Good-Neighbourliness, Friendship and Cooperation was scheduled for execution during Chinese President Jiang Zemin’s visit to Russia in 2001, and that the preparations for that were well underway. \nMr Putin emphasised the regular and continuous nature of the Russian-Chinese relations at the highest level.\nDuring the talks Mr Putin and Mr Peng discussed the progress of preparations for the upcoming official visit to Russia of Chinese President Jiang Zemin, economic relations, and military-technical cooperation. The two leaders also discussed efforts to ensure strategic stability and inviolability of the ABM treaty.","date":"2000-09-13","title":"Vladimir Putin met with the Chairman of the Chinese National People's Congress (NPC) Standing Committee, Li Peng","location":"The Kremlin, Moscow","link":"http://en.special.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/39218","id":39218}
{"doc_id":"president_ru-en-039181","text":"Vladimir Putin had a meeting with Prime Minister Mikhail Kasyanov\n\nSeptember 18, 2000, The Kremlin, Moscow \n\nAt the meeting the President and Prime Minister discussed Mr Kasyanov’s upcoming working trip to London and Russia’s possible participation in the World Bank and International Monetary Fund’s annual meetings.\nMr Putin and Mr Kasyanov also discussed in detail energy supplies to the Russian Far East.","date":"2000-09-18","title":"Vladimir Putin had a meeting with Prime Minister Mikhail Kasyanov","location":"The Kremlin, Moscow","link":"http://en.special.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/39181","id":39181}
{"doc_id":"president_ru-en-039127","text":"Vladimir Putin met with Knesset Member and Co-Chairman of the Russian-Israeli Commission on Trade and Economic Cooperation Natan Sharansky\n\nSeptember 19, 2000, The Kremlin, Moscow \n\nThey discussed steps to promote Russian-Israeli cooperation and the use of valuable potential of Israel’s Russian Diaspora in this sphere.","date":"2000-09-19","title":"Vladimir Putin met with Knesset Member and Co-Chairman of the Russian-Israeli Commission on Trade and Economic Cooperation Natan Sharansky","location":"The Kremlin, Moscow","link":"http://en.special.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/39127","id":39127}
{"doc_id":"president_ru-en-039185","text":"Vladimir Putin held a meeting with Deputy Prime Minister Ilya Klebanov, Security Council Secretary Sergei Ivanov and Commander-in-Chief of the Russian Navy Vladimir Kuroyedov\n\nSeptember 19, 2000, The Kremlin, Moscow \n\nThe President was informed about the work of the Government commission investigating the causes of the Kursk nuclear submarine disaster. \nThe meeting discussed the preparations for the operation to lift the wrecked submarine and the bodies of its crew.","date":"2000-09-19","title":"Vladimir Putin held a meeting with Deputy Prime Minister Ilya Klebanov, Security Council Secretary Sergei Ivanov and Commander-in-Chief of the Russian Navy Vladimir Kuroyedov","location":"The Kremlin, Moscow","link":"http://en.special.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/39185","id":39185}
{"doc_id":"president_ru-en-039173","text":"Vladimir Putin had a meeting with Prime Minister Mikhail Kasyanov\n\nSeptember 22, 2000, The Kremlin, Moscow \n\nMr Kasyanov informed President Putin of the Government’s efforts to conciliate positions on key criteria for the 2001 budget.\nThe Head of the Cabinet briefed Mr Putin on the results of his visit to Great Britain and preparations for the upcoming meeting in Moscow of the Russian President and Germany’s Federal Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder. \nMr Putin was also briefed on the implementation of the Treaty on the Creation of the Union State of Russia and Belarus.","date":"2000-09-22","title":"Vladimir Putin had a meeting with Prime Minister Mikhail Kasyanov","location":"The Kremlin, Moscow","link":"http://en.special.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/39173","id":39173}
{"doc_id":"president_ru-en-039135","text":"Vladimir Putin had a meeting with Russian Transport Minister Sergei Frank\n\nSeptember 22, 2000, The Kremlin, Moscow \n\nAt the meeting Mr Putin and Mr Frank discussed the federal programmes to create international transportation corridors in Russia. According to Mr Frank, export of transit services would be a new product, and special attention should be paid to the development of the ‘North-South’ corridor, which would connect India and Iran with Northern Europe through Russia.\nPresident Putin approved the Ministry’s proposals to upgrade the existing air and maritime transport facilities.\nThe Minister also briefed the President on the progress of the oil terminal construction in the port of Primorsk. Special attention was paid to the improvement of transport services to the population of the Kaliningrad Region.","date":"2000-09-22","title":"Vladimir Putin had a meeting with Russian Transport Minister Sergei Frank","location":"The Kremlin, Moscow","link":"http://en.special.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/39135","id":39135}
{"doc_id":"president_ru-en-039232","text":"Vladimir Putin had a meeting with Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Civil Defence, Emergencies and Disaster Relief Sergei Shoigu\n\nSeptember 22, 2000, The Kremlin, Moscow \n\nSergei Shoigu informed the President of the ministry’s performance in the past month and shared his views on ways to improve the ministry’s structure. \nMr Shoigu also briefed Mr Putin on the results of his meeting with the NATO Secretary-General George Robertson.","date":"2000-09-22","title":"Vladimir Putin had a meeting with Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Civil Defence, Emergencies and Disaster Relief Sergei Shoigu","location":"The Kremlin, Moscow","link":"http://en.special.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/39232","id":39232}
{"doc_id":"president_ru-en-039139","text":"President Vladimir Putin met with the leaders of the Popular-Patriotic Union and the Communist Party\n\nSeptember 25, 2000, The Kremlin, Moscow \n\nThe President and the leaders of the Popular-Patriotic Union and the Communist Party discussed different aspects of the national socio-political and economic situation, the draft 2001 federal budget, and the Constitutional reform, as well as efforts to fight corruption, strengthen national security and normalise the situation in the North Caucasus.","date":"2000-09-25","title":"President Vladimir Putin met with the leaders of the Popular-Patriotic Union and the Communist Party","location":"The Kremlin, Moscow","link":"http://en.special.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/39139","id":39139}
{"doc_id":"president_ru-en-039201","text":"Vladimir Putin met with Armenian President Robert Kocharian\n\nSeptember 26, 2000, The Kremlin, Moscow \n\nThe two leaders discussed various aspects of bilateral cooperation and current regional issues.\nThe parties signed the Declaration on Armenian-Russian allied cooperation oriented towards the 21st century. The document states mutual commitment of both countries to consistently promote political, military, commercial, economic, and cultural contact at all levels and their intent to further coordinate their efforts at the regional and global level, including cooperation in the UN, OSCE, CIS and others organisations. \nRussia and Armenia advocated earliest resolution of the Nagorny Karabakh conflict solely by peaceful means on a fair basis that would be acceptable to all parties involved. In this connection the Russian Federation welcomed a direct Armenian-Azerbaijani dialogue at the highest level. The Armenian delegation in its turn noted with approval Russia’s positive role in the Nagorny Karabakh conflict settlement process. \nAfter the talks Mr Putin and Mr Kocharian made a statement for the media and talked with the journalists. Speaking with the media, President Putin stated that Russia supported the decision to settle the Nagorny Karabakh conflict solely by peaceful means and would agree to any settlement scenario as long as it was acceptable for the people and governments of both Armenia and Azerbaijan.","date":"2000-09-26","title":"Vladimir Putin met with Armenian President Robert Kocharian","location":"The Kremlin, Moscow","link":"http://en.special.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/39201","id":39201}
{"doc_id":"president_ru-en-039202","text":"Vladimir Putin met with former President of the Soviet Union Mikhail Gorbachev\n\nSeptember 26, 2000, The Kremlin, Moscow \n\nMr Gorbachev, who currently heads NTV’s Public Council, briefed Mr Putin on the development of relations between Gazprom and Media-Most, NTV’s major shareholder. \nPresident Putin stated that it would not be right to meddle in the conflict between the two companies and stressed that all disputes should be settled in court. He also underlined that mass media in Russia should be truly independent – economically in the first place, in order to preserve the freedom of speech in the country.","date":"2000-09-26","title":"Vladimir Putin met with former President of the Soviet Union Mikhail Gorbachev","location":"The Kremlin, Moscow","link":"http://en.special.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/39202","id":39202}
{"doc_id":"president_ru-en-039246","text":"Vladimir Putin chaired a Security Council meeting on ways to improve the state military development policy\n\nSeptember 27, 2000, The Kremlin, Moscow \n\nWhen opening the meeting, the President stressed that all reforms should be aimed at resolving the current problems of the Armed Forces, primarily social ones.\nMr Putin also said it was essential to make the Russian Army flexible, mobile and fit for combat. Russia cannot afford to maintain an army which is not provided with the latest technical equipment and modern hardware.\nThe President instructed the agencies concerned to calculate economic parameters of the future military reform.","date":"2000-09-27","title":"Vladimir Putin chaired a Security Council meeting on ways to improve the state military development policy","location":"The Kremlin, Moscow","link":"http://en.special.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/39246","id":39246}
{"doc_id":"president_ru-en-039146","text":"Vladimir Putin met with Swedish Prime Minister Goran Persson\n\nSeptember 27, 2000, The Kremlin, Moscow \n\nMr Putin and Mr Persson discussed current issues of Russia-EU cooperation in the context of Sweden’s forthcoming presidency in the European Union in the first half of 2001, as well as environmental problems of the Baltic Sea and the situation in Chechnya.\nThey focused on the development of bilateral trade, economic and investor relations. \nThe Russian President accepted the Swedish Prime Minister’s invitation to visit Sweden.","date":"2000-09-27","title":"Vladimir Putin met with Swedish Prime Minister Goran Persson","location":"The Kremlin, Moscow","link":"http://en.special.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/39146","id":39146}
{"doc_id":"president_ru-en-039208","text":"President Vladimir Putin held a meeting with Director of the Federal Border Guard Service Konstantin Totsky\n\nSeptember 28, 2000, The Kremlin, Moscow \n\nMr Totsky informed the President about the situation in Tajikistan as Taliban units approached the Tajik-Afghan border, guarded by the Russian armed forces.","date":"2000-09-28","title":"President Vladimir Putin held a meeting with Director of the Federal Border Guard Service Konstantin Totsky","location":"The Kremlin, Moscow","link":"http://en.special.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/39208","id":39208}
{"doc_id":"president_ru-en-039189","text":"Deputy Foreign Minister and Presidential Special Representative for Caspian Affairs Viktor Kalyuzhny informed President Vladimir Putin about the outcome of his trips to Caspian countries\n\nSeptember 28, 2000, The Kremlin, Moscow \n\nThe President welcomed a proposal by Mr Kalyuzhny to hold a summit of five Caspian countries – Russia, Iran, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan – which would consider new approaches to determining the status of the Caspian.","date":"2000-09-28","title":"Deputy Foreign Minister and Presidential Special Representative for Caspian Affairs Viktor Kalyuzhny informed President Vladimir Putin about the outcome of his trips to Caspian countries","location":"The Kremlin, Moscow","link":"http://en.special.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/39189","id":39189}
{"doc_id":"president_ru-en-039154","text":"President Vladimir Putin met with French Foreign Minister Hubert Vedrine\n\nSeptember 28, 2000, The Kremlin, Moscow \n\nMr Putin and Mr Vedrine discussed the Russian President’s visit to Paris, scheduled for late October, during which Mr Putin was to meet with the French leadership and participate in the Russia-EU summit. \nPresident Putin and Foreign Minister Vedrine exchanged opinions on a wide range of topics related to bilateral and international relations. They discussed, in particular, the situation in the Balkans and prospects for a Middle East settlement.","date":"2000-09-28","title":"President Vladimir Putin met with French Foreign Minister Hubert Vedrine","location":"The Kremlin, Moscow","link":"http://en.special.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/39154","id":39154}
{"doc_id":"president_ru-en-039204","text":"President Vladimir Putin chaired a meeting with his plenipotentiary envoys to the federal districts\n\nSeptember 28, 2000, The Kremlin, Moscow \n\nThe meeting discussed issues related to improving the activities of plenipotentiary envoys and regional governments, and harmonising regional legislation with the Constitution of the Russian Federation and federal laws.\nMr Putin instructed the plenipotentiary envoys to provide assistance to regional election commissions and people in general in getting reliable information during the election campaign in the 34 Russian regions. “Nobody should be allowed to speculate on relations with the President, his Executive Office or the plenipotentiary envoys,” the head of state said.\nThe President supported a proposal to hold regular bilateral meetings with each of his plenipotentiary envoys.","date":"2000-09-28","title":"President Vladimir Putin chaired a meeting with his plenipotentiary envoys to the federal districts","location":"The Kremlin, Moscow","link":"http://en.special.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/39204","id":39204}
{"doc_id":"president_ru-en-039253","text":"President Vladimir Putin answered the questions of Russian journalists\n\nSeptember 30, 2000, The Kremlin, Moscow \n\nMr Putin commented on the situation in Central Asia and the Balkans, gave the details of his forthcoming visit to India and talked on key issues of the domestic policy.","date":"2000-09-30","title":"President Vladimir Putin answered the questions of Russian journalists","location":"The Kremlin, Moscow","link":"http://en.special.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/39253","id":39253}
{"doc_id":"president_ru-en-039415","text":"President Vladimir Putin held a meeting of the State Council Presidium\n\nOctober 12, 2000, The Kremlin, Moscow \n\nMr Putin informed the members of the Presidium about the results of his visits to Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan. The President stressed that the countries of the former Soviet Union are Russia’s closest allies. At the same time, recent events in Central Asia and on the CIS’ southern borders call for the Russian leadership’s close attention, all the more so as a large number of Russian speakers live in the region. \nThe meeting approved the draft agenda for the first full session of the State Council, which will take place on November 22. The working groups on state-building, economic development, local self-government and state symbols presented their reports.","date":"2000-10-12","title":"President Vladimir Putin held a meeting of the State Council Presidium","location":"The Kremlin, Moscow","link":"http://en.special.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/39415","id":39415}
{"doc_id":"president_ru-en-039487","text":"President Vladimir Putin personally congratulated Vice President of Russian Academy of Sciences Zhores Alfyorov on winning the prestigious Nobel Prize for physics for 2000\n\nOctober 12, 2000, The Kremlin, Moscow \n\nMr Putin and Mr Alfyorov discussed problems currently facing science in Russia.\nThe previous day, Mr Putin sent Mr Alfyorov a message of congratulations, which read, in particular: \n“This is not only your personal triumph as a scientist; it is also an outstanding victory for Russian science. Today is a real celebration for all your colleagues, friends and students, and for all the millions of Russians who were proud to hear the good news from Stockholm. This is the first time in many years that the Nobel Committee has awarded this prestigious prize to a Russian physicist. Your discovery is the technological key to the third millennium and marks a bold and decisive breakthrough in the era of new information technologies. \nYour decision to donate the prize money to research is the fine and noble deed of a true citizen”.","date":"2000-10-12","title":"President Vladimir Putin personally congratulated Vice President of Russian Academy of Sciences Zhores Alfyorov on winning the prestigious Nobel Prize for physics for 2000","location":"The Kremlin, Moscow","link":"http://en.special.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/39487","id":39487}
{"doc_id":"president_ru-en-039526","text":"President Vladimir Putin held a working meeting with Prime Minister Mikhail Kasyanov\n\nOctober 13, 2000, The Kremlin, Moscow \n\nMr Putin and Mr Kasyanov discussed the provision of social assistance to residents of Chechnya temporarily forced to leave their homes and currently living in the neighbouring region of Ingushetia. \nThe meeting also discussed the social and economic situation in the country and prospects for developing trade and economic relations with the CIS countries, in particular with Ukraine.","date":"2000-10-13","title":"President Vladimir Putin held a working meeting with Prime Minister Mikhail Kasyanov","location":"The Kremlin, Moscow","link":"http://en.special.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/39526","id":39526}
{"doc_id":"president_ru-en-039417","text":"President Vladimir Putin held a working meeting with Foreign Minister Igor Ivanov\n\nOctober 13, 2000, The Kremlin, Moscow \n\nMr Putin instructed Mr Ivanov to draft proposals on ways to resolve the crisis in the Middle East and to make an address to the State Duma setting out Russia’s position on this issue.","date":"2000-10-13","title":"President Vladimir Putin held a working meeting with Foreign Minister Igor Ivanov","location":"The Kremlin, Moscow","link":"http://en.special.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/39417","id":39417}
{"doc_id":"president_ru-en-039507","text":"President Vladimir Putin met with UN High Commissioner for Refugees Sadako Ogata\n\nOctober 23, 2000, The Kremlin, Moscow \n\nMr Putin and Mrs Ogata discussed the situation in the North Caucasus and ways of developing Russia’s cooperation with the UN High Commission for Refugees. \nThe President noted that UN representatives have done a lot to help resolve the problems Russia has encountered in the Caucasus. Mr Putin thanked Mrs Ogata for her hard work and for the courage she has shown in resolving complex issues.\nForeign Minister Igor Ivanov and Special Presidential Envoy for the Protection of Human Rights and Civic Liberties in Chechnya Vladimir Kalamanov also took part in the meeting. \nMr Putin awarded Mrs Ogata the Order of Friendship for her great contribution to building international peace and friendship.","date":"2000-10-23","title":"President Vladimir Putin met with UN High Commissioner for Refugees Sadako Ogata","location":"The Kremlin, Moscow","link":"http://en.special.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/39507","id":39507}
{"doc_id":"president_ru-en-039463","text":"President Vladimir Putin met with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Anatoly Zlenko\n\nOctober 23, 2000, The Kremlin, Moscow \n\nThe meeting examined bilateral relations, in particular economic partnership issues, and also discussed international issues, including Russia’s and Ukraine’s cooperation within regional and international organisations. \nMr Putin said that Russia places great importance on developing intergovernmental relations with Ukraine. The President noted that a number of agreements were reached during his meeting with Ukrainian President Leonid Kuchma in Sochi: in the economy, space, aircraft manufacturing and the energy sector, and also in the humanitarian sphere. Mr Putin noted that the mechanisms for implementing these agreements would be examined at the Russian Security Council’s next session. \nThe two countries’ foreign ministers will be responsible for general coordination in this area, Mr Putin said.","date":"2000-10-23","title":"President Vladimir Putin met with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Anatoly Zlenko","location":"The Kremlin, Moscow","link":"http://en.special.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/39463","id":39463}
{"doc_id":"president_ru-en-039381","text":"President Vladimir Putin held a meeting with the Government Cabinet and the heads of the Presidential Executive Office\n\nOctober 23, 2000, The Kremlin, Moscow \n\nAmong the items on the agenda was Prime Minister Mikhail Kasyanov’s upcoming visit to Turkey.\nMr Putin informed the meeting about his recent talks in Sochi with the Presidents of Ukraine and Belarus. \nThe meeting also discussed work on a long-term programme for developing the energy sector. \nEarlier in the day, Mr Putin held a separate meeting with Mr Kasyanov and also spoke briefly with journalists. The President announced that President of Yugoslavia Vojislav Kostunica would soon be visiting Moscow and said that Russia has a programme ready for developing its relations with Yugoslavia.","date":"2000-10-23","title":"President Vladimir Putin held a meeting with the Government Cabinet and the heads of the Presidential Executive Office","location":"The Kremlin, Moscow","link":"http://en.special.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/39381","id":39381}
{"doc_id":"president_ru-en-039779","text":"President Vladimir Putin met with Permanent Secretary of the French Academy Helene Carrere d'Encausse\n\nOctober 24, 2000, The Kremlin, Moscow \n\nDuring his meeting at the Kremlin with the renowned linguist and Russian historian, Mr Putin underlined that the research done by Helene Carrere d'Encausse was important and interesting for the entire world, and not only for Russians and the French.","date":"2000-10-24","title":"President Vladimir Putin met with Permanent Secretary of the French Academy Helene Carrere d'Encausse","location":"The Kremlin, Moscow","link":"http://en.special.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/39779","id":39779}
{"doc_id":"president_ru-en-039515","text":"President Vladimir Putin chaired a meeting of the Security Council\n\nOctober 26, 2000, The Kremlin, Moscow \n\nThe meeting started with a moment of silence for those who died in the crash of a military plane in Adzharia. \nMr Putin said that Secretary of the Security Council Sergei Ivanov had gone to Georgia to the site of the tragedy. The President emphasised that the Government had received instructions on providing help to the relatives of those who died in the tragedy. \nThe issue of salvaging the bodies of crew members of the Kursk nuclear submarine and the submarine itself from the bottom of the Barents Sea was discussed at the meeting. Notwithstanding the difficulties, the work would continue, the promises made to the relatives would be kept and the Government would do everything possible to pay its last respects to the sailor-heroes, the President stressed. \nIn addition, issues connected with Russian-Ukrainian relations and the recent negotiations in Sochi between Mr Putin and Mr Kuchma were discussed at the meeting.","date":"2000-10-26","title":"President Vladimir Putin chaired a meeting of the Security Council","location":"The Kremlin, Moscow","link":"http://en.special.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/39515","id":39515}
{"doc_id":"president_ru-en-039473","text":"President Vladimir Putin met with Secretary of the Security Council Sergei Ivanov\n\nOctober 26, 2000, The Kremlin, Moscow \n\nMr Putin and Mr Ivanov discussed measures to help the families of those who died in the crash of an Il-18 on October 26 in Adzharia and to launch an investigation into the crash. \nThe President instructed those present to establish a special committee to investigate the reasons behind the crash. Mr Ivanov was appointed head of the committee.","date":"2000-10-26","title":"President Vladimir Putin met with Secretary of the Security Council Sergei Ivanov","location":"The Kremlin, Moscow","link":"http://en.special.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/39473","id":39473}
{"doc_id":"president_ru-en-039481","text":"Vladimir Putin had a meeting with Security Council Secretary Sergei Ivanov\n\nOctober 27, 2000, The Kremlin, Moscow \n\nMr Ivanov, who heads the State commission on investigating the Russian Air Force IL-18 plane crash near Batumi on October 25, reported to President Putin on the progress of disaster recovery operations on the crash site. Mr Putin instructed the Government to prepare an ordinance stipulating payment of all applicable benefits to the bereaved families.","date":"2000-10-27","title":"Vladimir Putin had a meeting with Security Council Secretary Sergei Ivanov","location":"The Kremlin, Moscow","link":"http://en.special.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/39481","id":39481}
{"doc_id":"president_ru-en-039519","text":"Vladimir Putin met with the President of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia Vojislav Kostunica\n\nOctober 27, 2000, The Kremlin, Moscow \n\nThe two Presidents first met in private, and were later joined by the members of their respective delegations.\nMain topics discussed during the Russian-Yugoslav talks were current issues related to bilateral trade, economic and political cooperation, as well as regional security. The parties also discussed a wide range of issues covering the status of Yugoslavia in the international arena.\nPresident Putin congratulated Vojislav Kostunica on his inauguration as the Yugoslav President and expressed support for his policy aimed at consolidating Yugoslav society and integration of the country in the international community.\nThe two leaders made a joint statement in which they once again confirmed their readiness to promote mutually beneficial economic, scientific, technical and cultural partnership, and also agreed to work closely together within international organisations, at multilateral conferences and forums to strengthen global peace and promote a stable and democratic Europe without any dividing lines. \nThe parties also stressed the importance of prompt reinstatement of Yugoslavia as a full member of global cooperation efforts, primarily its membership of the UN, OSCE and other organisations. \nRussia and Yugoslavia expressed their intent to promote normalisation of the situation in the Balkans based on generally accepted norms and principles of international law, including respect for territorial integrity, sovereign equality of states, inviolability of frontiers, and peaceful settlement of disputes without using threats or force. \nBoth parties advocated strict observance of UN Security Council Resolution 1244 on Kosovo, creation of a democratic multi-ethnic society there, prompt commencement of political talks and conclusion of an agreement on the status of Kosovo as part of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia. \nIn the joint statement, Russia and Yugoslavia also confirmed the significance of being consistent in implementing the framework agreement on peace in Bosnia and Herzegovina, and expressed their intent to actively promote its implementation in the interests of consolidating stability and security in the region.\nAfter the talks Mr Putin and Mr Kostunica made a statement for the media and answered the journalists’ questions.","date":"2000-10-27","title":"Vladimir Putin met with the President of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia Vojislav Kostunica","location":"The Kremlin, Moscow","link":"http://en.special.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/39519","id":39519}
{"doc_id":"president_ru-en-039582","text":"President Vladimir Putin met with Japanese Prime Minister Yohei Kono\n\nNovember 2, 2000, The Kremlin, Moscow \n\nMr Putin and Mr Kono discussed current issues of bilateral relations, preparations for the upcoming meeting of the Russian-Japanese inter-governmental commission on trade and economic relations, and the realisation of the agreements reached during Mr Putin’s visit to Tokyo on September 3–5, 2000.\nPresident Putin reaffirmed Russia’s interest in developing long-term friendly relations between the two countries. \nMr Kono handed the Russian President a message from Japanese Prime Minister Yoshiro Mori.","date":"2000-11-02","title":"President Vladimir Putin met with Japanese Prime Minister Yohei Kono","location":"The Kremlin, Moscow","link":"http://en.special.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/39582","id":39582}
{"doc_id":"president_ru-en-039600","text":"President Vladimir Putin met with Qatar's Foreign Minister Sheikh Hamad Bin Jassim Bin Jaber Al-Thani\n\nNovember 3, 2000, The Kremlin, Moscow \n\nThe President of Russia and the Foreign Minister of Qatar exchanged opinions on topical international issues and discussed a number of regional problems such as the situation in the Middle East, around the Gulf and in the North Caucasus. They also talked about Russia’s cooperation with the Organisation of the Islamic Conference. \nThe Foreign Minister brought the Russian President a letter from the Emir of Qatar.","date":"2000-11-03","title":"President Vladimir Putin met with Qatar's Foreign Minister Sheikh Hamad Bin Jassim Bin Jaber Al-Thani","location":"The Kremlin, Moscow","link":"http://en.special.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/39600","id":39600}
{"doc_id":"president_ru-en-039653","text":"President Vladimir Putin chaired a meeting of the Security Council\n\nNovember 9, 2000, The Kremlin, Moscow \n\nThe meeting discussed economic, organisational and regulatory issues pertaining to military construction in Russia. \nMr Putin stressed the importance of military reform, saying that as a result Russia would get a more compact and, thus, more efficient and professional army. Maintaining a cumbersome and sometimes inefficient military organisation is absolutely wrong, the President said.\nAs a follow-up, a resolution to reform the state military structure was adopted, envisaging in particular a 600,000-person cut in paramilitary staff in 11 ministries and agencies outside the Russian Defence Ministry. \nThe President instructed Security Council Secretary Sergei Ivanov to supervise the implementation of the resolution.","date":"2000-11-09","title":"President Vladimir Putin chaired a meeting of the Security Council","location":"The Kremlin, Moscow","link":"http://en.special.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/39653","id":39653}
{"doc_id":"president_ru-en-039574","text":"President Vladimir Putin met with Mohamed El Baradei, Director-General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)\n\nNovember 10, 2000, The Kremlin, Moscow \n\nMr Putin and Mr El Baradei discussed the Russian President’s initiative on prohibiting the use of enriched uranium and pure plutonium in peaceful nuclear energy, which he put forward during the Millennium Summit in September. \nThe President thanked the Director-General for supporting his initiative.","date":"2000-11-10","title":"President Vladimir Putin met with Mohamed El Baradei, Director-General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)","location":"The Kremlin, Moscow","link":"http://en.special.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/39574","id":39574}
{"doc_id":"president_ru-en-039746","text":"President Vladimir Putin held talks with President Nursultan Nazarbayev of Kazakhstan\n\nNovember 18, 2000, The Kremlin, Moscow \n\nThe discussion focused on topical aspects of bilateral cooperation, including the oil and energy sector, military-technical cooperation, the problems of strengthening security, the fight against terrorism and the situation in Central Asia.\nThe two Presidents also considered prospects for promoting bilateral integration and establishing an economic and customs association of Russia and Kazakhstan.\nPresident Putin briefed President Nazarbayev on the major results of the APEC forum in Brunei. \nAfter the talks the two leaders addressed a news conference.","date":"2000-11-18","title":"President Vladimir Putin held talks with President Nursultan Nazarbayev of Kazakhstan","location":"The Kremlin, Moscow","link":"http://en.special.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/39746","id":39746}
{"doc_id":"president_ru-en-039766","text":"President Vladimir Putin met with Foreign Minister Igor Ivanov\n\nNovember 20, 2000, The Kremlin, Moscow \n\nMr Ivanov reported to the President on the results of his trip to the Middle East and the Persian Gulf region and told him about Russian diplomatic efforts to normalise the situation in the Palestinian territories and settle the Iraqi problem. \nPresident Putin instructed the Foreign Minister to continue active cooperation with the UN, the United States, European and other countries to prevent a heightening of tensions in Israeli-Palestinian relations, stabilise the situation and resume the peace talks. In their conversation about Iraq, they agreed that Russia would continue to promote the implementation of UN Security Council resolutions with the aim of lifting the sanctions against Iraq. \nMr Ivanov also reported on other current issues related to Russia’s foreign policy.","date":"2000-11-20","title":"President Vladimir Putin met with Foreign Minister Igor Ivanov","location":"The Kremlin, Moscow","link":"http://en.special.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/39766","id":39766}
{"doc_id":"president_ru-en-039659","text":"President Vladimir Putin chaired the first meeting of the State Council of the Russian Federation\n\nNovember 22, 2000, The Kremlin, Moscow \n\nIn the opening word, the President congratulated the participants on the commencement of the new government body’s work and stressed the great importance of the event for Russia’s political life.\nIn his speech Mr Putin pointed out that the State Council was first of all a strategic body that would work to elaborate a consolidated position on key issues of the country’s development. That was its difference from other governmental and consultancy institutions and agencies. The State Council could also set the direction of the country’s development but it should not substitute in its work Parliament or the Government, underlined the President. \nMr Putin also suggested discussing the land issue at the next meeting of the State Council presidium.","date":"2000-11-22","title":"President Vladimir Putin chaired the first meeting of the State Council of the Russian Federation","location":"The Kremlin, Moscow","link":"http://en.special.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/39659","id":39659}
{"doc_id":"president_ru-en-039675","text":"President Vladimir Putin met with Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia Alexy II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians Garegin II and Mufti Pasha Zade\n\nNovember 24, 2000, The Kremlin, Moscow \n\nMr Putin noted that the problems in Armenian-Azerbaijani relations, including the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, affected Russia’s interests and hindered the smooth development of Russia’s bilateral contacts with both Azerbaijan and Armenia.\nHe underlined the special role of religious leaders in settling the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. Addressing the spiritual leaders, the President expressed hope that their high authority would contribute to achieving peace between the brotherly nations of Azerbaijan and Armenia.\nPresident Putin said that he planned to visit Baku in the near future and noted that he was in constant contact with Azerbaijani President Heidar Aliyev.\nPatriarch of Moscow and All Russia Alexy II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians Garegin II and Mufti Pasha Zade gave the President a joint declaration and address signed by the three religious leaders in which they expressed their view on the Nagorno-Karabakh problem. The address was also sent to the Presidents of Azerbaijan and Armenia.","date":"2000-11-24","title":"President Vladimir Putin met with Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia Alexy II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians Garegin II and Mufti Pasha Zade","location":"The Kremlin, Moscow","link":"http://en.special.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/39675","id":39675}
{"doc_id":"president_ru-en-039674","text":"President Vladimir Putin met with Palestinian National Authority President Yasser Arafat\n\nNovember 24, 2000, The Kremlin, Moscow \n\nAt the meeting, Mr Putin and Mr Arafat discussed the Middle East crisis and the efforts Russia could take to help normalise the situation in the region.\nMr Putin expressed great concern over recent events in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict zone, which had driven the latest peacekeeping efforts to the brink of catastrophe, and underlined that there were possibilities for progress in the region, but all efforts and aspirations would be useless unless the level of outrage and violence was reduced.\nMr Putin also stressed the danger that the conflict could escalate from a bilateral to a regional one, which in his opinion would threaten stability in several Middle Eastern countries.\nAfter the talks with Mr Arafat, President Putin had a long telephone conversation with Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak. \nAfterwards, the talks with the leader of the Palestinian National Authority continued. \nLater, Mr Arafat placed a telephone call to Prime Minister Ehud Barak from President Putin’s office. In the course of the telephone conversation – the first private talk between the two Middles Eastern leaders in three weeks – the parties agreed to resume “limited” cooperation in the security sphere and revive the operation of “liaison offices” in the West Bank and the Gaza Strip.\nAfter the telephone conversations, the Russian and Palestinian leaders exchanged opinions on the agreements reached.","date":"2000-11-24","title":"President Vladimir Putin met with Palestinian National Authority President Yasser Arafat","location":"The Kremlin, Moscow","link":"http://en.special.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/39674","id":39674}
{"doc_id":"president_ru-en-039704","text":"President Putin met with Italian President Carlo Azeglio Ciampi\n\nNovember 27, 2000, The Kremlin, Moscow \n\nThe two heads of state began their meeting face to face and were later joined by the delegations.\nThe discussion focused on topical aspects of Russian-Italian cooperation in a number of areas including trade, investment, the fuel and energy complex, space exploration and culture.\nBoth sides expressed concern about the situation in the Middle East. Mr Putin and Mr Ciampi underlined the need for increasing, by agreement of all parties, the international supervision of the Middle East peace process. The two sides also stressed the importance of expanding the mediation efforts in the region and reached agreement on coordinating joint efforts in that area in order to revive the peace process.\nThe Russian and Italian Presidents held a news conference after the talks.","date":"2000-11-27","title":"President Putin met with Italian President Carlo Azeglio Ciampi","location":"The Kremlin, Moscow","link":"http://en.special.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/39704","id":39704}
{"doc_id":"president_ru-en-039686","text":"President Vladimir Putin met with Speaker of the Federation Council Yegor Stroyev\n\nNovember 28, 2000, The Kremlin, Moscow \n\nThe President and the Speaker of the Federal Assembly’s upper chamber discussed the status of the Federation Council’s membership in view of the new procedure for forming the chamber.\nAt the meeting, the two men also discussed the interaction between the Federal Assembly and the State Council. President Putin supported redistribution of the Federation Council’s authority and partial transfer of such powers to the State Council. According to the President, the State Council will remain the body charged with considering strategic issues subject to further legislative implementation. For its part, the Federation Council should operate in accordance with the Constitution and encourage a valid and balanced resolution of the issues set before it. \nThe President heard the report on preparations for the 5th Economic Forum in St Petersburg scheduled for next summer. He agreed that it was necessary to raise the profile of the event and advocated participation in the forum by the country’s political decision-makers. Mr Putin specifically agreed to chair the Board of Regents of the St Petersburg Economic Forum.\nThe President and the Federation Council Speaker also discussed the situation in the regions, particularly the Chechen Republic, and the upcoming meeting of the Supreme State Council of the Union State of Russia and Belarus in Minsk.","date":"2000-11-28","title":"President Vladimir Putin met with Speaker of the Federation Council Yegor Stroyev","location":"The Kremlin, Moscow","link":"http://en.special.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/39686","id":39686}
{"doc_id":"president_ru-en-039713","text":"President Vladimir Putin chaired a meeting of the Security Council\n\nNovember 29, 2000, The Kremlin, Moscow \n\nThe meeting discussed measures to improve the border infrastructure. Opening the meeting, President Putin said that Soviet-era multi-echelon border defences should be replaced with modern security systems. The President stressed that nobody planned to lower another Iron Curtain.\nMr Putin said the state had done little in previous years to create new borders symbolising a democratic country that was open to the world. The President noted the need to fully demarcate state borders in line with international law and said this unsettled issue was hindering cooperation between Russia and the CIS.\nThe Security Council also discussed regional aspects of the border policy. Mr Putin noted the need to focus on border regions and said illegal migration remained a serious threat to national security.","date":"2000-11-29","title":"President Vladimir Putin chaired a meeting of the Security Council","location":"The Kremlin, Moscow","link":"http://en.special.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/39713","id":39713}
{"doc_id":"president_ru-en-039912","text":"President Vladimir Putin chaired an expanded meeting of the State Council's Presidium\n\nDecember 4, 2000, The Kremlin, Moscow \n\nAlso present at the meeting were Chairmen of both houses of the Federal Assembly, leaders of the Duma parliamentary parties and the Chairman of the Central Election Commission.\nThey discussed the results of the CIS summit held in Minsk and key priorities for the Duma and Federal Assembly’s legislative work, as well as the introduction of a visa regime between Russia and Georgia. The debates focused on Russia’s national symbols.","date":"2000-12-04","title":"President Vladimir Putin chaired an expanded meeting of the State Council's Presidium","location":"The Kremlin, Moscow","link":"http://en.special.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/39912","id":39912}
{"doc_id":"president_ru-en-039919","text":"President Putin met with Yevgeny Primakov, chairman of the Fatherland — All Russia party in the State Duma\n\nDecember 5, 2000, The Kremlin, Moscow \n\nThe main topic of the meeting with Mr Primakov, who is head of the State Committee for Settling the Transdnestr Problem, was the situation in Transdnestr.","date":"2000-12-05","title":"President Putin met with Yevgeny Primakov, chairman of the Fatherland — All Russia party in the State Duma","location":"The Kremlin, Moscow","link":"http://en.special.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/39919","id":39919}
{"doc_id":"president_ru-en-039820","text":"President Vladimir Putin met with Vladimir Potanin, the president of the Interros holding\n\nDecember 7, 2000, The Kremlin, Moscow \n\nThey discussed the prospects of a nickel plant construction project in Cuba.","date":"2000-12-07","title":"President Vladimir Putin met with Vladimir Potanin, the president of the Interros holding","location":"The Kremlin, Moscow","link":"http://en.special.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/39820","id":39820}
{"doc_id":"president_ru-en-039925","text":"President Vladimir Putin met with Belgian Prime Minister Guy Verhofstadt\n\nDecember 20, 2000, The Kremlin, Moscow \n\nPresident Putin opened the meeting by saying that Belgium was one of Russia’s privileged partners. The President emphasised the fact that the Belgian Prime Minister was paying special attention to strengthening bilateral relations. Mr Putin said that Russian-Belgian trade turnover had totalled $2 billion in 1999 and could reach $2.5 billion in 2000.\nThe Russian President expressed hope for fruitful bilateral cooperation both with Belgium and the European Union.","date":"2000-12-20","title":"President Vladimir Putin met with Belgian Prime Minister Guy Verhofstadt","location":"The Kremlin, Moscow","link":"http://en.special.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/39925","id":39925}
{"doc_id":"president_ru-en-039819","text":"President Vladimir Putin met with Internal Affairs Minister Vladimir Rushailo\n\nDecember 20, 2000, The Kremlin, Moscow \n\nThe Internal Affairs Minister informed the President about his December 13–15 trip to the Chechen Republic, during which Ministry representatives visited 13 municipalities, including Grozny, Gudermes, Urus-Martan and Achkhoi-Martan.\nDuring the trip, police officers solved serious crimes, implemented Operation Anti-Terror and distributed 12 tonnes of food and medications at local orphanages and hospitals.\nWork is now proceeding rapidly to establish a Chechen police force. Mr Rushailo told Mr Putin that all 18 police departments now had 60% of the required personnel.\nThe President ordered Mr Rushailo to protect members of the Chechen Administration because 27 officials had been killed and 80 wounded in the last three months.","date":"2000-12-20","title":"President Vladimir Putin met with Internal Affairs Minister Vladimir Rushailo","location":"The Kremlin, Moscow","link":"http://en.special.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/39819","id":39819}
{"doc_id":"president_ru-en-039849","text":"President Vladimir Putin presented state awards at a gala ceremony in the Kremlin\n\nDecember 21, 2000, The Kremlin, Moscow \n\nIn his ceremony address, the President singled out the military servicemen – participants in the counter-terrorist operation – who were given the title of Hero of Russia. Mr Putin thanked them for their loyalty to duty and oath of allegiance, for their dedicated service to the fatherland, and for showing the best qualities of the Russian officer in highly challenging combat conditions. \nServicemen, public personalities, some regional governors and cultural figures were decorated with state awards.","date":"2000-12-21","title":"President Vladimir Putin presented state awards at a gala ceremony in the Kremlin","location":"The Kremlin, Moscow","link":"http://en.special.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/39849","id":39849}
{"doc_id":"president_ru-en-039897","text":"President Vladimir Putin chaired an expanded meeting with presidential envoys to the federal districts\n\nDecember 25, 2000, The Kremlin, Moscow \n\nOther participants included heads of the Presidential Executive Office, first deputies and deputies of the presidential envoys, and chief federal inspectors. \nThe meeting looked into and evaluated the results reported by the envoys and their offices, discussed the place and role of the envoys in the country’s government, and set priorities for 2001.\nPresident Putin told the envoys to take a more active part in the delimitation of powers between the regions and the federal centre. The President said the envoys must help not only to delimit the powers of federal and regional authorities but also to make clear to the public the President’s position on key issues of government policy. They must help to establish the unity of Russia's legal and economic space.","date":"2000-12-25","title":"President Vladimir Putin chaired an expanded meeting with presidential envoys to the federal districts","location":"The Kremlin, Moscow","link":"http://en.special.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/39897","id":39897}
{"doc_id":"president_ru-en-039904","text":"President Vladimir Putin chaired the 4th meeting of the State Council Presidium\n\nDecember 26, 2000, The Kremlin, Moscow \n\nThe meeting discussed competence delineation between federal, regional and municipal authorities, natural monopoly reforms, and the State Council Presidium agenda for its January meeting.\nOn Mr Putin’s suggestion, the priority of items on the agenda was changed. Natural monopoly reform in basic branches of the economy, including railway transport, the energy and gas industries, was discussed first.\nThe Presidium decided to establish an ad hoc team for the reform of energy industry. Tomsk Governor Viktor Kress was appointed its head.","date":"2000-12-26","title":"President Vladimir Putin chaired the 4th meeting of the State Council Presidium","location":"The Kremlin, Moscow","link":"http://en.special.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/39904","id":39904}
{"doc_id":"president_ru-en-039968","text":"President Vladimir Putin presented state awards to citizens of Dagestan\n\nDecember 29, 2000, The Kremlin, Moscow \n\nPresident Putin presented state awards to citizens of Dagestan for their courage and selflessness displayed during the expulsion of terrorist units from the republic.\nThe President said that the actions of Dagestani residents in the summer of 1999 had prompted the authorities at every level to step up their work. Mr Putin stressed that Dagestani security agencies and civilians had displayed courage while resisting the invasion of international terrorists. He said that the republic’s residents had displayed genuine patriotism and a readiness to work selflessly and effectively. He said the behaviour of the people of Dagestan had helped to end the terrorists’ adventure.\nAddressing over 40 Dagestani representatives, the head of state proposed discussing the latest achievements in the North Caucasus and their republic. Mr Putin said Dagestan had the necessary funding, workforce and other resources to more quickly restore the damaged infrastructure.","date":"2000-12-29","title":"President Vladimir Putin presented state awards to citizens of Dagestan","location":"The Kremlin, Moscow","link":"http://en.special.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/39968","id":39968}
{"doc_id":"president_ru-en-039962","text":"President Vladimir Putin chaired a conference that discussed socioeconomic issues and pension payments\n\nDecember 29, 2000, The Kremlin, Moscow \n\nOn December 28, President Putin visited the city of Vladimir and talked to local school and orphanage teachers, who complained about low wages and said working retirees were paid less. The very next day, the President, who promised to settle this issue, chaired a conference on socioeconomic issues and pension payments in the Kremlin.","date":"2000-12-29","title":"President Vladimir Putin chaired a conference that discussed socioeconomic issues and pension payments","location":"The Kremlin, Moscow","link":"http://en.special.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/39962","id":39962}
{"doc_id":"president_ru-en-039972","text":"President Vladimir Putin took part in a reception dedicated to the New Year's celebration\n\nDecember 30, 2000, The Kremlin, Moscow \n\nDuring the reception at the Grand Kremlin Palace, Mr Putin said that the adoption of the Russian anthem was a landmark event. “We have overcome a conflict between the past and the present, and will enter the new millennium with a new anthem,” the President said. \n“Russia has achieved a great deal this year. We have chosen the right direction. The country’s economy and people’s welfare are growing, the nationhood strengthening. Russia has an open foreign policy, forging new friendships and renewing old ones,” the President said. \nAddressing politicians, members of the Government, scientists and artists, Mr Putin proposed a toast to those who made 2000 a year of stability and solidarity in Russia. \nThe first official performance of the National Anthem closed the President’s speech.","date":"2000-12-30","title":"President Vladimir Putin took part in a reception dedicated to the New Year's celebration","location":"The Kremlin, Moscow","link":"http://en.special.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/39972","id":39972}
{"doc_id":"president_ru-en-040011","text":"President Vladimir Putin met with the first Russian President, Boris Yeltsin\n\nDecember 31, 2000, The Kremlin, Moscow \n\nMr Putin and Mr Yeltsin had a long conversation during which they discussed a number of key events of the outgoing year, including the social and economic achievements of the country’s development.","date":"2000-12-31","title":"President Vladimir Putin met with the first Russian President, Boris Yeltsin","location":"The Kremlin, Moscow","link":"http://en.special.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/40011","id":40011}
{"doc_id":"president_ru-en-040335","text":"President Putin met with the head of the Chechen administration, Akhmad Kadyrov\n\nJanuary 13, 2001, The Kremlin, Moscow \n\nThe President and Mr Kadyrov discussed the abduction in Chechnya of Kenneth Gluck, an American citizen.\nThey also discussed a candidacy for the Prime Minister of the republic.","date":"2001-01-13","title":"President Putin met with the head of the Chechen administration, Akhmad Kadyrov","location":"The Kremlin, Moscow","link":"http://en.special.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/40335","id":40335}
{"doc_id":"president_ru-en-040333","text":"President Putin met with the heads of Russia's leading media\n\nJanuary 13, 2001, The Kremlin, Moscow \n\nAt the President’s suggestion, the discussion focused on the freedom of the press.\nMr Putin underlined that criticism from the press is useful for the Government of any level because it makes the Government rectify its mistakes.\nThe only subject that should not be discussed was spreading illegal and extremist ideas. President Putin stressed that was the only ban the state imposed on the media.","date":"2001-01-13","title":"President Putin met with the heads of Russia's leading media","location":"The Kremlin, Moscow","link":"http://en.special.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/40333","id":40333}
{"doc_id":"president_ru-en-040237","text":"President Vladimir Putin met with Moldovan Prime Minister Dumitru Braghis\n\nJanuary 16, 2001, The Kremlin, Moscow \n\nMr Putin and Mr Braghis discussed the future of the Transdnestr peace settlement and subsequent expanded bilateral cooperation in the sphere of agriculture and food production.\nThe Moldovan Prime Minister informed President Putin about the situation in the republic in the run-up to parliamentary elections and thanked him for helping the people of Moldova deal with the aftermath of natural disasters late last year.","date":"2001-01-16","title":"President Vladimir Putin met with Moldovan Prime Minister Dumitru Braghis","location":"The Kremlin, Moscow","link":"http://en.special.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/40237","id":40237}
{"doc_id":"president_ru-en-040246","text":"President Putin met with Akhmad Kadyrov, the head of the Chechen administration\n\nJanuary 18, 2001, The Kremlin, Moscow \n\nPresident Putin approved an action plan to rebuild Chechnya, including the security, economic and social aspects. The discussion also included the candidacies for the head of the Chechen government, including Stanislav Ilyasov.\nThe President gave instructions to the heads of security agencies to prepare and submit proposals for reducing the military force in Chechnya.\nThe head of state asked the government to accelerate the preparation of a programme for the economic development of Chechnya, taking into account Mr Kadyrov’s proposals.\nMr Putin gave instructions to his Executive Office to make changes to the statute on the temporary executive branch of government in the Chechen Republic dated June 8, 2000.","date":"2001-01-18","title":"President Putin met with Akhmad Kadyrov, the head of the Chechen administration","location":"The Kremlin, Moscow","link":"http://en.special.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/40246","id":40246}
{"doc_id":"president_ru-en-040231","text":"President Putin held a meeting on financing the state debt\n\nJanuary 19, 2001, The Kremlin, Moscow \n\nThe President stressed that Russia had never refused to meet its financial obligations to the creditors. He said there were some problems but those were technical and temporary problems that should be solved within two to three weeks through intensive contacts both with the Russian Parliament and international financial institutions. Mr Putin indicated that the Government must be guided by today’s reality, strictly abide by the law on the budget and meet the social obligations to the people.","date":"2001-01-19","title":"President Putin held a meeting on financing the state debt","location":"The Kremlin, Moscow","link":"http://en.special.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/40231","id":40231}
{"doc_id":"president_ru-en-040319","text":"President Putin met with Prime Minister Wim Kok of the Netherlands\n\nJanuary 19, 2001, The Kremlin, Moscow \n\nMr Putin and Mr Kok discussed current issues connected with bilateral trade, economic and political cooperation, the enlargement of the European Union in the context of Russia’s interests and issues related to pan-European security.\nThe discussion also included preparations for a visit to Russia by Queen Beatrix in June 2001.\nThe Dutch Prime Minister expressed concern about the fate of Kenneth Gluck, head of the mission for the North Caucasus programme for Doctors without Borders, who was recently abducted in Chechnya.","date":"2001-01-19","title":"President Putin met with Prime Minister Wim Kok of the Netherlands","location":"The Kremlin, Moscow","link":"http://en.special.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/40319","id":40319}
{"doc_id":"president_ru-en-040330","text":"Vladimir Putin met with deputies of the Unity parliamentary party\n\nJanuary 22, 2001, The Kremlin, Moscow \n\nThe meeting discussed the party’s legislative initiatives in economic and social spheres, and those related to the country’s national security and the upbuilding of the state. The deputies told the President that the party had proposed an initiative on the prevention of the revision of privatisation results. \nThe President supported many draft laws proposed by the party. Mr Putin approved the idea on closer interaction between the government and the party at the stage of the introduction of draft laws to the State Duma. \nAfter the meeting, the President had a conversation with Boris Gryzlov, who told him about the results of the party’s visit to the United States on January 18–21.","date":"2001-01-22","title":"Vladimir Putin met with deputies of the Unity parliamentary party","location":"The Kremlin, Moscow","link":"http://en.special.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/40330","id":40330}
{"doc_id":"president_ru-en-040326","text":"Vladimir Putin chaired a Government meeting\n\nJanuary 22, 2001, The Kremlin, Moscow \n\nThe President said that he had decided to reduce and partially withdraw the Russian troops from Chechnya. He made Nikolai Patrushev, director of the Federal Security Service, the leader of the counter-terrorist operation. According to the President, there is no need for so many soldiers of the Armed Forces in Chechnya. The counter-terrorist operation in Chechnya will continue, but with the use of other means, the President said, adding that more attention will be paid to certain special operations. \nThe President reminded that Akhmad Kadyrov, head of Chechnya's administration, formed a plan involving the partial withdrawal of the troops. In this connection, Mr Putin instructed the Government to work out certain elements of the plan, which also involved dealing with socio-economic problems.","date":"2001-01-22","title":"Vladimir Putin chaired a Government meeting","location":"The Kremlin, Moscow","link":"http://en.special.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/40326","id":40326}
{"doc_id":"president_ru-en-040258","text":"President Vladimir Putin met with Israeli President Moshe Katsav\n\nJanuary 23, 2001, The Kremlin, Moscow \n\nThe two leaders discussed current issues related to counterterrorism and the Mideast conflict settlement. They also discussed various aspects of the Russian-Israeli relations, including trade and economic cooperation. \nAt the talks President Putin stated that Russia supported the efforts by Israel, its Arab partners and the United States as a co-sponsor in the Middle East peace process, to settle the situation in the region. He also expressed confidence that the Russian diplomatic efforts would help Israel and all parties to the conflict to resolve the complicated problems they have encountered. \nMr Putin particularly noted that many immigrants from the Soviet Union had settled in Israel, and Russia took an interest in their fate.\nThe talks were followed by a joint news conference held by Mr Putin and Mr Katsav.","date":"2001-01-23","title":"President Vladimir Putin met with Israeli President Moshe Katsav","location":"The Kremlin, Moscow","link":"http://en.special.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/40258","id":40258}
{"doc_id":"president_ru-en-040264","text":"President Vladimir Putin met with Russian businessmen\n\nJanuary 24, 2001, The Kremlin, Moscow \n\nThe meeting discussed several legislative motions in the financial and economic sphere, as well as relations between the state and business.\nPresident Putin instructed the Government to submit a legislative package aimed at simplifying the registration of companies, removing excessive administrative and bureaucratic barriers and thus improving the investment climate.","date":"2001-01-24","title":"President Vladimir Putin met with Russian businessmen","location":"The Kremlin, Moscow","link":"http://en.special.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/40264","id":40264}
{"doc_id":"president_ru-en-040338","text":"President Vladimir Putin met with Finnish Prime Minister Paavo Lipponen\n\nJanuary 24, 2001, The Kremlin, Moscow \n\nThe Russian President and the Finnish Prime Minister discussed important aspects of bilateral trade and economic cooperation in line with the Nordic Dimension programme. The sides discussed security issues, the upcoming expansion of the European Union and NATO, as well as problems in Russia’s relations with the Baltic countries. \nMr Putin said Finland was Russia’s close and traditional partner and expressed certainty that both countries had no unresolved issues.\nThe Russian head of state accepted an invitation to pay an official visit to Finland in September 2001.","date":"2001-01-24","title":"President Vladimir Putin met with Finnish Prime Minister Paavo Lipponen","location":"The Kremlin, Moscow","link":"http://en.special.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/40338","id":40338}
{"doc_id":"president_ru-en-040283","text":"Vladimir Putin chaired a meeting of the Security Council on state policy in space research\n\nJanuary 25, 2001, The Kremlin, Moscow \n\nThe President called for enhancing the role of space research in ensuring national security and underlined the importance of a wider use of space research in the high-tech sector.\nAnatoly Kvashnin, Chief of the General Staff of the Russian Armed Forces, and Yury Koptev, director general of Rosaviakosmos, delivered speeches at the meeting. \nThe Security Council approved the state’s space research programme for the period until 2010 and endorsed the list of dual-purpose space complexes that could be used in civilian space research. The Security Council took the decision on the launching of the Ekran communication satellite in late March to provide stable communications for 20 million residents of the Russian Far East.","date":"2001-01-25","title":"Vladimir Putin chaired a meeting of the Security Council on state policy in space research","location":"The Kremlin, Moscow","link":"http://en.special.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/40283","id":40283}
{"doc_id":"president_ru-en-040286","text":"President Vladimir Putin and Interior Minister Vladimir Rushailo discussed the situation in Chechnya\n\nJanuary 26, 2001, The Kremlin, Moscow \n\nMr Rushailo gave the President general information about regional developments, and described the efforts of the law enforcement agencies to prevent and combat crime. In particular, he mentioned recent detentions of several foreigners who had been plotting terrorist attacks on Gudermes and Shali.\nThe minister was alarmed by rebel attacks on Chechen republican and municipal officers, which were lately gaining momentum. He said terror had been unleashed against them. Mr Putin told Mr Rushailo to pay special attention to the problem.","date":"2001-01-26","title":"President Vladimir Putin and Interior Minister Vladimir Rushailo discussed the situation in Chechnya","location":"The Kremlin, Moscow","link":"http://en.special.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/40286","id":40286}
{"doc_id":"president_ru-en-040345","text":"President Vladimir Putin met with Vladimir Kalamanov, Presidential Envoy for Human rights and Freedoms in Chechnya, and Ella Pamfilova, member of the Public Commission on Human Rights in Chechnya\n\nJanuary 29, 2001, The Kremlin, Moscow \n\nMr Kalamanov reported on implementing the President’s instructions to improve observance of human rights and freedoms in Chechnya.\nMr Putin asked how many complaints of human rights violations had come from citizens and how law enforcement bodies were responding to such complaints.\nHe called to continue the efforts for the protection of human rights.","date":"2001-01-29","title":"President Vladimir Putin met with Vladimir Kalamanov, Presidential Envoy for Human rights and Freedoms in Chechnya, and Ella Pamfilova, member of the Public Commission on Human Rights in Chechnya","location":"The Kremlin, Moscow","link":"http://en.special.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/40345","id":40345}
{"doc_id":"president_ru-en-040292","text":"President Vladimir Putin met with spokesmen of the NTV television company\n\nJanuary 29, 2001, The Kremlin, Moscow \n\nThey discussed the situation around financial and crediting problems of the Media-Most holding, the largest NTV shareholder.\nMr Putin said the NTV should retain its integrity and non-government status irrespective of who would hold its controlling stake. He referred to the channel as one of Russia’s most professional media outlets.\nNTV spokesmen called Mr Putin’s attention to prosecution officers pressuring the company and alleged a political undercurrent of the pressure. In response, Mr Putin said he did not think he could interfere in Media-Most financial settlements, while stressing that debts must be paid.\nMr Putin said that the Prosecutor General’s Office was duty-bound to comply with the law and moral values, and that any moves and accusations could be contested judicially.\nMr Putin said that frequent NTV criticism of the authorities was not only normal but also useful.","date":"2001-01-29","title":"President Vladimir Putin met with spokesmen of the NTV television company","location":"The Kremlin, Moscow","link":"http://en.special.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/40292","id":40292}
{"doc_id":"president_ru-en-040276","text":"President Vladimir Putin chaired the fifth session of the State Council presidium\n\nJanuary 30, 2001, The Kremlin, Moscow \n\nLand reform was the key issue discussed at the session. It was decided to introduce a special description of land regulations for Moscow and St Petersburg, areas with a special natural environment, and border territories.\nFurther on, the meeting decided that it was advisable to separately review the Land Code and the entire set of legislative acts regulating farmlands.\nIt was also decided that the land reform, primarily the Land Code, should be further discussed by the working group and the Government. The coordinated document would be further considered by the State Duma, the Government and the State Council at their meetings. The final decision should be made once the Land Code is submitted by the President to the State Duma for consideration.","date":"2001-01-30","title":"President Vladimir Putin chaired the fifth session of the State Council presidium","location":"The Kremlin, Moscow","link":"http://en.special.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/40276","id":40276}
{"doc_id":"president_ru-en-040320","text":"President Vladimir Putin met with new Federation Council members\n\nJanuary 31, 2001, The Kremlin, Moscow \n\nPresident Putin expressed hope that legislative work would not be disrupted during the transfer of powers from the old line-up of the Federation Council to its new members.\nThe head of state said he wished members of Parliament would hold a constructive dialogue with their colleagues in the Government and the State Duma, because the results of the work of the upper house of Parliament and the process of passing highly important legislation, including the Labour and Land Codes, directly depended on this.\nThe President said there was every reason to believe that the Federation Council would be completely overhauled this year. Regional leaders found it hard to run their territories and make laws at the same time. The President stressed that the Federation Council reform was aimed at ensuring the separation of powers and improving the performance of Governors and members of Parliament.\nMr Putin said the new regulations for forming the upper house of Parliament fully complied with the Russian Constitution.","date":"2001-01-31","title":"President Vladimir Putin met with new Federation Council members","location":"The Kremlin, Moscow","link":"http://en.special.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/40320","id":40320}
{"doc_id":"president_ru-en-040314","text":"President Vladimir Putin met with Prime Minister Mikhail Kasyanov\n\nJanuary 31, 2001, The Kremlin, Moscow \n\nPrime Minister Kasyanov informed President Putin about the results of the latest meeting of the Council of Ministers (Government) of the Union State of Russia and Belarus. Agreements on harmonising customs legislation and establishing a joint customs system were signed at the meeting, which also approved a preliminary version of the 2001 draft Union State budget.","date":"2001-01-31","title":"President Vladimir Putin met with Prime Minister Mikhail Kasyanov","location":"The Kremlin, Moscow","link":"http://en.special.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/40314","id":40314}
{"doc_id":"president_ru-en-040876","text":"President Vladimir Putin met the senior personnel of the Ministry of Internal\n\nFebruary 2, 2001, The Kremlin, Moscow \n\nAddressing the meeting, Mr Putin emphasised that the Ministry’s primary tasks today would be stepping up the fight against organised crime and drug trafficking and protecting the rights of property owners.","date":"2001-02-02","title":"President Vladimir Putin met the senior personnel of the Ministry of Internal","location":"The Kremlin, Moscow","link":"http://en.special.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/40876","id":40876}
{"doc_id":"president_ru-en-040841","text":"President Vladimir Putin met with government officials and members of the Kremlin Executive Office\n\nFebruary 5, 2001, The Kremlin, Moscow \n\nThe meeting focused on current issues in the energy sector. In his opening remarks the President talked about a series of personnel decisions made to improve the critical situation with heat and energy supplies to Primorye and several other regions. Energy Minister Alexander Gavrin had filed his resignation, and Primorye Governor Yevgeny Nazdratenko had talked to Mr Putin of his decision to step down.\nCommenting on the role of RAO UES of Russia, the President told the meeting that RAO management was largely to blame for the crisis, because the company had failed to store enough energy and even aggravated the situation by rolling blackouts.\nThe President emphasized the need for systemic changes in the Energy Ministry’s and RAO UES’s work.\nMr. Putin also thanked the Russian secret services, especially the Federal Security Service, for liberating U.S. citizen Kenneth Gluck, a Doctors Without Borders official, who had been kidnapped on January 9 in the Chechen village of Starye Atagi.","date":"2001-02-05","title":"President Vladimir Putin met with government officials and members of the Kremlin Executive Office","location":"The Kremlin, Moscow","link":"http://en.special.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/40841","id":40841}
{"doc_id":"president_ru-en-040828","text":"President Vladimir Putin met with Transport Minister Sergei Frank\n\nFebruary 6, 2001, The Kremlin, Moscow \n\nVladimir Putin and Sergei Frank discussed possible commercial flights via the North Pole, which would help shorten air routes and create a new transport corridor for the international community.\nSergei Frank told the President that several foreign companies had stated their intention to perform such flights.\nThe Transport Minister also said the federal target programme for overhauling the national transport network for 2002–2010 had been prolonged. The programme aims to overcome the technological lag in some spheres and to reduce transport costs for the economy and private individuals.\nSergei Frank spoke about the fulfillment of President Putin’s orders to improve transport services for the Kaliningrad Region. He aid it had been decided to establish a ferry route operating independently of adjacent countries’ transport networks.","date":"2001-02-06","title":"President Vladimir Putin met with Transport Minister Sergei Frank","location":"The Kremlin, Moscow","link":"http://en.special.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/40828","id":40828}
{"doc_id":"president_ru-en-040843","text":"President Vladimir Putin chaired a pension reform conference\n\nFebruary 7, 2001, The Kremlin, Moscow \n\nThe President stressed at the conference that the current system had become ineffective and had to be overhauled. The Russian leader said the new pension system had to meet the following requirements. \nFirst, the state must guarantee minimum pension amounts, regardless of wage levels and work records, while the other part must depend on individuals’ earnings.\nSecond, pensions must be calculated based on an employee’s entire career, rather than just the last two years before retirement.\nThird, pensions must be based on all wages earned, rather than just on part of them.\nFourth, the new pension system must preserve all the rights of retirees as stipulated by the law and the rights of individuals who are still working.","date":"2001-02-07","title":"President Vladimir Putin chaired a pension reform conference","location":"The Kremlin, Moscow","link":"http://en.special.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/40843","id":40843}
{"doc_id":"president_ru-en-040861","text":"President Vladimir Putin met with Joschka Fischer, Germany's Foreign Minister\n\nFebruary 13, 2001, The Kremlin, Moscow \n\nThe main subject of President Putin’s negotiations with Mr Fischer was preparations for the Russian-German summit to be held on April 9–10 in St Petersburg.\nThey discussed topical international issues, in particular ways to preserve and maintain strategic stability in the world and prospects for the prolongation of the ABM Treaty. Vladimir Putin emphasised that Russia would continue to take a constructive approach to talks on the START and ABM arms control treaties and conduct an active dialogue with the new US Administration.\nVladimir Putin and Joschka Fischer also discussed the Mid-East settlement, freedom of the press and the situation in the Chechen Republic.","date":"2001-02-13","title":"President Vladimir Putin met with Joschka Fischer, Germany's Foreign Minister","location":"The Kremlin, Moscow","link":"http://en.special.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/40861","id":40861}
{"doc_id":"president_ru-en-040866","text":"Vladimir Putin took part in an all-Russian conference of heads of tax and federal tax police agencies\n\nFebruary 13, 2001, The Kremlin, Moscow \n\nAddressing the conference, the President stressed that the country’s tax policy should be based primarily on the principles of stability and predictability. \nAnother key principle is a consistent and well-calculated reduction of the tax burden. In connection with the above statement, the President spoke about the introduction of a flat income tax rate and a unified social tax. He stressed that a 13% income tax rate was “a serious measure to last for years to come.” The third principle is the simplification and rationalisation of the tax system.","date":"2001-02-13","title":"Vladimir Putin took part in an all-Russian conference of heads of tax and federal tax police agencies","location":"The Kremlin, Moscow","link":"http://en.special.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/40866","id":40866}
{"doc_id":"president_ru-en-040917","text":"President Vladimir Putin chaired a meeting of the State Council Presidium\n\nFebruary 20, 2001, The Kremlin, Moscow \n\nIn the course of the meeting, speakers discussed problems of and prospects for local government reform. The President said that the financial and economic base of local government needed reinforcement and instructed that a package of decrees and laws regulating the reform should be drafted by June.\nPossible ways of rechannelling tax receipts to local government budgets were discussed. \nMr Putin emphasised the need to create an effective and transparent system of supervising the work of local governments and to properly organise elections to local bodies of authority.","date":"2001-02-20","title":"President Vladimir Putin chaired a meeting of the State Council Presidium","location":"The Kremlin, Moscow","link":"http://en.special.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/40917","id":40917}
{"doc_id":"president_ru-en-040915","text":"President Vladimir Putin held negotiations with NATO Secretary-General George Robertson\n\nFebruary 20, 2001, The Kremlin, Moscow \n\nAt their negotiations in the Kremlin, Mr Putin and Mr Robertson discussed prospects for global strategic stability in case the United States implemented its plans to deploy a national missile defence system. \nThe President also outlined Russia’s proposals on the establishment of a European missile defence system. The President said Russia was ready to send its experts to Brussels as soon as possible to explain its proposals to European public opinion. \nThe head of state said that European Union countries could take part in the work of the Russian-American rocket launches information exchange centre. \nIn the course of the negotiations, Mr Putin and Mr Robertson examined possible consequences of NATO’s enlargement, the situation in the Balkans and discussed the after-effects of the air bombardment of Iraq by U.S. and United Kingdom air forces.","date":"2001-02-20","title":"President Vladimir Putin held negotiations with NATO Secretary-General George Robertson","location":"The Kremlin, Moscow","link":"http://en.special.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/40915","id":40915}
{"doc_id":"president_ru-en-040921","text":"President Vladimir Putin held a meeting with Zhang Wannian, Vice-Chairman of the Central Military Commission of China\n\nFebruary 21, 2001, The Kremlin, Moscow \n\nMr Putin and Mr. Zhang met in the Kremlin to discuss military technology cooperation. \nThe President said he would have two meetings with the Chinese President in Shanghai this year – the first as part of the Shanghai Five, and the second at an Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum. Mr Putin said he was also planning a third meeting in July, during Jiang Zemin’s visit to Russia.","date":"2001-02-21","title":"President Vladimir Putin held a meeting with Zhang Wannian, Vice-Chairman of the Central Military Commission of China","location":"The Kremlin, Moscow","link":"http://en.special.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/40921","id":40921}
{"doc_id":"president_ru-en-040933","text":"President Vladimir Putin attended an official function in connection with Fatherland Defender's Day\n\nFebruary 23, 2001, The Kremlin, Moscow \n\nPresident Putin congratulated those present on Fatherland Defender’s Day and specially thanked active military personnel.","date":"2001-02-23","title":"President Vladimir Putin attended an official function in connection with Fatherland Defender's Day","location":"The Kremlin, Moscow","link":"http://en.special.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/40933","id":40933}
{"doc_id":"president_ru-en-040741","text":"President Vladimir Putin held a Cabinet meeting\n\nMarch 5, 2001, The Kremlin, Moscow \n\nThe head of state urged the international community to take effective measures to solve the Kosovo crisis. The President likened the current situation in the region to that in Chechnya after 1996. In Kosovo there is a growing extremist threat which is spilling across the border of the territory, Mr Putin stressed.\nThe President indicated that after the Yugoslav army withdrawal, and despite the international military presence, a power vacuum has appeared and is quickly being filled by extremists. The Russian head of state said that KFOR troops could not counter extremists effectively, which has been confirmed by reliable facts. There have been reports almost every day from Kosovo itself and the buffer zone on the border between the territory and southern Serbia of roadside bombs, shootings, attacks on convoys, including convoys escorted by KFOR troops, abductions and killings committed by separatists.\nMr Putin informed the Cabinet about his telephone conversation with President Boris Trajkovski of Macedonia. During their conversation the two leaders discussed the difficult situation in the Balkans and the prospects for its peaceful resolution.","date":"2001-03-05","title":"President Vladimir Putin held a Cabinet meeting","location":"The Kremlin, Moscow","link":"http://en.special.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/40741","id":40741}
{"doc_id":"president_ru-en-040740","text":"President Vladimir Putin held an online news conference\n\nMarch 6, 2001, The Kremlin, Moscow \n\nMr Putin replied to questions from Russian and foreign Internet users online for the first time. In all, he received 20,000 questions, but was only able to answer 20 most interesting questions, from the point of view of the project’s organisers, during his 60-minute interview.\nThe online conference was broadcast from a specialised studio in the Kremlin. Hosts representing Strana.ru and Gazeta.ru online publications and BBC World Service chose the subjects. Moreover, Mr Putin selected questions appearing on his computer screen. The questions focused on Russian domestic policy, freedom of speech, the future of economic reforms and the development of democracy, the missile defence system, as well as relations with the United States and the European Union. President Putin was also asked about his family, sports activities, favourite cultural activities and his attitude towards the Internet.","date":"2001-03-06","title":"President Vladimir Putin held an online news conference","location":"The Kremlin, Moscow","link":"http://en.special.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/40740","id":40740}
{"doc_id":"president_ru-en-040717","text":"President Vladimir Putin chaired a conference on improving judicial legislation\n\nMarch 11, 2001, The Kremlin, Moscow \n\nFurther improvement of the judicial system should be aimed at creating a stable society and state. The peoples’ confidence in the judicial system will make it possible to meet those goals, Mr Putin said. \nThe head of state pointed to the deplorable financial situation of the judiciary, which was unacceptable, and suggested increasing the judges’ salaries. \nBesides financial issues, the participants in the conference discussed the role of the Prosecutor’s Office in the judiciary, in particular its role in defending human rights, and the task of increasing public trust in courts.","date":"2001-03-11","title":"President Vladimir Putin chaired a conference on improving judicial legislation","location":"The Kremlin, Moscow","link":"http://en.special.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/40717","id":40717}
{"doc_id":"president_ru-en-040766","text":"President Vladimir Putin met Iranian President Mohammad Khatami\n\nMarch 12, 2001, The Kremlin, Moscow \n\nThe two leaders had a one-to-one meeting before moving on to talks with their delegations. The agenda embraced various aspects of Russian-Iranian cooperation, including trade, politics, military technology, science, culture and education. Specifically, financing of joint projects in industries such as aircraft building, power engineering, and oil and gas was discussed. The sides also exchanged views on topical international and regional issues.\nThe Presidents signed a joint statement on the legal status of the Caspian Sea and a treaty on principles guiding relations between Russia and Iran. They also released a Russian-Iranian communique.\nMr Putin and Mr Khatami summed up the talks at a joint press conference and took questions from reporters.","date":"2001-03-12","title":"President Vladimir Putin met Iranian President Mohammad Khatami","location":"The Kremlin, Moscow","link":"http://en.special.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/40766","id":40766}
{"doc_id":"president_ru-en-040691","text":"President Vladimir Putin chaired a meeting with representatives of agencies involved in resolving the hostage crisis aboard a Tu-154 aircraft\n\nMarch 16, 2001, The Kremlin, Moscow \n\nThe President expressed his condolences to the friends and relatives of flight attendant Yulia Fomina and a citizen of Turkey, who were shot dead during the rescue operation aboard the plane.\nThe head of state pointed to the heroism of all members of the aircraft crew.\nAccording to Mr Putin, the tragedy was a reminder to Russia and the world of those whom the Russian Army was fighting in its counter-terrorist operation in the North Caucasus. \nThe leaders of militant groups had come to the conclusion that they could not openly resist the Russian Army and special services. They had moved outside Russian territory and were trying to carry out their hostile activities from abroad, the President said. \nMr Putin instructed the Foreign Ministry and the Interior Ministry to offer their Turkish colleagues an acceptable and effective plan for cooperation in fighting terrorism. He also asked the heads of special services to focus on obtaining predictive information on the activities of militant leaders, no matter where they may be. \nThe President expressed hope that the hijacking of the plane and the subsequent rescue operation would promote cooperation in fighting international terrorism.\nThe participants in the meeting were: Deputy Director of the Federal Security Service Vladimir Pronichev, who was in charge of the hostage rescue operation, Chief of Staff of the Presidential Executive Office Alexander Voloshin, Security Council Secretary Sergei Ivanov, Foreign Minister Igor Ivanov, Director of the Foreign Intelligence Service Sergei Lebedev, Director of the Federal Security Service Nikolai Patrushev, First Deputy Transport Minister Alexander Neradko, Presidential Aide Sergei Yastrzhembsky.","date":"2001-03-16","title":"President Vladimir Putin chaired a meeting with representatives of agencies involved in resolving the hostage crisis aboard a Tu-154 aircraft","location":"The Kremlin, Moscow","link":"http://en.special.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/40691","id":40691}
{"doc_id":"president_ru-en-040653","text":"President Vladimir Putin chaired a Cabinet meeting\n\nMarch 19, 2001, The Kremlin, Moscow \n\nThe President expressed his concern about the situation on the border of Kosovo and Macedonia. At present, the situation in the Balkans is developing along the lines of the worst-case scenario, as the Russian side predicted, and nobody knows how to cope with the armed Albanian separatists, Mr Putin said.\nOn the instructions of the President, Foreign Minister Igor Ivanov flew to the Balkans to discuss the situation with the parties concerned.","date":"2001-03-19","title":"President Vladimir Putin chaired a Cabinet meeting","location":"The Kremlin, Moscow","link":"http://en.special.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/40653","id":40653}
{"doc_id":"president_ru-en-040657","text":"President Vladimir Putin chaired a meeting of the military-technical co-operation commission\n\nMarch 21, 2001, The Kremlin, Moscow \n\nThe commission summarised foreign economic activities in military-technical co-operation for 2000 and discussed short-term goals.\nMr Putin ordered the Government to draft and submit proposals for further improvement of collaboration with foreign partners in military-technical co-operation.\nThe meeting was attended by Prime Minister Mikhail Kasyanov, Presidential Executive Office head Alexander Voloshin, Presidential Executive Office deputy head Sergei Prikhodko, Deputy Prime Minister Ilya Klebanov, Defence Minister Igor Sergeyev, Federal Security Service Director Nikolai Patrushev, and Russian defence industry managers.","date":"2001-03-21","title":"President Vladimir Putin chaired a meeting of the military-technical co-operation commission","location":"The Kremlin, Moscow","link":"http://en.special.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/40657","id":40657}
{"doc_id":"president_ru-en-040722","text":"The State Council presidium held a meeting on restructuring the defence sector\n\nMarch 22, 2001, The Kremlin, Moscow \n\nPresident Vladimir Putin said the defence industry was crucial for the country’s economic development. Mr Putin stressed that the defence sector had recently suffered significant losses, and that its production had fallen by 66.7% since 1992.\nThe President said lobbying for individual interests during the restructuring of the sector had to be ruled out. However, regional and branch interests should be given due consideration, Mr Putin said.\nThe state should support the integration of scientific complexes that have huge capabilities. Unless Russia adopted that policy, it would be lagging behind the world, the President stressed. \nDeputy Prime Minister Ilya Klebanov and Deputy Secretary of the Security Council Alexander Moskovsky made their reports on the reform of the defence sector. \nFollowing the discussion, its participants agreed to set up a working group that would develop the project in accordance with the national policy up to 2010.","date":"2001-03-22","title":"The State Council presidium held a meeting on restructuring the defence sector","location":"The Kremlin, Moscow","link":"http://en.special.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/40722","id":40722}
{"doc_id":"president_ru-en-040673","text":"President Vladimir Putin met with Slovenian Prime Minister Janez Drnovsek\n\nMarch 24, 2001, The Kremlin, Moscow \n\nMr Putin and Mr Drnovsek focused on the fight against terrorism.\nThe President said that the tragic developments in the North Caucasus were yet another plot carried out by international terrorists against Russia and its citizens. The head of state said that the tragic events in the former Soviet Union and Eastern Europe had affected many people in that region. The international community is aware of the gravity of the situation, and eventually a way out will be found, Mr Putin said.\nThe two leaders also discussed the situation in the Balkans and various aspects of Russian-Slovenian relations.","date":"2001-03-24","title":"President Vladimir Putin met with Slovenian Prime Minister Janez Drnovsek","location":"The Kremlin, Moscow","link":"http://en.special.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/40673","id":40673}
{"doc_id":"president_ru-en-040682","text":"President Vladimir Putin chaired a meeting with Government members and heads of security agencies\n\nMarch 24, 2001, The Kremlin, Moscow \n\nDirector of the Federal Security Service Nikolai Patrushev and Minister of Internal Affairs Vladimir Rushailo reported on the terrorist attacks in Yessentuki, Minvody and Karachayevo-Circassia, as well as on measures that had been taken to find those responsible. \nMr Putin instructed Mr Patrushev, Healthcare Minister Yury Shevchenko and Finance Ministry officials to go to the Stavropol Region to investigate the tragedy and provide help to the victims.\nThe President expressed his condolences to the relatives of the people killed in the terrorist attacks in the North Caucasus. \nThe message said, in part: \n“And again blood was shed, again civilians fell victim to cruel terrorist attacks. We will make every effort to quickly find those who are behind these murders.”","date":"2001-03-24","title":"President Vladimir Putin chaired a meeting with Government members and heads of security agencies","location":"The Kremlin, Moscow","link":"http://en.special.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/40682","id":40682}
{"doc_id":"president_ru-en-040710","text":"President Vladimir Putin met with members of the Government and Presidential Executive Office heads\n\nMarch 26, 2001, The Kremlin, Moscow \n\nFederal Security Service Director Nikolai Patrushev and Interior Minister Vladimir Rushailo reported on urgent law enforcement action following terrorist attacks in the Northern Caucasus. \nMr Putin told the meeting about his trip to Stockholm, and summarized his meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Yoshiro Mori in Irkutsk.","date":"2001-03-26","title":"President Vladimir Putin met with members of the Government and Presidential Executive Office heads","location":"The Kremlin, Moscow","link":"http://en.special.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/40710","id":40710}
{"doc_id":"president_ru-en-040764","text":"President Vladimir Putin reshuffled his cabinet and appointed new officials to the Government and security agencies\n\nMarch 28, 2001, The Kremlin, Moscow \n\nThe Russian leader signed a decree relieving Marshal Igor Sergeyev of his duties as Defence Minister and appointed him Presidential Aide. Mr Putin awarded Mr Sergeyev with the Order for Service to the Fatherland, Second Degree, for his outstanding services to the state and substantial contribution to the national defence effort.\nFormer Security Council Secretary Sergei Ivanov was appointed Defence Minister.\nAnother presidential decree relieved Vladimir Rushailo of his duties as Interior Minister and appointed him Security Council Secretary. Vyacheslav Soltaganov, former Director of the Federal Tax Police Service, was appointed Deputy Security Council Secretary.\nBoris Gryzlov and Vladimir Vasilyev were appointed Interior Minister and Deputy Interior Minister, respectively.\nPresident Putin also reshuffled top Defence Ministry officials. Colonel General Alexei Moskovsky was appointed Deputy Defence Minister and Director of the Armed Forces’ Arms Procurement Department. Colonel General Igor Puzanov was appointed State Secretary and Deputy Defence Minister. Lyubov Kudelina was appointed Deputy Defence Minister for Financial and Economic Issues and Director of the Main Financial and Economic Department. Anatoly Perminov was appointed Commander of the Russian Space Force, and Nikolai Kormiltsev was appointed Commander-in-Chief of the Army.\nThe Russian leader also signed decrees filling top positions at the Federal Tax Police Service and the Nuclear Energy Ministry. Mikhail Fradkov and Sergei Veryovkin-Rakhalsky were appointed Director and Deputy Director, respectively, of the Federal Tax Police Service. Yevgeny Adamov was relieved of his duties as Nuclear Energy Minister, and Alexander Rumyantsev was appointed in his place.\nPresident Putin said the goal of the latest security-agency personnel reshuffle was aimed at demilitarising Russian public life. Vladimir Putin noted that civilian professionals had now been appointed to key positions.\nPresident Putin said that the personnel reshuffle was a logical conclusion to the military restructuring, and that the latest appointments were connected with changes in the North Caucasian and Chechen situation.","date":"2001-03-28","title":"President Vladimir Putin reshuffled his cabinet and appointed new officials to the Government and security agencies","location":"The Kremlin, Moscow","link":"http://en.special.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/40764","id":40764}
{"doc_id":"president_ru-en-040781","text":"President Vladimir Putin chaired a Security Council meeting on restoring the Chechen economy\n\nMarch 29, 2001, The Kremlin, Moscow \n\nThe objective of the counter-terrorist operation in Chechnya is to bring peace and security to the Chechen people. Positive results had been reached, however there is no end in sight, the President said in his opening remarks.\nThe head of state stressed that restoration works could start only after industrial and social facilities were provided with complete safety.\nThe President said the federal and regional authorities should coordinate their work in Chechnya. He said that shortly before he had a meeting with his Envoy to the Southern Federal District Viktor Kazantsev and the Chechen leaders, Akhmat Kadyrov and Stanislav Ilyasov.\nStrict control over the federal funds allocated for restoring the Chechen economy was very important, Mr Putin said. Apart from the federal target programme, other financial sources should be used. Many Russian regions were ready to provide help to the Chechen people, but they were unable to do so because of the lack of coordination in this field. \nThe funds of the Chechen diaspora should also be attracted, at least for restoring housing facilities. A clear-cut and efficient programme should be developed to guarantee the money be used for the benefit of the people. \nMr Putin stressed the problem of forced migrants and their returning to Chechnya. He said they should be provided with accommodation, on a voluntary basis. \nThe President said that the counter-terrorist operation and restoration of the Chechen economy should be closely connected, and the country’s leadership should address these problems as measures that compliment each other. \nIn his address, the head of state spoke of the necessity to defend the oil sector of the Chechen Republic. \nFollowing the meeting, the Security Council agreed to build the power structure in Chechnya according to the principles applied to all Russian regions, and to divide property into the federal, regional and municipal categories.","date":"2001-03-29","title":"President Vladimir Putin chaired a Security Council meeting on restoring the Chechen economy","location":"The Kremlin, Moscow","link":"http://en.special.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/40781","id":40781}
{"doc_id":"president_ru-en-040778","text":"President Vladimir Putin met with Italian Prime Minister Giuliano Amato\n\nMarch 29, 2001, The Kremlin, Moscow \n\nMr Putin and Mr Amato discussed preparations for the upcoming G8 summit scheduled for July in Genoa, and exchanged their opinions on different aspects of bilateral cooperation, problems of strategic stability, fighting terrorism and current international issues. \nAs far as the situation in the Balkans was concerned, they agreed that the crisis there was a threat to the whole of Europe.","date":"2001-03-29","title":"President Vladimir Putin met with Italian Prime Minister Giuliano Amato","location":"The Kremlin, Moscow","link":"http://en.special.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/40778","id":40778}
{"doc_id":"president_ru-en-040770","text":"President Vladimir Putin held a meeting with Presidential Envoy to the Southern Federal District Viktor Kazantsev and the leadership of the Chechen Administration\n\nMarch 29, 2001, The Kremlin, Moscow \n\nPresident Vladimir Putin, Presidential Envoy to the Southern Federal District Viktor Kazantsev, head of the Chechen Administration Akhmat Kadyrov and Chechen Prime Minister Stanislav Ilyasov discussed social, economic and political conditions in the republic. \nLater, in his one to one meeting with the President, Mr Kazatsev reported on the situation in the Southern Federal District.","date":"2001-03-29","title":"President Vladimir Putin held a meeting with Presidential Envoy to the Southern Federal District Viktor Kazantsev and the leadership of the Chechen Administration","location":"The Kremlin, Moscow","link":"http://en.special.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/40770","id":40770}
{"doc_id":"president_ru-en-040772","text":"President Vladimir Putin met with World Trade Organisation Director-General Mike Moore\n\nMarch 30, 2001, The Kremlin, Moscow \n\nThe Russian economy should be integrated into the international economic space, and this process should have no negative consequences for Russian producers, the President said during his conversation with the WTO Director-General.\nRussia is not asking for any special privileges; rather, it wants its foreign partners to treat it the same as any other country when discussing the country’s entry to the WTO. \nMr Putin said that the restructuring of the Russian economy had not yet been completed, and some industries still remained uncompetitive. However, the country was witnessing a number of positive tendencies and hoped that its foreign partners would understand the problems it faced, the President said. \nIn his turn, Mr Moore said that the WTO could not be a truly global organisation without Russia.","date":"2001-03-30","title":"President Vladimir Putin met with World Trade Organisation Director-General Mike Moore","location":"The Kremlin, Moscow","link":"http://en.special.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/40772","id":40772}
{"doc_id":"president_ru-en-040785","text":"President Vladimir Putin held talks with his Lithuanian counterpart, Valdas Adamkus\n\nMarch 30, 2001, The Kremlin, Moscow \n\nThe presidents touched upon a wide range of issues related to Russian-Lithuanian cooperation, primarily in the economy. They focused on the problem of the Kaliningrad Region following the European Union’s eastward expansion. In addition, the two leaders considered the issue of transport tariffs and instructed their governments to solve this problem. \nFollowing the talks, the two countries’ leaders adopted a joint statement. They expressed a desire to promote bilateral relations and agreed to recognize the right of every country to choose its own means for ensuring its security, as well as its obligation to do so without encroaching on other countries’ security. \nMr Putin and Mr Adamkus also made a statement to the press and answered journalists’ questions.","date":"2001-03-30","title":"President Vladimir Putin held talks with his Lithuanian counterpart, Valdas Adamkus","location":"The Kremlin, Moscow","link":"http://en.special.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/40785","id":40785}
{"doc_id":"president_ru-en-041005","text":"The Supreme State Council of the Union State of Russia and Belarus held its meeting\n\nApril 2, 2001, The Kremlin, Moscow \n\nExpanded talks involving Russian and Belarusian delegations were held after a conversation between Presidents Vladimir Putin and Alexander Lukashenko. The sides discussed the future development of the Union, long-term cooperation issues and summed up the results of the first five years of the Russian-Belarusian Union.\nAfter the meeting of the Supreme State Council, Vladimir Putin and Alexander Lukashenko signed an address to the peoples of both countries in connection with the Day of Russian-Belarusian Unity.\nSupreme State Council resolutions were signed on the Treaty on the Establishment of the Union State; the action programme for its implementation in 2000 and tasks for the 2001 period; the budget of the Union State for 2001; the plan for the Supreme State Council’s work in 2001; on the Supreme State Council’s address “On the Situation in the Union State and Its Development” to members of the Russian and Belarusian Parliaments.\nThe Deputy Prime Ministers of Russia and Belarus signed an agreement on establishing the bilateral financial-industrial group Aerospace Equipment in the presence of Presidents Putin and Lukashenko.\nThat same day, President Putin presented the Order “For Services to the Fatherland”, 2nd Class, to Alexander Lukashenko. He said the Union State had passed several stages in its development and expressed hope that the Union would develop still further.","date":"2001-04-02","title":"The Supreme State Council of the Union State of Russia and Belarus held its meeting","location":"The Kremlin, Moscow","link":"http://en.special.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/41005","id":41005}
{"doc_id":"president_ru-en-041034","text":"President Vladimir Putin presented the Address to the Federal Assembly\n\nApril 3, 2001, The Kremlin, Moscow \n\nBefore reading the address, the President asked all those invited to the Kremlin’s Marble Hall to observe a minute of silence for those who were killed fighting terrorism in the North Caucasus.","date":"2001-04-03","title":"President Vladimir Putin presented the Address to the Federal Assembly","location":"The Kremlin, Moscow","link":"http://en.special.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/41034","id":41034}
{"doc_id":"president_ru-en-041036","text":"President Vladimir Putin held talks with Algerian President Abdelaziz Bouteflika\n\nApril 4, 2001, The Kremlin, Moscow \n\nMr Putin and Mr Bouteflika focused on economic and military-technical cooperation.\nPresidents Putin and Bouteflika discussed the situation in the Middle East, the Mediterranean and North Africa, as well as other international issues. They highlighted the similarity of their opinions on the construction of a multi-polar world. Abdelaziz Bouteflika said Russia was playing an important part in the Middle East peace settlement.\nMr Putin and Mr Bouteflika also focused on joint efforts to combat terrorism and organised crime.\nAfter the talks, Vladimir Putin and Abdelaziz Bouteflika signed a declaration on strategic partnership between the Russian Federation and the Algerian People’s Democratic Republic.\nRussian and Algerian Foreign Ministers signed an inter-governmental cooperation agreement in the spheres of culture, science, education, sports, tourism and archives in the presence of both Presidents.\nAfter the signing ceremony, Abdelaziz Bouteflika invited Vladimir Putin to visit Algeria and expressed the hope that his visit would help promote bilateral relations.\nAfter the talks, the Presidents of Russia and Algeria replied to journalists’ questions.","date":"2001-04-04","title":"President Vladimir Putin held talks with Algerian President Abdelaziz Bouteflika","location":"The Kremlin, Moscow","link":"http://en.special.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/41036","id":41036}
{"doc_id":"president_ru-en-041010","text":"President Putin met with Vladimir Rushailo, Secretary of the Security Council\n\nApril 6, 2001, The Kremlin, Moscow \n\nMr Rushailo reported on the work conducted following a March 29 meeting of the Security Council dedicated to the reconstruction of the Chechen economy and social sphere. \nMr Rushailo said that during his meetings with Akhmat Kadyrov and Stanislav Ilyasov on April 4–5, they discussed the situation in the economy and social sphere in Chechnya. The participants paid special attention to the establishment of the republic’s government structure. \nMr Rushailo also reported on preparations for a meeting of the Committee of Security Council Secretaries of states members of the Collective Security Treaty. The meeting will take place April 26–27 in Yerevan.","date":"2001-04-06","title":"President Putin met with Vladimir Rushailo, Secretary of the Security Council","location":"The Kremlin, Moscow","link":"http://en.special.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/41010","id":41010}
{"doc_id":"president_ru-en-041059","text":"President Vladimir Putin had a meeting with Mikhail Gorbachev, chairman of the NTV public council\n\nApril 9, 2001, The Kremlin, Moscow \n\nMr Putin and Mr Gorbachev discussed the problems of the TV channel following the decision of the NTV shareholders to change the company’s management. \nDuring the meeting, Mr Putin stressed the importance of preserving democratic institutions, the freedom of speech and the media. A superior court has to deal with the NTV problem, the President said.","date":"2001-04-09","title":"President Vladimir Putin had a meeting with Mikhail Gorbachev, chairman of the NTV public council","location":"The Kremlin, Moscow","link":"http://en.special.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/41059","id":41059}
{"doc_id":"president_ru-en-041070","text":"A state awards ceremony in the Kremlin\n\nApril 11, 2001, The Kremlin, Moscow \n\nPresident Vladimir Putin presented state awards to public activists, scientists, and people of the arts.","date":"2001-04-11","title":"A state awards ceremony in the Kremlin","location":"The Kremlin, Moscow","link":"http://en.special.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/41070","id":41070}
{"doc_id":"president_ru-en-041075","text":"President Vladimir Putin met with representatives of high-tech companies\n\nApril 13, 2001, The Kremlin, Moscow \n\nMr Putin suggested discussing the priorities of high-tech development, including legal support for corporate operations, contacts between the state and business, guaranteeing the interests of Russian companies at home and abroad and protecting intellectual property.\nThe CEOs of Yandex, IBC, Kaspersky Laboratories, Microsoft Russia and Global One were invited to meet with President Putin.","date":"2001-04-13","title":"President Vladimir Putin met with representatives of high-tech companies","location":"The Kremlin, Moscow","link":"http://en.special.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/41075","id":41075}
{"doc_id":"president_ru-en-041122","text":"President Vladimir Putin held a meeting with Syrian Foreign Minister Farouk Sharaa\n\nApril 16, 2001, The Kremlin, Moscow \n\nThe main topic of discussion was the situation in the Middle East. Mr Putin reiterated that Russia would remain active in the search for a peaceful settlement in the Middle East and that it recognised Syria’s great role in that process.\nMr Putin accepted an invitation from President Bashar Assad of Syria to visit his country and, in his turn, sent a return invitation to the President of Syria.","date":"2001-04-16","title":"President Vladimir Putin held a meeting with Syrian Foreign Minister Farouk Sharaa","location":"The Kremlin, Moscow","link":"http://en.special.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/41122","id":41122}
{"doc_id":"president_ru-en-041101","text":"President Vladimir Putin chaired a meeting on the payment of money allowances, including the so-called combat wages, to servicemen in the Chechen Republic\n\nApril 16, 2001, The Kremlin, Moscow \n\nThe President gave all the departments concerned until Thursday to submit verified and final calculations on the payment of allowances.","date":"2001-04-16","title":"President Vladimir Putin chaired a meeting on the payment of money allowances, including the so-called combat wages, to servicemen in the Chechen Republic","location":"The Kremlin, Moscow","link":"http://en.special.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/41101","id":41101}
{"doc_id":"president_ru-en-041079","text":"President Vladimir Putin held negotiations with President Vladimir Voronin of Moldova\n\nApril 16, 2001, The Kremlin, Moscow \n\nThe heads of state discussed economic cooperation, including energy issues and a settlement of the Transdnestr conflict.\nAt the end of the meeting, the Presidents signed a joint statement on the principles of political, trade and economic cooperation between their countries.\nIn this document Russia and Moldova stated their readiness to strengthen and expand mutually beneficial relations in the trade, economic, scientific, cultural and other fields in order to make more effective use of the existing capabilities to enhance the wellbeing of their peoples.\nThe Presidents agreed to cooperate in countering international terrorism and other forms of extremism and separatism both at a bilateral and a multi-lateral level.\nThe document stressed that the Transdnestr problem must be solved exclusively by peaceful means on the basis of respect for the principle of sovereignty and territorial integrity of Moldova and observance of international human rights standards.","date":"2001-04-16","title":"President Vladimir Putin held negotiations with President Vladimir Voronin of Moldova","location":"The Kremlin, Moscow","link":"http://en.special.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/41079","id":41079}
{"doc_id":"president_ru-en-041082","text":"President Vladimir Putin chaired a pension reform meeting in the Kremlin\n\nApril 17, 2001, The Kremlin, Moscow \n\nThe President opened the meeting, saying he had signed amendments to the law on state pensions and a decree raising the average value of pensions.\nHe said the changes made to Article 7 of the law referred to such categories of people as war-disabled veterans and veterans of the Great Patriotic War, the parents of servicemen killed in trouble spots and elsewhere, and also survivors of the Leningrad blockade.\nThe decree, Mr Putin said, concerned 18 million Russian pensioners who had their average pensions raised to 1,013 roubles from May 1. \nThe President instructed the Government to streamline a mechanism for investing Pension Fund reserves in 2001 and charged the Government and the Pension Fund with financing the programme for raising pensions until 2005.","date":"2001-04-17","title":"President Vladimir Putin chaired a pension reform meeting in the Kremlin","location":"The Kremlin, Moscow","link":"http://en.special.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/41082","id":41082}
{"doc_id":"president_ru-en-041111","text":"President Vladimir Putin met with Iraqi Vice-President Taha Yassin Ramadan\n\nApril 18, 2001, The Kremlin, Moscow \n\nThey discussed the situation in the Middle East and aspects of bilateral relations.\nMr Putin and Mr Ramadan discussed the settlement of the Iraqi situation, and stressed that Moscow was demanding that sanctions against Iraq be lifted.\nThe Parties paid special attention to partnership in the fuel-and-energy complex and rehabilitation of industrial projects built with Soviet assistance. They reached an understanding for a meeting of experts to settle the Iraqi debt problem.\nThe Iraqi Vice-President passed to Mr Putin an oral message from Iraqi President Saddam Hussein, which stressed the Iraqi leadership’s interest in stepping up strategic partnership with Russia.","date":"2001-04-18","title":"President Vladimir Putin met with Iraqi Vice-President Taha Yassin Ramadan","location":"The Kremlin, Moscow","link":"http://en.special.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/41111","id":41111}
{"doc_id":"president_ru-en-041118","text":"President Vladimir Putin chaired a meeting on the financing of servicemen in the Chechen Republic\n\nApril 19, 2001, The Kremlin, Moscow \n\nDeputy Defence Minister Lyubov Kudelina addressed the meeting in the Kremlin, reporting that servicemen in Chechnya would have their basic one-and-a- half pay increased by 100%, not 50% as was formerly the case, and their field (daily) subsistence allowances would be tripled instead of doubled as now. \nThe President endorsed the decision.","date":"2001-04-19","title":"President Vladimir Putin chaired a meeting on the financing of servicemen in the Chechen Republic","location":"The Kremlin, Moscow","link":"http://en.special.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/41118","id":41118}
{"doc_id":"president_ru-en-041061","text":"President Vladimir Putin met with Government members\n\nApril 23, 2001, The Kremlin, Moscow \n\nMr Putin said that a bill against money laundering had been submitted to Parliament. The President regarded it as a landmark in Government efforts to make Russian business more predictable and transparent to Russian entrepreneurs and their overseas partners. He described the bill as a stride on Russia’s road to the European and global economic environment.\nMr Putin highlighted the latest outbreaks of inter-racial strife. Whatever manifestations of racism are inadmissible in such a multi-ethnic country as Russia, he stressed.","date":"2001-04-23","title":"President Vladimir Putin met with Government members","location":"The Kremlin, Moscow","link":"http://en.special.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/41061","id":41061}
{"doc_id":"president_ru-en-041015","text":"President Vladimir Putin met with spokesmen of the Union of Right Forces group of the State Duma\n\nApril 24, 2001, The Kremlin, Moscow \n\nThey discussed problems of state development, and pension, judicial and military reforms. Mr Putin was informed about the stances of the group on a wide range of problems.\nThe meeting was one of Mr Putin’s regular consultations with all parliamentary groups.","date":"2001-04-24","title":"President Vladimir Putin met with spokesmen of the Union of Right Forces group of the State Duma","location":"The Kremlin, Moscow","link":"http://en.special.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/41015","id":41015}
{"doc_id":"president_ru-en-041026","text":"President Vladimir Putin held negotiations with Gabonese President Omar Bongo\n\nApril 24, 2001, The Kremlin, Moscow \n\nWhile at the negotiation table, Mr Putin and Mr Bongo, who arrived in Moscow the day before on his first official visit, discussed the prospects of bilateral trade and economic partnership and a number of international problems. This was the first Russian-Gabonese summit since bilateral diplomatic relations had been established.\nThe Parties confirmed that they shared the United Nations Charter principles, and regarded the United Nations and its Security Council as the principal agencies of the contemporary world order.\nThe Russian and Gabonese Presidents summarised their negotiations in a joint statement. The two countries’ leaders stressed in this document that, in case UN member countries came to a general accord on the Security Council reform, it was important to make the Council geographically representative in the best possible way, realising that both industrially developed and influential developing countries would join the Council as its new members. \nAs Mr Putin and Mr Bongo also acknowledged, “stabilisation of the situation in Central Africa, especially in the Great Lakes region, depends on strict compliance of all Parties with the premises of the Lusaka Agreement and relevant UN Security Council resolutions.” \nAfter the negotiations, Mr Putin said that Russian policy aimed at friendly contacts with all countries of the world, including those in Africa.","date":"2001-04-24","title":"President Vladimir Putin held negotiations with Gabonese President Omar Bongo","location":"The Kremlin, Moscow","link":"http://en.special.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/41026","id":41026}
{"doc_id":"president_ru-en-041046","text":"President Vladimir Putin chaired a meeting of the State Council Presidium on railway reform\n\nApril 25, 2001, The Kremlin, Moscow \n\nIn his opening address, Mr Putin enumerated the principal goals of the upcoming structural reform of railway transport—enhancing the effectiveness of railway transport and its state regulation, financial transparency and social protection of the personnel. \nRailway Minister Nikolai Aksenenko, Economic Development and Trade Minister German Gref, Deputy Prime Minister Ilya Klebanov and Ilya Yuzhanov, Minister for Anti-Monopoly Policy and Promotion of Private Enterprise, attended the State Council Presidium meeting.","date":"2001-04-25","title":"President Vladimir Putin chaired a meeting of the State Council Presidium on railway reform","location":"The Kremlin, Moscow","link":"http://en.special.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/41046","id":41046}
{"doc_id":"president_ru-en-041043","text":"President Vladimir Putin met with Economic Development and Trade Minister German Gref and Labour and Social Development Minister Alexander Pochinok\n\nApril 25, 2001, The Kremlin, Moscow \n\nThe agenda was dominated by unified social tax reduction. Mr Putin ordered the Government to take urgent action. The threshold taxable wage starting from which the fiscal rate will deduct will go down from an annual 50,000 roubles per employee to 30,000 roubles.","date":"2001-04-25","title":"President Vladimir Putin met with Economic Development and Trade Minister German Gref and Labour and Social Development Minister Alexander Pochinok","location":"The Kremlin, Moscow","link":"http://en.special.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/41043","id":41043}
{"doc_id":"president_ru-en-041091","text":"President Vladimir Putin held negotiations with Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak\n\nApril 27, 2001, The Kremlin, Moscow \n\nPresidents Putin and Mubarak discussed bilateral relations and the situation in the Middle East.\nSummarising the results of the negotiations, the two leaders signed the Russian-Egyptian Declaration on Principles of Friendly Relations and Cooperation. The document said that Russia and Egypt pledged to work together to achieve a lasting, comprehensive and just peace in the Middle East. The declaration stressed the intention of Russia and Egypt to develop and strengthen bilateral relations in the trade, economic, scientific and technical spheres by promoting direct links between companies from both countries, developing industrial cooperation and establishing joint ventures.","date":"2001-04-27","title":"President Vladimir Putin held negotiations with Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak","location":"The Kremlin, Moscow","link":"http://en.special.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/41091","id":41091}
{"doc_id":"president_ru-en-041069","text":"President Vladimir Putin met with Chinese Minister of Foreign Affairs Tang Jiaxuan\n\nApril 29, 2001, The Kremlin, Moscow \n\nThey discussed the key aspects of Russian-Chinese relations. Mr Putin said that Russia and China had practically no differences. Bilateral relations were positively developing at a very good pace. \nMr Putin and Mr Tang also discussed foreign political problems on which Russia and China had close stances—the situation round the ABM Treaty, inter-Korean settlement, the reform of the United Nations, partnership within the Shanghai Five, and global security issues. \nThe two men paid major attention to preparations for Chinese President Jiang Zemin’s visit to Russia, due the next summer.","date":"2001-04-29","title":"President Vladimir Putin met with Chinese Minister of Foreign Affairs Tang Jiaxuan","location":"The Kremlin, Moscow","link":"http://en.special.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/41069","id":41069}
{"doc_id":"president_ru-en-041346","text":"President Putin presented the Standard of the Russian Armed Forces to Defence Minister Sergei Ivanov\n\nMay 8, 2001, The Kremlin, Moscow \n\nThe ceremony of presenting the Standard of the Russian Armed Forces was held on Cathedral Square of the Kremlin. The guards of honour in attendance represented three branches of the Russian Armed Forces. Defence Minister Sergei Ivanov received the Standard of the Russian Armed Forces from the Supreme Commander-in-Chief.\nThe federal law approved the Standard as an official symbol of the Russian Armed Forces in December 2000. It is kept at the General Staff of the Russian Armed Forces. Mr Putin reminded that the Standard had been raised over the Reichstag building to celebrate the great victory over Nazism, and said that presenting the Standard on the eve of VE Day was symbolic. He saw this as a succession of legendary military traditions, first of all, the tradition to win.\nIn the evening, President Putin attended a gala concert dedicated to the 56th anniversary of victory in the Great Patriotic War.","date":"2001-05-08","title":"President Putin presented the Standard of the Russian Armed Forces to Defence Minister Sergei Ivanov","location":"The Kremlin, Moscow","link":"http://en.special.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/41346","id":41346}
{"doc_id":"president_ru-en-041347","text":"President Putin met with head of the Greek Orthodox Church Archbishop Christodoulos of Athens and all Greece\n\nMay 8, 2001, The Kremlin, Moscow \n\nThe Russian President said contacts between the Churches were crucial for Russian-Greek relations.\nPatriarch of Moscow and All Russia Alexii II also attended the meeting.","date":"2001-05-08","title":"President Putin met with head of the Greek Orthodox Church Archbishop Christodoulos of Athens and all Greece","location":"The Kremlin, Moscow","link":"http://en.special.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/41347","id":41347}
{"doc_id":"president_ru-en-041364","text":"President Vladimir Putin chaired a Security Council session\n\nMay 11, 2001, The Kremlin, Moscow \n\nProspects of solving the social problems of servicemen and members of their families were discussed.\nVice Prime Minister Valentina Matvienko reported to the President on this issue.","date":"2001-05-11","title":"President Vladimir Putin chaired a Security Council session","location":"The Kremlin, Moscow","link":"http://en.special.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/41364","id":41364}
{"doc_id":"president_ru-en-041362","text":"President Vladimir Putin met with Adrian Severin, Chairman of the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly\n\nMay 11, 2001, The Kremlin, Moscow \n\nThe Russian President called the OSCE a key to maintaining European security and proposed expanding its field of operation.","date":"2001-05-11","title":"President Vladimir Putin met with Adrian Severin, Chairman of the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly","location":"The Kremlin, Moscow","link":"http://en.special.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/41362","id":41362}
{"doc_id":"president_ru-en-041365","text":"President Vladimir Putin spoke to reporters before a meeting with his envoys to the federal districts\n\nMay 11, 2001, The Kremlin, Moscow \n\nMr Putin praised the work his envoys had done the previous year. He said that they had completed the task of helping to bring regional legislation into compliance with federal law and creating a common legal space. \nThe President said the main direction of activity of his plenipotentiary envoys would be the delineation of powers between the federal centre and the regions, and between regional and local governments. This, he said, primarily applied to the delineation of financial powers. Presidential envoys should support local government to help it meet European standards, the President stressed.","date":"2001-05-11","title":"President Vladimir Putin spoke to reporters before a meeting with his envoys to the federal districts","location":"The Kremlin, Moscow","link":"http://en.special.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/41365","id":41365}
{"doc_id":"president_ru-en-041366","text":"Vladimir Putin met with the president's plenipotentiary envoys to federal districts\n\nMay 12, 2001, The Kremlin, Moscow \n\nSumming up the results of his plenipotentiary envoys’ first year of work, the president praised them for having managed to curb the process of national disintegration. The institution of plenipotentiary envoys, continued Mr Putin, is a staple component of presidential power, creating a close link between central authorities and the provinces.\nPriorities set by the president before his plenipotentiary envoys boil down to bringing regional law into compliance with federal law and dividing authority between all the levels of power. Among the guidelines are coordinated activities of federal agencies in the regions, including in the law-enforcement and security environment. Vladimir Putin was particularly emphatic here on the need to reduce the crime rate.\nMr Putin also called upon his envoys to be sensitive to budget federalism, to pursue rational distribution of financial resources about the regions and to concentrate on raising the efficiency of government-run services, personnel policy and assistance in the development of civil society.\nAll these measures should help achieve the ultimate goal of enhancing the wellbeing and legal protection of our citizens, said the president.","date":"2001-05-12","title":"Vladimir Putin met with the president's plenipotentiary envoys to federal districts","location":"The Kremlin, Moscow","link":"http://en.special.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/41366","id":41366}
{"doc_id":"president_ru-en-041374","text":"President Vladimir Putin met with UN Secretary General Kofi Annan\n\nMay 15, 2001, The Kremlin, Moscow \n\nThe Russian President and the UN Secretary General exchanged opinions on the situation in the Balkans, the Palestinian-Israeli conflict and discussed issues related to sanctions against Iraq.\nThe President spoke for increasing the role of the UN in dealing with burning international problems. Mr Putin assured Mr Annan that Russia was and would be a reliable partner of the UN and promised full support to UN’s actions aimed at keeping peace and stability. He emphasized that Russia was taking part in 11 of 15 peacekeeping operations conducted under the aegis of the UN.","date":"2001-05-15","title":"President Vladimir Putin met with UN Secretary General Kofi Annan","location":"The Kremlin, Moscow","link":"http://en.special.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/41374","id":41374}
{"doc_id":"president_ru-en-041382","text":"President Vladimir Putin held a meeting with St. Petersburg Governor Vladimir Yakovlev\n\nMay 16, 2001, The Kremlin, Moscow \n\nMr Yakovlev proposed to rebury the remains of Empress Maria Fyodorovna, wife of Emperor Alexander III, at the Sts. Peter and Paul Cathedral in the Sts. Peter and Paul Fortress.\nDowager Empress Maria Fyodorovna left Russia after her son, Nicholas II, had abdicated. She was buried in Denmark in 1928. Duke Nikolai Romanov, head of the Romanov family, asked the St. Petersburg Governor to rebury the empress’ remains at the Sts. Peter and Paul Cathedral, a sepulcher for the Romanov dynasty.","date":"2001-05-16","title":"President Vladimir Putin held a meeting with St. Petersburg Governor Vladimir Yakovlev","location":"The Kremlin, Moscow","link":"http://en.special.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/41382","id":41382}
{"doc_id":"president_ru-en-041384","text":"The Russia-European Union summit opened with a bilateral meeting of President Vladimir Putin and Goran Persson, the Swedish Prime Minister and President-in-Office of the Council of Europe\n\nMay 17, 2001, The Kremlin, Moscow \n\nMr Putin and Mr Persson discussed topical issues of Russian-Swedish relations and the prospects of Russia-EU partnership—in particular, in trade and the economy, capital investment, and the social and environmental fields. They highlighted the steady progress of bilateral relations and of Russia’s contacts with the European Union. Mr Putin told about preparations for the upcoming visit of King Carl XVI Gustaf to Russia.\nThe Russian and Swedish leaders also exchanged opinions on the situation in the Korean Peninsula.","date":"2001-05-17","title":"The Russia-European Union summit opened with a bilateral meeting of President Vladimir Putin and Goran Persson, the Swedish Prime Minister and President-in-Office of the Council of Europe","location":"The Kremlin, Moscow","link":"http://en.special.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/41384","id":41384}
{"doc_id":"president_ru-en-041397","text":"Vladimir Putin met with Israeli Foreign Minister Shimon Peres to discuss the situation in the Middle East\n\nMay 21, 2001, The Kremlin, Moscow \n\nThe sides exchanged opinions on the recent Egypt-Jordan peace initiative and spoke in detail about the George Mitchell international commission’s report.\nThe Russian President urged both participants in the Palestinian-Israeli conflict to take reciprocal measures to bring the situation to normal, to restore confidence, to streamline stable security cooperation and work out a mutually-acceptable platform to resume political dialogue.\nMr Putin expressed concern over the situation of former Soviet compatriots, many of whom have dual citizenship and live directly in the zone of Palestinian-Israeli clashes.","date":"2001-05-21","title":"Vladimir Putin met with Israeli Foreign Minister Shimon Peres to discuss the situation in the Middle East","location":"The Kremlin, Moscow","link":"http://en.special.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/41397","id":41397}
{"doc_id":"president_ru-en-041400","text":"President Vladimir Putin met with Spanish Prime Minister Jose Maria Aznar\n\nMay 22, 2001, The Kremlin, Moscow \n\nThe Russian-Spanish negotiations began in a restricted format, but were later continued with the participation of both countries’ delegations. The countries’ leaders discussed a broad range of bilateral as well as current international issues, including the situation in the Middle East and the Balkans, strategic stability and cooperation in fighting terrorism.\nJose Maria Aznar invited Vladimir Putin to visit Spain. \nBoth countries’ leaders were present at the ceremony of signing five interdepartmental documents, including an agreement on marine navigation and international motor transportation.\nAmong other documents there was a protocol on the exchange of ratification instruments regarding the Russian-Spanish agreement on the extradition of convicts, signed in Moscow on January 16, 1998. \nThe sides signed a memorandum on cooperation to work out a mechanism for the conversion of liabilities into investments on Russian territory. \nThe last document was a memo on cooperation between the governments of Russia and Spain in the financial sphere to redeem part of the Russian debt through deliveries of Russian goods to Spain. \nThe Foreign Ministers of both countries released a joint statement on the Mideast settlement, in which they outlined an initiative to stop the violence and launch negotiations between the conflicting parties there. \nAfterwards Vladimir Putin and Jose Maria Aznar made statements to the press and answered journalists’ questions.\nAfter the summit the Russian President and the Spanish Prime Minister took a walking tour of the Kremlin.","date":"2001-05-22","title":"President Vladimir Putin met with Spanish Prime Minister Jose Maria Aznar","location":"The Kremlin, Moscow","link":"http://en.special.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/41400","id":41400}
{"doc_id":"president_ru-en-041410","text":"President Vladimir Putin met with the leaders of State Duma parties and deputy groups\n\nMay 23, 2001, The Kremlin, Moscow \n\nMr Putin proposed a new procedure for the drafting and passing of bills. He presented the leaders of parliamentary groups with a draft package on judicial reform without officially submitting it to the House. The President suggested that a spokesman of the ad hoc team that was drafting the bills should meet members of parliamentary parties and groups. Mr Putin would officially submit the package to the State Duma after its members made necessary amendments.\nMr Putin made several remarks concerning the content of bills. In particular, he found unjustified a clause regulating the dismissal of judges of the Supreme Court by the Constitutional Court. He stressed that such decisions must be made by the agency that appointed the judges, i.e., the Federation Council.","date":"2001-05-23","title":"President Vladimir Putin met with the leaders of State Duma parties and deputy groups","location":"The Kremlin, Moscow","link":"http://en.special.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/41410","id":41410}
{"doc_id":"president_ru-en-041409","text":"President Vladimir Putin met with Jean Lemierre, the president of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development\n\nMay 23, 2001, The Kremlin, Moscow \n\nMr Putin said that Russia was willing to co-operate with the EBRD in banking and other spheres.\nHe said that market reforms were underway in Russia, and a package of measures had been produced to streamline legislation and carry out restructuring, starting with natural monopolies.\nMr Lemierre said, in his turn, that the EBRD had adopted a new programme for the period up to 2005, which envisaged extra allocations to support the Russian economy. The co-operation project for 2001, approved by the bank, earmarked more than 700 million Euros for investment in Russia.","date":"2001-05-23","title":"President Vladimir Putin met with Jean Lemierre, the president of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development","location":"The Kremlin, Moscow","link":"http://en.special.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/41409","id":41409}
{"doc_id":"president_ru-en-041442","text":"President Vladimir Putin chaired a meeting of the State Council Presidium on the housing and utilities sector\n\nMay 28, 2001, The Kremlin, Moscow \n\nWhen opening the meeting, Mr Putin set out the priorities for the group for the reformation the sector and pointed out the need to delineate powers between different levels of authority.\nThe President said that the housing sector was in a critical condition.\nGovernor of the Omsk Region Leonid Polezhayev, leader of the State Council working group on the housing and utilities sector, reported on the results of the group’s work and the presidium members exchanged opinions on this issue.\nThe meeting decided to establish a working group on interbudgetary relations.","date":"2001-05-28","title":"President Vladimir Putin chaired a meeting of the State Council Presidium on the housing and utilities sector","location":"The Kremlin, Moscow","link":"http://en.special.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/41442","id":41442}
{"doc_id":"president_ru-en-041448","text":"President Vladimir Putin met with Government members\n\nMay 29, 2001, The Kremlin, Moscow \n\nThe meeting discussed the ways of dealing with the consequences of the flood in Yakutia.\nMr Putin said that Yakutia needed 360 million roubles for housing construction and repairs, of which federal allocations would make 270 million roubles.\nHe said that the Government would establish a relief commission, to be led by Anvar Shamuzafarov, Chairman of Gosstroi—the State Committee for Housing Construction.\nThe President summarised the meeting in a number of orders to Government members.","date":"2001-05-29","title":"President Vladimir Putin met with Government members","location":"The Kremlin, Moscow","link":"http://en.special.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/41448","id":41448}
{"doc_id":"president_ru-en-041447","text":"President Vladimir Putin met with Palestinian National Authority leader Yasser Arafat\n\nMay 29, 2001, The Kremlin, Moscow \n\nThey discussed issues related to the Middle Eastern settlement. \nMr Putin said that Russia was eager to help the region’s nations to achieve peace, and reassured that it cherished its long-established friendly ties with Palestinians.\nMr Arafat stressed, in his turn, that Russia was among the principal guarantors of Middle Eastern settlement.\nThe meeting lasted two hours—longer than scheduled.","date":"2001-05-29","title":"President Vladimir Putin met with Palestinian National Authority leader Yasser Arafat","location":"The Kremlin, Moscow","link":"http://en.special.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/41447","id":41447}
{"doc_id":"president_ru-en-041445","text":"The Russian State Council discussed the housing and public amenities reform\n\nMay 29, 2001, The Kremlin, Moscow \n\nMr Putin pinpointed four basic principles of the housing and public amenities reform. First came the determination of reform objectives. Second, duties and responsibilities were to be delineated at every official level. Third, municipal services were to get out of their crisis through restructuring. Last but not least, all objectives needed checking whether they were attainable.\nDeputy Prime Minister Viktor Khristenko and Leonid Polezhayev, Omsk Governor and head of the State Council ad hoc team for the reform, addressed the meeting. \nMr Putin called for a gradual and extremely careful phasing out of discounted residential rents and public utility payments.\nHe instructed the Government to be ready with amended reform blueprints by July 1.","date":"2001-05-29","title":"The Russian State Council discussed the housing and public amenities reform","location":"The Kremlin, Moscow","link":"http://en.special.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/41445","id":41445}
{"doc_id":"president_ru-en-041451","text":"Vladimir Putin met with newly-appointed Gazprom CEO Alexei Miller\n\nMay 30, 2001, The Kremlin, Moscow \n\nThe President declared in favor of enhancing the role of the state in Gazprom while preserving the interests of the shareholders.\nThe head of state said that the Russian economy was largely based on the gas and power industries, with 25% of the federal budget coming from Gazprom activities. But a situation when economic development largely depended on the power sector could not last long, he added.\nThe meeting was also attended by former Gazprom CEO Rem Vyakhirev, Prime Minister Mikhail Kasyanov and deputy chief of the Presidential Executive Office Dmitry Medvedev.","date":"2001-05-30","title":"Vladimir Putin met with newly-appointed Gazprom CEO Alexei Miller","location":"The Kremlin, Moscow","link":"http://en.special.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/41451","id":41451}
{"doc_id":"president_ru-en-041457","text":"President Vladimir Putin met with spokesmen of the Russian Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs\n\nMay 31, 2001, The Kremlin, Moscow \n\nIn his opening address to the meeting with 23 Union members, Mr Putin proposed discussing taxation, the liberalisation of currency laws, and Russia’s prospects to join the World Trade Organisation. He found that those matters interested not only big business but also small and medium-sized employers.\nThe gathering exchanged opinions on practical social and economic issues.","date":"2001-05-31","title":"President Vladimir Putin met with spokesmen of the Russian Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs","location":"The Kremlin, Moscow","link":"http://en.special.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/41457","id":41457}
{"doc_id":"president_ru-en-041635","text":"President Vladimir Putin met with Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands\n\nJune 5, 2001, The Kremlin, Moscow \n\nMr Putin gave a ceremonial welcome to Dutch Queen Beatrix in the Kremlin’s Georgievsky Hall. This was the first visit of a Dutch Queen to Russia in the history of Russian-Dutch relations. On this trip Her Majesty was accompanied by Crown Prince Willem-Alexander. \nThen President Putin and Queen Beatrix met in the Green Reception Room of the Grand Kremlin Palace where they discussed issues related to bilateral relations. After the meeting the Russian Foreign Minister and the Dutch Foreign Minister signed a programme of joint actions for 2001–2003 in the presence of Mr Putin and Her Majesty. The document outlined the major areas of bilateral cooperation in politics, economy, science, culture, justice and the military sphere. \nPresident Putin hosted a state banquet in honour of Dutch Queen Beatrix and Crown Prince Willem-Alexander.","date":"2001-06-05","title":"President Vladimir Putin met with Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands","location":"The Kremlin, Moscow","link":"http://en.special.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/41635","id":41635}
{"doc_id":"president_ru-en-041641","text":"Vladimir Putin met with Jaswant Singh, India's Minister for External Affairs and Defence\n\nJune 6, 2001, The Kremlin, Moscow \n\nIt was said at the meeting that Russia and India intended to further boost their scientific and technical cooperation.\nThe Russian President and the Indian minister also discussed ways to develop an all-round strategic partnership between Russia and India.\nThe President said that the timeframe for the Indian Prime Minister’s visit to Russia had been agreed upon and that the visit would be a major step in the development of Russian-Indian relations.","date":"2001-06-06","title":"Vladimir Putin met with Jaswant Singh, India's Minister for External Affairs and Defence","location":"The Kremlin, Moscow","link":"http://en.special.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/41641","id":41641}
{"doc_id":"president_ru-en-021253","text":"Vladimir Putin chaired a conference on the development of the Russian motor industry\n\nJune 6, 2001, The Kremlin, Moscow \n\nAddressing the conference, Vladimir Putin said, among other things, that measures to protect the domestic automobile market would be taken in Russia in the near future.","date":"2001-06-06","title":"Vladimir Putin chaired a conference on the development of the Russian motor industry","location":"The Kremlin, Moscow","link":"http://en.special.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/21253","id":21253}
{"doc_id":"president_ru-en-041646","text":"Vladimir Putin met with a group of social workers\n\nJune 7, 2001, The Kremlin, Moscow \n\nDuring the meeting the participants discussed the funding for the social sector and wage increases for social workers. Aid for orphans and disabled children was also on the agenda.\n The President spoke in favour of developing the current social security services by stressing that the government’s image is influenced to a great extent by the progress in this sector.\nMr. Putin instructed the government to evaluate the meeting results and to develop measures to improve the situation in this field.","date":"2001-06-07","title":"Vladimir Putin met with a group of social workers","location":"The Kremlin, Moscow","link":"http://en.special.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/41646","id":41646}
{"doc_id":"president_ru-en-041647","text":"President Vladimir Putin met with a delegation of Japanese businessmen\n\nJune 8, 2001, The Kremlin, Moscow \n\nWhile meeting a delegation of the Japanese Federation of Economic Organisations, President Putin stressed that this was the first such representative visit by Japanese business circles to Russia for the past 25 years. He expressed hope that the Japanese businessmen, who had made the many-day trip to several Russian regions at the invitation of the Russian President, would help expand economic ties between the two countries.\nThe aim of the visit was to see the economic situation in Russia, to study investment opportunities, and to search for new ways to expand economic cooperation between the two countries.\nMr Imai handed Mr Putin a message from Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi in which he called for the development of Russian-Japanese economic relations.","date":"2001-06-08","title":"President Vladimir Putin met with a delegation of Japanese businessmen","location":"The Kremlin, Moscow","link":"http://en.special.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/41647","id":41647}
{"doc_id":"president_ru-en-041656","text":"President Vladimir Putin met with medical workers\n\nJune 9, 2001, The Kremlin, Moscow \n\nAddressing the audience, Vladimir Putin said that the state should ensure a certain standard of [medical] services while encouraging private initiative. \nThe participants discussed the functioning of the sphere of paid medical services, the training of personnel, and ways to encourage graduates of medical institutes and universities to work in the Russian provinces, especially in rural areas, as well as state financing of the public health care system.","date":"2001-06-09","title":"President Vladimir Putin met with medical workers","location":"The Kremlin, Moscow","link":"http://en.special.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/41656","id":41656}
{"doc_id":"president_ru-en-041655","text":"Vladimir Putin chaired a conference on military-technical cooperation with foreign countries\n\nJune 9, 2001, The Kremlin, Moscow \n\nThe conference discussed two aspects of Russia’s state policy in the sphere of military-technical cooperation with foreign countries. Firstly, cooperation with parties to the CIS Collective Security Treaty and, secondly, cooperation with non-CIS countries for the period until the year 2010. \nAccording to the President, both concepts are fundamental and decisive for determining state approaches to the development of military-technical cooperation. Vladimir Putin stressed that long-term programmes of military-technical cooperation with individual countries should be based on these concepts.","date":"2001-06-09","title":"Vladimir Putin chaired a conference on military-technical cooperation with foreign countries","location":"The Kremlin, Moscow","link":"http://en.special.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/41655","id":41655}
{"doc_id":"president_ru-en-041670","text":"President Vladimir Putin met with representatives of non-governmental and non-political organisations of Russia\n\nJune 12, 2001, The Kremlin, Moscow \n\nAddressing the meeting, Mr Putin said that it was the first meeting of its kind between government and society. He also said that non-political organisations were valuable because of their independence from government. They had other, and sometimes more effective, leverages over society. \nRepresentatives of about 30 organisations took part in the meeting. There were members of soldiers’ families communities and associations, associations helping Chernobyl children, disabled people, forced migrants and war veterans. \nThe meeting discussed, in particular, the social integration of children from orphanages and ways of providing them with accommodation.","date":"2001-06-12","title":"President Vladimir Putin met with representatives of non-governmental and non-political organisations of Russia","location":"The Kremlin, Moscow","link":"http://en.special.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/41670","id":41670}
{"doc_id":"president_ru-en-041668","text":"President Vladimir Putin took part in a state reception dedicated to the Day of Russia\n\nJune 12, 2001, The Kremlin, Moscow \n\n“Ten years ago, a new period in the country's history began. It was the building of a democratic state based on civil liberties and the supremacy of law,” the President said in his opening remarks. He emphasised that the Government’s objective was to prove that democracy in Russia would last forever. \nMr Putin also said that he had signed a decree awarding first Russian President Boris Yeltsin the Order for Services to the Fatherland 1st class.","date":"2001-06-12","title":"President Vladimir Putin took part in a state reception dedicated to the Day of Russia","location":"The Kremlin, Moscow","link":"http://en.special.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/41668","id":41668}
{"doc_id":"president_ru-en-041684","text":"President Vladimir Putin held a meeting with the Cabinet\n\nJune 18, 2001, The Kremlin, Moscow \n\nAmong other things, the President and the ministers discussed preparations for winter, including those in the Primorye Territory, and supplies for the north. The decision was taken that Prime Minister Mikhail Kasyanov should go to the Far East to check how the schedule of coal supplies to power plants is being implemented, how the construction of gas pipelines in the Kamchatka Peninsula and the Khabarovsk and Primorye territories is progressing, and to deal with some other issues.","date":"2001-06-18","title":"President Vladimir Putin held a meeting with the Cabinet","location":"The Kremlin, Moscow","link":"http://en.special.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/41684","id":41684}
{"doc_id":"president_ru-en-041692","text":"President Vladimir Putin met with representatives of legislatures from different regions of the Russian Federation\n\nJune 19, 2001, The Kremlin, Moscow \n\nWhen opening the meeting, Vladimir Putin proposed to set up a presidential working commission with the participation of representatives of the regional legislatures.\nThe President endorsed the work done by the regional lawmakers. In his opinion, the legislative codes of the Federation members may contain model laws that could be applied throughout the country.","date":"2001-06-19","title":"President Vladimir Putin met with representatives of legislatures from different regions of the Russian Federation","location":"The Kremlin, Moscow","link":"http://en.special.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/41692","id":41692}
{"doc_id":"president_ru-en-041696","text":"President Vladimir Putin met with Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko\n\nJune 20, 2001, The Kremlin, Moscow \n\nThe two leaders discussed mainly economic issues, in particular, the taxation system and new regulations implemented by Russia. The parties also talked about the establishment of the Russia-Belarus Union State.","date":"2001-06-20","title":"President Vladimir Putin met with Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko","location":"The Kremlin, Moscow","link":"http://en.special.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/41696","id":41696}
{"doc_id":"president_ru-en-041711","text":"President Vladimir Putin held talks with Austria's President Thomas Klestil\n\nJune 23, 2001, The Kremlin, Moscow \n\nOpening a restricted meeting with the Austrian President, Vladimir Putin underlined the successful development of trade and economic relations between the two countries. He expressed satisfaction with the fact that representatives of Russian and Austrian security agencies had met during Thomas Klestil’s official visit to Russia. \nAt the talks with the delegations’ participation, the two countries’ leaders spoke in favour of a further expansion of economic cooperation.\nThey discussed ways to ensure equal access for Russian producers to the Austrian market. Vladimir Putin and Thomas Klestil declared the need to create a single economic space in Europe. Austria supported Russia’s intention to join the World Trade Organisation. \nThe sides discussed the situation on the world arena revealing the similarity of positions on missile defence issues. In Russia’s opinion, the United States’ unilateral withdrawal from the 1972 ABM Treaty will disrupt the strategic balance that has evolved in the world.\nAfter the meeting, Vladimir Putin read a statement on the results of the talks and answered journalists’ questions.","date":"2001-06-23","title":"President Vladimir Putin held talks with Austria's President Thomas Klestil","location":"The Kremlin, Moscow","link":"http://en.special.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/41711","id":41711}
{"doc_id":"president_ru-en-041723","text":"President Vladimir Putin met with Russia's Interior Minister Boris Gryzlov\n\nJune 26, 2001, The Kremlin, Moscow \n\nThe Interior Minister told the President about the current situation in Chechnya, in particular about measures taken by the ministry to stop crimes against heads of the regional governments and the local population in general.\nThey also discussed the criminal situation in the country. The President pointed to the need to substantially improve the work of the Interior Ministry’s agencies in dealing with inquiries and requests from individual citizens.\nBoris Gryzlov also told the President about the results of a meeting of the Council of Interior Ministers of CIS Member-Countries held in Yerevan on June 21 and 22. The Minister dwelt on the agreements reached to coordinate the fight against illegal drug trafficking and crimes on transport, as well as other measures to cover all CIS countries.","date":"2001-06-26","title":"President Vladimir Putin met with Russia's Interior Minister Boris Gryzlov","location":"The Kremlin, Moscow","link":"http://en.special.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/41723","id":41723}
{"doc_id":"president_ru-en-041730","text":"President Vladimir Putin held a meeting with Prime Minister Mikhail Kasyanov\n\nJune 27, 2001, The Kremlin, Moscow \n\nThe President and the Prime Minister pointed out the satisfactory rate of growth of GDP and production in the country. \nThey discussed the results of Mr Kasyanov’s trip to the Far East. The Prime Minister reported on the preparations of the region, in particular, the Primorye Territory, for the winter period.","date":"2001-06-27","title":"President Vladimir Putin held a meeting with Prime Minister Mikhail Kasyanov","location":"The Kremlin, Moscow","link":"http://en.special.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/41730","id":41730}
{"doc_id":"president_ru-en-041740","text":"President Vladimir Putin chaired a meeting of the State Council presidium on interbudgetary relations\n\nJune 28, 2001, The Kremlin, Moscow \n\nAddressing the meeting, Mr Putin said that well-balanced interbudgetary relations should be an efficient mechanism for building fiscal federalism and the national economy as a whole. \nThe meeting focused on improving the budget process, the division of spending powers and reduction of unfunded mandates, the division of taxation powers and income sources, the size and kind of tax revenues to local budgets, budget alignment and control over regional finances. \n Heads of the regions, in particular, proposed to the Government to add several amendments to decisions related to federal debts for regions, community charge debts of federal structures situated in the regions, and increasing salaries in the public sector. \nAfter the meeting, Mr Putin instructed the Government to incorporate the suggestions in preparations for a meeting of the cabinet on approving the program of the development of fiscal federalism until 2005.","date":"2001-06-28","title":"President Vladimir Putin chaired a meeting of the State Council presidium on interbudgetary relations","location":"The Kremlin, Moscow","link":"http://en.special.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/41740","id":41740}
{"doc_id":"president_ru-en-042073","text":"President Vladimir Putin had a meeting with World Bank President James Wolfensohn and delegates to the 2nd Global Justice Conference\n\nJuly 9, 2001, The Kremlin, Moscow \n\nIn his opening remarks, Mr Putin said that he was against reinstating the death penalty in Russia, adding that as a person with a basic legal education he knew that a toughening of punishment does not lead to the eradication of crime, unfortunately.\nSpeaking of judicial reform in Russia, the President described it as a major political priority. An independent and impartial court is the legal protection of ordinary people, it is a fundamental condition of the development of a sound, competitive economy. Finally, it is respect for the state, faith in the power of the law and in the power of justice, he stressed.","date":"2001-07-09","title":"President Vladimir Putin had a meeting with World Bank President James Wolfensohn and delegates to the 2nd Global Justice Conference","location":"The Kremlin, Moscow","link":"http://en.special.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/42073","id":42073}
{"doc_id":"president_ru-en-042087","text":"Vladimir Putin met with Moldovan President Vladimir Voronin\n\nJuly 11, 2001, The Kremlin, Moscow \n\nThe two heads of state discussed the current aspects of the Russian-Moldovan relations as well as the outlook for Transdnestr settlement and energy cooperation. \nTaking part in the meeting on the Russian side were Energy Minister Igor Yusufov and Defence Minister Sergei Ivanov.","date":"2001-07-11","title":"Vladimir Putin met with Moldovan President Vladimir Voronin","location":"The Kremlin, Moscow","link":"http://en.special.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/42087","id":42087}
{"doc_id":"president_ru-en-042102","text":"President Vladimir Putin met with Prime Minister Jean Chretien of Canada\n\nJuly 13, 2001, The Kremlin, Moscow \n\nThe leaders of two countries discussed various issues of bilateral cooperation.","date":"2001-07-13","title":"President Vladimir Putin met with Prime Minister Jean Chretien of Canada","location":"The Kremlin, Moscow","link":"http://en.special.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/42102","id":42102}
{"doc_id":"president_ru-en-042100","text":"President Vladimir Putin met with former U.S. Secretary of State Henry Kissinger, an honorary member of the International Olympic Committee\n\nJuly 13, 2001, The Kremlin, Moscow \n\nThey discussed topical international issues, including developments in the Middle East, U.S.-Russian relations, missile defence and international security.\nMessrs. Putin and Kissinger agreed that Russia must be reintegrated into the global community as a full-fledged member. The Russian president pointed out that this would not be possible to achieve without industrialized nations coming together to address European security problems.","date":"2001-07-13","title":"President Vladimir Putin met with former U.S. Secretary of State Henry Kissinger, an honorary member of the International Olympic Committee","location":"The Kremlin, Moscow","link":"http://en.special.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/42100","id":42100}
{"doc_id":"president_ru-en-042118","text":"President Vladimir Putin met with a new president of the International Olympic Committee, Jacques Rogge, and the honorary president of the same committee, Juan Antonio Samaranch\n\nJuly 16, 2001, The Kremlin, Moscow \n\nPresident Putin thanked the top officials of the International Olympic Committee for their positive attitude to the idea of nominating Moscow as the host city for the 2012 Olympic Games and noted the great services rendered by ex-IOC president Juan Antonio Samaranch to the Olympic movement. \nMr Putin expressed hope that the new IOC president would carry on the Olympic traditions established by his predecessor.","date":"2001-07-16","title":"President Vladimir Putin met with a new president of the International Olympic Committee, Jacques Rogge, and the honorary president of the same committee, Juan Antonio Samaranch","location":"The Kremlin, Moscow","link":"http://en.special.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/42118","id":42118}
{"doc_id":"president_ru-en-042132","text":"Vladimir Putin chaired the first meeting of the Presidential Commission drafting Proposals on Delineation of Responsibilities between Federal Government Agencies of the Constituent Entities of the Russian Federation and Local Government Bodies\n\nJuly 17, 2001, The Kremlin, Moscow \n\nThe head of state called for more vigorous law-making efforts to regulate relations between federal, regional and municipal bodies of authority. In the President’s view, a balanced and effective system of functioning of the Russian federal state has been too slow in coming. Poorly regulated and non-transparent federative relations are becoming an obstacle to the country’s economic development and law-making. \nThe President outlined the new commission’s basic tasks, including subject-specific and detailed analysis of existing normative groundwork on power delimitation; analysis of delimited powers in practice; detailed definition of functions to be performed by federal, regional and municipal bodies of authority; finding discrepancies between numerous treaties and agreements on power delimitation and existing federal legislation; delimiting norm-setting competence in general; reconciling the interests of all levels of authority when drafting not only legislative acts, but also decisions by executive authorities.","date":"2001-07-17","title":"Vladimir Putin chaired the first meeting of the Presidential Commission drafting Proposals on Delineation of Responsibilities between Federal Government Agencies of the Constituent Entities of the Russian Federation and Local Government Bodies","location":"The Kremlin, Moscow","link":"http://en.special.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/42132","id":42132}
{"doc_id":"president_ru-en-042129","text":"President Vladimir Putin met with Greek Prime Minister Konstantinos Simitis\n\nJuly 17, 2001, The Kremlin, Moscow \n\nMr Putin and Mr Simitis discussed a wide range of issues relating to bilateral cooperation and to the current international situation. \nThey expressed particular concern over the situation in the Balkans and urged the world community to spare no effort to settle the situation in the region through guaranteeing the Balkan states territorial integrity and sovereignty. Mr Putin and Mr Simitis also noted the importance of assisting democratic governments of the Balkan countries in the fight against extremism and separatism.\nThe participants in the meeting spoke for the all-round development of cooperation between Russia and the European Union, including in energy. President Putin said he was ready to support plans to build an oil pipeline between Burgas and Alexandroupolis. In his view, this was the best route for shipping oil from Russia to Southern Europe and the Balkans.","date":"2001-07-17","title":"President Vladimir Putin met with Greek Prime Minister Konstantinos Simitis","location":"The Kremlin, Moscow","link":"http://en.special.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/42129","id":42129}
{"doc_id":"president_ru-en-042138","text":"President Vladimir Putin gave an enlarged news conference for Russian and foreign journalists\n\nJuly 18, 2001, The Kremlin, Moscow \n\nDuring two hours the President answered several dozen questions. \nAccredited to the news conference were more than 500 journalists from several tens of countries, including representatives of 70 TV companies.\nThe decision to organise such a meeting between the President and the press was prompted by the large number of requests from Russian and foreign media outlets. During the past six months interest has increased further, as was particularly evident after the Russian-American summit in Ljubljana and on the eve of the G8 summit in Genoa.\nBecause the head of state was unable to meet all the requests for interviews, it was decided to give answers to the questions that interest Russian and international public opinion in the format of an open news conference.","date":"2001-07-18","title":"President Vladimir Putin gave an enlarged news conference for Russian and foreign journalists","location":"The Kremlin, Moscow","link":"http://en.special.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/42138","id":42138}
{"doc_id":"president_ru-en-042134","text":"President Vladimir Putin met with the Secretary of the National Security and Defence Council of Ukraine Yevgeni Marchuk and Secretary of the Security Council of Russia Vladimir Rushailo\n\nJuly 18, 2001, The Kremlin, Moscow \n\nThe participants in the meeting discussed urgent matters in Russian-Ukrainian relations, including the border issue, as well as the schedule of interstate contacts at various levels, including the summit level.","date":"2001-07-18","title":"President Vladimir Putin met with the Secretary of the National Security and Defence Council of Ukraine Yevgeni Marchuk and Secretary of the Security Council of Russia Vladimir Rushailo","location":"The Kremlin, Moscow","link":"http://en.special.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/42134","id":42134}
{"doc_id":"president_ru-en-042146","text":"Vladimir Putin met with the Chief of the Ukrainian President's Staff, Vladimir Litvin\n\nJuly 19, 2001, The Kremlin, Moscow \n\nThe meeting was held to pave the way for a series of meetings between the presidents of Russia and Ukraine. \nMr Putin noted progress in the development of Russian-Ukrainian dialogue, highlighting the success of the latest meeting between the foreign ministers of the two countries in Ukraine’s capital, Kiev. \nLitvin handed over to Putin a message from Ukraine’s leader, Leonid Kuchma.","date":"2001-07-19","title":"Vladimir Putin met with the Chief of the Ukrainian President's Staff, Vladimir Litvin","location":"The Kremlin, Moscow","link":"http://en.special.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/42146","id":42146}
{"doc_id":"president_ru-en-042137","text":"Vladimir Putin held a meeting with Cabinet Members\n\nJuly 23, 2001, The Kremlin, Moscow \n\nThe Russian head of state briefed the ministers on the results of the G8 Summit and the Russian-American Summit Meeting.","date":"2001-07-23","title":"Vladimir Putin held a meeting with Cabinet Members","location":"The Kremlin, Moscow","link":"http://en.special.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/42137","id":42137}
{"doc_id":"president_ru-en-042152","text":"President Vladimir Putin chaired a Security Council meeting\n\nJuly 26, 2001, The Kremlin, Moscow \n\nThe meeting discussed the issues of life support and outlook for the development of the Kaliningrad Region in connection with the forthcoming expansion of the European Union.","date":"2001-07-26","title":"President Vladimir Putin chaired a Security Council meeting","location":"The Kremlin, Moscow","link":"http://en.special.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/42152","id":42152}
{"doc_id":"president_ru-en-042151","text":"President Vladimir Putin held a meeting on relief to the parts of Yakutia hit by flooding\n\nJuly 26, 2001, The Kremlin, Moscow \n\nThe head of state said it was necessary to complete the reconstruction work in the areas of Yakutia which were hit by flooding by September 25. \nTaking part in the meeting were Deputy Prime Ministers Alexei Kudrin and Valentina Matviyenko, Railways Minister Nikolai Aksyonenko, and Communications and Information Minister Leonid Reiman. Sergei Shoigu, the Minister for Emergency Situations, briefed the participants in the meeting from Lensk via satellite link-up on the progress of the relief work.\nThe Minister for Emergency Situations said that more than 6,000 people and 300 units of special equipment were involved in the work, and the number of workers would be trebled by August 10. Mr Shoigu also reported that out of the 3,200 families that had lost their homes due to flooding, 850 had already been issued housing certificates. The Minister for Emergencies assured the President that by September 1 all the schools in Lensk and other communities in Yakutia would be repaired and open to schoolchildren. By September 15 the housing and utilities in the flood-stricken areas would be fully restored.","date":"2001-07-26","title":"President Vladimir Putin held a meeting on relief to the parts of Yakutia hit by flooding","location":"The Kremlin, Moscow","link":"http://en.special.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/42151","id":42151}
{"doc_id":"president_ru-en-042147","text":"The President met with members of the US Administration\n\nJuly 26, 2001, The Kremlin, Moscow \n\nOpening the meeting with US Treasury Secretary Paul O’Neil, Commerce Secretary Donald Evans and the US President’s National Security Adviser Condoleezza Rice, President Vladimir Putin noted that the positive shifts in the Russian economy and the arrival of the American delegation gave grounds for the hope that the relations between the two countries would be invested with new content. \nThe President said the current US restrictions regarding Russia, such as non-recognition of the market status as well as the Jackson-Vanik Amendment, impeded the development of bilateral economic ties.\nMr Putin also had separate talks with US National Security Adviser Condoleezza Rice and Russia’s Security Council Secretary Vladimir Rushailo. Strategic stability and the balance between offensive and defensive arms were discussed. The two sides agreed a schedule of expert consultations on anti-missile defence. \nThe agreement on the visit to Moscow by the US Administration officials was reached at the bilateral meeting between Vladimir Putin and George W. Bush in Genoa on July 22, 2001.","date":"2001-07-26","title":"The President met with members of the US Administration","location":"The Kremlin, Moscow","link":"http://en.special.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/42147","id":42147}
{"doc_id":"president_ru-en-042159","text":"President Vladimir Putin met with Bavarian Prime Minister Dr Edmund Stoiber\n\nJuly 27, 2001, The Kremlin, Moscow \n\nThe Russian leader opened the meeting by thanking Edmund Stoiber for his present of two books on Russian history from secret Bavarian archives. Mr Putin stressed that this gesture set a good example for settling the issue of cultural values.\nIn this connection, Mr Putin said he had discussed this issue with the German Chancellor and expressed the hope that mutually acceptable solutions to the problem would be found.","date":"2001-07-27","title":"President Vladimir Putin met with Bavarian Prime Minister Dr Edmund Stoiber","location":"The Kremlin, Moscow","link":"http://en.special.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/42159","id":42159}
{"doc_id":"president_ru-en-042157","text":"President Vladimir Putin met with Guinea's President Lansana Conte\n\nJuly 27, 2001, The Kremlin, Moscow \n\nThe two leaders discussed numerous aspects of bilateral cooperation in the political, trade and economic and military-technical spheres.\nAfter the talks, Mr Putin and Mr Conte signed the Declaration on the Principles of Friendly Relations and Partnership Between the Russian Federation and the Republic of Guinea. The Declaration emphasised the commitment of both countries to global strategic stability and their readiness to promote a multi-polar system of international relations. Russia and Guinea agreed to expand long-term multi-faceted cooperation and bilateral ties in the sphere of health care, education, science and culture. They also agreed that Russian and Guinean Foreign Ministries would maintain regular contacts.\nMr Putin expressed the hope that the Guinean leader’s current visit would help strengthen bilateral contacts.","date":"2001-07-27","title":"President Vladimir Putin met with Guinea's President Lansana Conte","location":"The Kremlin, Moscow","link":"http://en.special.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/42157","id":42157}
{"doc_id":"president_ru-en-041779","text":"Russian President Vladimir Putin held talks with his visiting North Korean counterpart, Kim Jong Il\n\nAugust 4, 2001, The Kremlin, Moscow \n\nThe two leaders talked in a restricted format before proceeding to negotiate with delegations. Their one-on-one meeting, which lasted an hour and a half, focused on the present and future of the Russian-North Korean political dialogue as well as international issues of mutual concern. \nMr Putin and Mr Kim discussed specifically the relations between the two Koreas and the possibility of their reunification. The Russian President supported the efforts of the North Korean leader to continue contacts with South Korea.\nPartnership to maintain strategic stability and collaborative economic projects were also high on the agenda. As was pointed out at the meeting, economic cooperation involved not just the upgrading of railway links and the renovation of industrial and energy projects in North Korea, but also joint extraction of minerals, notably magnesium.\nOpening the talks in the enlarged format, Mr Putin said he was highly satisfied with the development of bilateral relations. He singled out the creation of an adequate regulatory framework as one of the most important achievements in advancing bilateral contacts. Since 1996, the two countries have signed about 20 intergovernmental and interdepartmental agreements, with the key one of these being the Friendship and Cooperation Treaty. \nThe talks culminated in the signing by the two leaders of the Moscow Declaration, which emphasized the sides’ commitment to building a new, fairer world order, one based on the rule of law and on the principles of equality, mutual respect and beneficial cooperation for the sake of maintaining global stability and ensuring the security of each and every member of the world community in the political, economic, social, cultural, information and other areas.\nWhile recognizing that in international relations, independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity of states should be consistently ensured, Russia and North Korea reaffirmed the right of each state to an equal degree of security. \nGiven that the 1972 ABM Treaty is the cornerstone of strategic stability and the foundation for further reductions of existing strategic offensive weapons, the two leaders expressed their determination to continue efforts toward consolidating international security in the 21st century. \nThe North Korean side assured that its missile programme was of a peaceful nature and consequently was not aimed against any country which treated Pyongyang’s sovereignty with respect. The Russian side welcomed North Korea’s stance. \nUpon completion of the talks, Mr Putin hosted a dinner in his North Korean guest’s honour.","date":"2001-08-04","title":"Russian President Vladimir Putin held talks with his visiting North Korean counterpart, Kim Jong Il","location":"The Kremlin, Moscow","link":"http://en.special.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/41779","id":41779}
{"doc_id":"president_ru-en-041797","text":"President Vladimir Putin met with Irina Lyachina, the widow of the commander of the sunken nuclear submarine Kursk\n\nAugust 10, 2001, The Kremlin, Moscow \n\nPresident Putin handed Mrs Lyachina the Hero of Russia Star posthumously awarded to her husband Captain Gennady Lyachin by a presidential decree for courage and heroism shown in the performance of his military duty.\nThe discussion during the meeting covered the state’s obligations to the families of the fallen sailors and the operation to lift the sunken submarine.","date":"2001-08-10","title":"President Vladimir Putin met with Irina Lyachina, the widow of the commander of the sunken nuclear submarine Kursk","location":"The Kremlin, Moscow","link":"http://en.special.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/41797","id":41797}
{"doc_id":"president_ru-en-041796","text":"President Vladimir Putin met with Vladimir Yelagin, the minister with responsibility for coordinating the work of federal government agencies for social and economic development of the Chechen Republic\n\nAugust 10, 2001, The Kremlin, Moscow \n\nThe discussion focused on the social and economic situation in the region. President Putin expressed his dissatisfaction with the pace of work to rebuild the housing sector in Chechnya.\nParticular attention was paid at the meeting to the return of refugees from neighbouring regions, primarily from Ingushetia.","date":"2001-08-10","title":"President Vladimir Putin met with Vladimir Yelagin, the minister with responsibility for coordinating the work of federal government agencies for social and economic development of the Chechen Republic","location":"The Kremlin, Moscow","link":"http://en.special.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/41796","id":41796}
{"doc_id":"president_ru-en-041806","text":"President Vladimir Putin met with US Secretary of Defence Donald Rumsfeld\n\nAugust 13, 2001, The Kremlin, Moscow \n\nOpening the meeting, Vladimir Putin said that agreements reached during his talks with US President George W. Bush in Ljubljana and Genoa were being implemented, and that mutual dialogue had reached a sufficiently high level.\nVladimir Putin and George W. Bush agreed in Genoa that both sides would discuss possible strategic offensive arms cuts. In this connection, the Russian side is interested in the following aspects, namely, residual ceilings, reduction deadlines, as well as control, confidence-building and transparency measures.\nThe President also said that he had recently received a message from George W. Bush on the results of the visits by US Secretaries of the Treasury and Commerce to Moscow, and that he completely agreed with the US leader’s opinion.\nVladimir Putin and Donald Rumsfeld discussed international terrorism, as well as expanded political, economic and military relations.\nRussian Defence Minister Sergei Ivanov also took part in the talks.","date":"2001-08-13","title":"President Vladimir Putin met with US Secretary of Defence Donald Rumsfeld","location":"The Kremlin, Moscow","link":"http://en.special.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/41806","id":41806}
{"doc_id":"president_ru-en-041852","text":"President Vladimir Putin met with Foreign Minister Igor Ivanov and Defence Minister Sergei Ivanov\n\nAugust 23, 2001, The Kremlin, Moscow \n\nThe Ministers told the President about Russian-US consultations on strategic stability, an agreement on which was made during Mr Putin’s meeting with President George W. Bush in Genoa.\nThe Ministers told about Middle Eastern developments and the efforts Russia was making, together with other interested parties, to ease tensions and promote negotiations.\nThe Balkan situation also came under discussion.\nThe Defence Minister informed the President about the situation in Chechnya, and about national defence-related indices of the draft federal budget for 2002.","date":"2001-08-23","title":"President Vladimir Putin met with Foreign Minister Igor Ivanov and Defence Minister Sergei Ivanov","location":"The Kremlin, Moscow","link":"http://en.special.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/41852","id":41852}
{"doc_id":"president_ru-en-041872","text":"President Vladimir Putin met with King Abdullah II of Jordan\n\nAugust 28, 2001, The Kremlin, Moscow \n\nRussian-Jordanian talks were held in restricted and expanded formats.\nThe Parties exchanged opinions on a wide range of topics, including bilateral relations and international problems. The greatest attention was paid to the Middle Eastern situation. The King of Jordan thanked Mr Putin for Russian efforts to promote a settlement in the region.","date":"2001-08-28","title":"President Vladimir Putin met with King Abdullah II of Jordan","location":"The Kremlin, Moscow","link":"http://en.special.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/41872","id":41872}
{"doc_id":"president_ru-en-041879","text":"Vladimir Putin chaired a State Council session on modernisation of the Russian educational system\n\nAugust 29, 2001, The Kremlin, Moscow \n\nThe main provisions of the report on the Russian education policy at the current stage was made before the State Council session by Karelia’s Prime Minister Sergey Katanandov, and approved by the President and regional governors.\nThe modernisation programme lays down measures to improve the quality, access and efficiency of national education. For this, it is required to enhance the social status of teaching staff, to increase state financing of the educational system and to provide for the transparency of other funds’ inflow. The programme also encourages the further development of private schools. \nThe session confirmed the inviolability of the main values of Russian education – accessibility for every citizen, its high level and the priority of support by the state. The Russian President made a point of the state policy’s backbone being education free of charge.\nVladimir Putin entrusted the Government with introducing State Council session-approved amendments into the concept of educational modernisation for a period ending in 2010.","date":"2001-08-29","title":"Vladimir Putin chaired a State Council session on modernisation of the Russian educational system","location":"The Kremlin, Moscow","link":"http://en.special.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/41879","id":41879}
{"doc_id":"president_ru-en-039981","text":"President Vladimir Putin met with former Federal Chancellor of Germany Helmut Kohl\n\nSeptember 4, 2001, The Kremlin, Moscow \n\nVarious issues of Russian-German cooperation were discussed.\nThe Russian head of state highly valued the contribution Mr Kohl made to the development and strengthening of the bilateral relations.","date":"2001-09-04","title":"President Vladimir Putin met with former Federal Chancellor of Germany Helmut Kohl","location":"The Kremlin, Moscow","link":"http://en.special.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/39981","id":39981}
{"doc_id":"president_ru-en-039989","text":"Vladimir Putin met with Moldovan President Vladimir Voronin\n\nSeptember 4, 2001, The Kremlin, Moscow \n\nIssues of bilateral trade and political cooperation were discussed.","date":"2001-09-04","title":"Vladimir Putin met with Moldovan President Vladimir Voronin","location":"The Kremlin, Moscow","link":"http://en.special.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/39989","id":39989}
{"doc_id":"president_ru-en-039979","text":"President Vladimir Putin met with Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon\n\nSeptember 4, 2001, The Kremlin, Moscow \n\nThe two leaders focused on issues related to the Middle East peace process. President Putin said in the course of the talks that Russia was ready to contribute to the settlement process as much as Israel and Palestine would like it to.\nThe Russian-Israeli top-level talks confirmed Russia’s status as a co-sponsor of the Middle East peace process, an impartial mediator and advocate of rapprochement and mutually acceptable political solutions. Russia supports progress towards a comprehensive Arab-Israeli settlement through the resumption of the peace process launched at the Madrid Conference.\nRussia strongly condemns violence and calls for taking effective measures to fight terrorism. It also believes it is important for the international community to provide useful assistance to the conflicting sides.\nMr Putin and Mr Sharon also discussed the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction. Israel’s Prime Minister pointed to the need to check the flow of WMD into such countries as Iran and Iraq. President Putin reminded his counterpart of Russia’s unyielding position on the observance of the non-proliferation regime.\nMr Sharon commended Russia’s role in the world and expressed special appreciation for the Soviet Union’s key part in defeating the Nazis in World War II, saving the world and the lives of many Jews. \nMr Sharon invited Mr Putin to visit Israel.","date":"2001-09-04","title":"President Vladimir Putin met with Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon","location":"The Kremlin, Moscow","link":"http://en.special.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/39979","id":39979}
{"doc_id":"president_ru-en-039995","text":"President Vladimir Putin met with King Juan Carlos I of Spain\n\nSeptember 5, 2001, The Kremlin, Moscow \n\nDuring their conversation, President Putin and King Juan Carlos discussed current issues related to Russian-Spanish cooperation and the two countries’ interaction on the international stage. They expressed satisfaction with the level of bilateral relations that had been attained and was apparent in their intense contacts at various levels.\nThey also discussed the development of Russia’s relations with the European Union in light of Spain’s forthcoming presidency of the EU in 2002.\nThe Russian President confirmed his previous invitation to the Spanish King to visit Russia.\nKing Juan Carlos I was in Moscow on a one-day private visit. The Spanish royal couple has paid official visits to Russia twice – in 1984 and 1997. In July 2001, Queen Sofia of Spain made a brief private visit to St Petersburg.","date":"2001-09-05","title":"President Vladimir Putin met with King Juan Carlos I of Spain","location":"The Kremlin, Moscow","link":"http://en.special.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/39995","id":39995}
{"doc_id":"president_ru-en-040081","text":"President Vladimir Putin made a statement on terrorist attacks in the United States\n\nSeptember 11, 2001, The Kremlin, Moscow \n\nMr Putin expressed sincere and profound condolences with all the survivors and bereaved families.\nWhat happened in the United States today goes beyond national borders. It is a brazen challenge to humanity, at least to the civilised humanity. And what happened today is additional proof of the relevance of the Russian proposal to pool international efforts against terrorism, that plague of the 21st century, the Russian President stressed.\nRussia has first-hand knowledge of terrorism. So, we understand the feelings of the American nation. Addressing the people of the United States on behalf of Russia, I say that we are with you, we fully share your pain, and support you, Mr Putin said.","date":"2001-09-11","title":"President Vladimir Putin made a statement on terrorist attacks in the United States","location":"The Kremlin, Moscow","link":"http://en.special.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/40081","id":40081}
{"doc_id":"president_ru-en-040079","text":"President Vladimir Putin conferred state awards on a group of Russian journalists\n\nSeptember 11, 2001, The Kremlin, Moscow \n\nAs Mr Putin was conferring awards on representatives of the media, he stressed that tremendous political and economic changes would be impossible in Russia without its free mass media. Many of journalists being decorated had worked in Chechnya. \nA total of 48 Russian journalists received state awards – four of them the Order of Valour and one the Order of Honour.","date":"2001-09-11","title":"President Vladimir Putin conferred state awards on a group of Russian journalists","location":"The Kremlin, Moscow","link":"http://en.special.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/40079","id":40079}
{"doc_id":"president_ru-en-040088","text":"President Vladimir Putin met with Zhu Rongji, Chinese State Council Prime Minister\n\nSeptember 11, 2001, The Kremlin, Moscow \n\nMr Putin told Mr Zhu that he would soon submit the Russian-Chinese Friendship Treaty to Parliament for ratification. \nMr Putin said he was satisfied with the dynamic development of Russian-Chinese partnership, in particular, in the trade and economic, and military-technical fields. Among the breakthroughs of bilateral partnership, he highlighted the establishment of a commission for humanitarian issues. \nMr Putin paid special attention to the development of aviation partnership, and said he was glad Chinese experts held in high regard Russian aircraft and aviation technology. \nMr Zhu passed to Mr Putin a greeting and best wishes from President Jiang Zemin, who was looking forward to meeting with the Russian President in Shanghai.\nDeputy Prime Minister Ilya Klebanov, Russian-Chinese Inter-Governmental Commission Co-Chairman, Minister of Foreign Affairs Igor Ivanov and Sergei Prikhodko, Deputy Chief of the Presidential Executive Office, attended the meeting on the Russian side.","date":"2001-09-11","title":"President Vladimir Putin met with Zhu Rongji, Chinese State Council Prime Minister","location":"The Kremlin, Moscow","link":"http://en.special.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/40088","id":40088}
{"doc_id":"president_ru-en-040115","text":"President Vladimir Putin met with CEOs of the Russian aircraft industry\n\nSeptember 12, 2001, The Kremlin, Moscow \n\nPresident Putin said the Russian aircraft industry still faced many major unsolved problems, such as overhauling the civilian air fleet, flight safety, the development of aviation science and experimental facilities. These are the focuses of activity in the industry. The Russian President said he was dissatisfied with the situation in the aircraft industry.\nMr Putin said that problems facing the aircraft industry could be solved through restructuring, and streamlined funding mechanisms that would help utilise production capacities and renew the air fleet.\nHe also noted the need for expanded cooperation in the field of aviation and stressed that the national aircraft industry should more actively promote its products on the global market.","date":"2001-09-12","title":"President Vladimir Putin met with CEOs of the Russian aircraft industry","location":"The Kremlin, Moscow","link":"http://en.special.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/40115","id":40115}
{"doc_id":"president_ru-en-040112","text":"Russian President Vladimir Putin met with Prime Minister Mikhail Kasyanov and Central Bank Chairman Viktor Gerashchenko\n\nSeptember 12, 2001, The Kremlin, Moscow \n\nThe President asked the Government to maintain regular contacts with representatives of the United States, and said rescue units had been alerted and could be sent to the disaster area anytime.\nMikhail Kasyanov said all emergency and secret services, particularly those in the North Caucasus, had been placed on red alert starting on September 11. He said Russia had offered assistance to the United States and that national rescue teams were ready to respond anytime.\nMr Putin noted the need for an additional and prompt inventory of all emergency-service regulations and departmental instructions, and said proposals on stepping up their work must be made in the near future.\nThe President heard a report by the Central Bank Chairman on the situation on national currency and stock markets.\nMr Kasyanov said all financial and trade operations were being made without delay and in full volume. Although there is some confusion, the Central Bank is moving to calm down market players, Mr Kasyanov told the President.\nAccording to the Prime Minister, prices for the main Russian export items remain stable, and there is no reason for alarm. On the whole, the situation is under control; we are regularly monitoring developments on the domestic and global markets; and the dollar is unlikely to plunge in Russia, Mr Kasyanov said. He said the Government did not expect any dramatic developments on the market, as the US economy remained fundamentally strong.\nMr Gerashchenko said that although the dollar was unlikely to fluctuate against other currencies, the Central Bank had enough reserves to maintain the rouble’s stable exchange rate.","date":"2001-09-12","title":"Russian President Vladimir Putin met with Prime Minister Mikhail Kasyanov and Central Bank Chairman Viktor Gerashchenko","location":"The Kremlin, Moscow","link":"http://en.special.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/40112","id":40112}
{"doc_id":"president_ru-en-040159","text":"President Vladimir Putin met with Minister of Justice Yuri Chaika\n\nSeptember 13, 2001, The Kremlin, Moscow \n\nMr Putin and Mr Chaika discussed perfecting the legislation on the fight against terrorism in accordance with the European Convention on the Suppression of Terrorism and the UN Convention for the Suppression of the Financing of Terrorism. Russia joined the former convention last year and the latter this year. \nIn the course of the conversation, the President enquired about the execution of court rulings in the country, the state of the penitentiary system and the conditions in the penal institutions. \nMr Chaika told the President about the work of the Justice Ministry in Chechnya. He said in the year 2000 the bodies of the Justice Ministry in the republic had accepted 2,500 enquiries from permanent residents of Chechnya, while in the first eight months of the current year there had been nearly 5,000 enquiries.","date":"2001-09-13","title":"President Vladimir Putin met with Minister of Justice Yuri Chaika","location":"The Kremlin, Moscow","link":"http://en.special.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/40159","id":40159}
{"doc_id":"president_ru-en-040095","text":"President Vladimir Putin met with Deputy Prime Minister Ilya Klebanov and Navy Commander-in-Chief Vladimir Kuroyedov\n\nSeptember 13, 2001, The Kremlin, Moscow \n\nThe President underlined the importance of ensuring security of all the people involved in the operation to lift the sunken nuclear submarine Kursk.\nMr Klebanov and Mr Kuroyedov briefed the President on the course of the operation. They said the timetable was generally observed, though some fluctuations had been caused by the weather, which could not affect the completion of the operation to raise the submarine and put it in dock.","date":"2001-09-13","title":"President Vladimir Putin met with Deputy Prime Minister Ilya Klebanov and Navy Commander-in-Chief Vladimir Kuroyedov","location":"The Kremlin, Moscow","link":"http://en.special.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/40095","id":40095}
{"doc_id":"president_ru-en-040001","text":"Vladimir Putin met with leaders of Muslim Spiritual Directorates of Russia in the Kremlin\n\nSeptember 24, 2001, The Kremlin, Moscow \n\nThe President thanked the muftis for their dedicated work toward consolidating civil and inter-confessional peace in Russia. \nMr Putin pointed out that tensions grew in various parts of the world where unscrupulous people tried to use Islam as a cover for their own criminal activities, and warned against interethnic conflicts which can spark from such situations.\nFaithful Muslims and young followers of Islam should not be in danger because of those who chose terror as their religion, Putin emphasised. Young people must be saved from following that path as it would be truly destructive for a multi-ethnic country like Russia. The President proposed cooperation to the Islamic leaders.\nIn his opinion, Islam and Christianity together constitute a cultural environment unique to Russia where they co-exist in harmony. We all should stand up to counter the attempts to shatter this harmony, Putin said.\nThe President supported the proposal to hold an international Islamic conference Islam Against Terrorism in Moscow.","date":"2001-09-24","title":"Vladimir Putin met with leaders of Muslim Spiritual Directorates of Russia in the Kremlin","location":"The Kremlin, Moscow","link":"http://en.special.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/40001","id":40001}
{"doc_id":"president_ru-en-040143","text":"President Vladimir Putin chaired a Security Council meeting\n\nSeptember 28, 2001, The Kremlin, Moscow \n\n The meeting discussed ways to improve the state policy to fight illicit traffic in and abuse of drugs in the country. \nMr Putin expressed concern over the growth of drug addiction in Russia citing the following alarming statistics: the Russian drug market constitutes over $1 billion; total number of drug addicts has increased nine-fold in the past 10 years with a 17-time increase in drug abuse among teenagers; every fifth draftee has tried drugs; the total number of drug addicts on file in Russia is 269,000.\nThe President noted that heroin of Afghan origin accounted for 28% in the total drug consumption in Russia, but at the same time domestic drug production, including synthetic drugs, was growing.\nMr Putin stated that the drug business was a financial resource for terrorist groups and armed gangs and noted that Russia had become a moneymaking transit corridor for drug trafficking. In that connection the President underlined the need to shut off all drug distribution channels and reinforce the power agencies both in terms of finance and staff, eliminate any loopholes in the financial, legal and social spheres, and provide for punishment for drug distribution.\nThe Security Council meeting resolved to fortify Russia’s southern borders and named production of a drug detecting device as one of the measures aimed at reducing the incoming drug volume. The measure was included in the governmental 2002–2004 programme also discussed at the meeting.\nThe Interior Minister Boris Gryzlov and Health Minister Yuri Shevchenko were among the keynote speakers.","date":"2001-09-28","title":"President Vladimir Putin chaired a Security Council meeting","location":"The Kremlin, Moscow","link":"http://en.special.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/40143","id":40143}
{"doc_id":"president_ru-en-040418","text":"Vladimir Putin held a meeting on the response to floods in Yakutia\n\nOctober 1, 2001, The Kremlin, Moscow \n\nPresident Putin will soon visit the regions of Yakutia affected by the flood. He announced this after Emergency Situation Minister Sergei Shoigu had reported that the tasks set before the government commission for dealing with the after-effects of the flood had been resolved. Mr Putin emphasised that the commission should not stop its work until he saw the results.\nMr Shoigu made his report via a satellite link-up from Lensk. He said that all the 3,200 families who lost their shelter had already been provided with housing. All education, social and cultural premises, and public utilities had been restored. Roads and other infrastructure facilities had been repaired. \nPresident Putin asked Mr Shoigu to report on the financial resources spent on the recovery.\nMr Putin also instructed the Minister to organise supplies of humanitarian aid to Afghanistan.","date":"2001-10-01","title":"Vladimir Putin held a meeting on the response to floods in Yakutia","location":"The Kremlin, Moscow","link":"http://en.special.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/40418","id":40418}
{"doc_id":"president_ru-en-040459","text":"President Vladimir Putin met with British Prime Minister Tony Blair\n\nOctober 4, 2001, The Kremlin, Moscow \n\nCounterterrorism was the focal point in the two leaders’ talks. Mr Putin said that Russia viewed the meeting as a follow-up to the contacts with the United States, the EU, and Central Asian countries – those states that have chosen to counter global terrorism. \nRussia fully supported the basic provisions expressed by the British leader in Parliament, Mr Putin said. \nSpeaking at today’s extraordinary session of the British Parliament, Mr Blair said that the international coalition was approaching a difficult moment when a military operation against the terrorists would become necessary. He underlined that a warlike move would be undertaken not only against Osama bin Laden as the key suspect in terrorist attacks in the United States, but also against the Afghan Taliban movement hiding the world’s number one terrorist.\nThe Russian leader noted that Mr Blair was very quick to accept the invitation to come to Moscow, and the prompt discussion of the most acute issues only emphasised the relations between Russia and the United Kingdom, Mr Putin stressed. \nThe British leader in his turn noted Mr Putin’s efforts to rally the world in the face of the terrorist threat. \nA unified approach elaborated after the tragic events in the United States proved that the world was coming together, Mr Blair said, noting that the same was true of the Russian-European and Russian-British relations. \nMr Blair also extended his condolences in connection with the Tu-154 air disaster. \nAt the joint news conference that followed the meeting, Mr Putin stated that the high profile of the Russian-British relations facilitated the resolution of the most acute problems, including global counter-terrorist action. \nThe Russian leader also answered some of the reporters’ questions on the Tu-154 air crash. \nFollowing the meeting at the Kremlin and the joint news conference, the two leaders set off to Mr Putin’s residence where they will continue their discussion over dinner.","date":"2001-10-04","title":"President Vladimir Putin met with British Prime Minister Tony Blair","location":"The Kremlin, Moscow","link":"http://en.special.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/40459","id":40459}
{"doc_id":"president_ru-en-040465","text":"President Vladimir Putin met with the EU Council Justice Ministers\n\nOctober 4, 2001, The Kremlin, Moscow \n\n","date":"2001-10-04","title":"President Vladimir Putin met with the EU Council Justice Ministers","location":"The Kremlin, Moscow","link":"http://en.special.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/40465","id":40465}
{"doc_id":"president_ru-en-040457","text":"President Vladimir Putin issued urgent instructions following the crash of a Tu-154 airliner over the Black Sea\n\nOctober 4, 2001, The Kremlin, Moscow \n\nMr Putin was informed immediately about the crash of Tu-154 (Sibir Airlines) aircraft over the Black Sea near Novorossiisk, and issued immediate instructions to the Defence Ministry and the Emergency Situations Ministry on search-and-rescue works. \nMr Putin appointed Security Council Secretary Vladimir Rushailo the head of the air crash investigation commission, and also summoned to the Kremlin Federal Security Service Director Nikolai Patrushev and Defence Minister Sergei Ivanov, who briefed the President on the disaster and progress of search-and-rescue operations.\nThe plane performing a flight from Tel-Aviv to Novosibirsk with 77 passengers onboard crashed into the neutral waters at approximately 1:35 pm Moscow time 180 km south of Novorossiisk. The sea there is about 1 km deep.","date":"2001-10-04","title":"President Vladimir Putin issued urgent instructions following the crash of a Tu-154 airliner over the Black Sea","location":"The Kremlin, Moscow","link":"http://en.special.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/40457","id":40457}
{"doc_id":"president_ru-en-040422","text":"President Vladimir Putin had a working meeting with Defence Minister Sergei Ivanov\n\nOctober 4, 2001, The Kremlin, Moscow \n\nMr Ivanov gave Mr Putin an update on the performance of the coordinating group created on the President’s instructions and entrusted with implementation of the tasks set forth in the President’s statement on the situation in Afghanistan and Russia’s efforts in that regard. \nThe coordinating group includes representatives of the Defence, Foreign, Internal Affairs, and Emergency Situations Ministries, the Federal Security Service (FSB), the Foreign Intelligence Service and the Federal Agency for Governmental Communications and Information (FAPSI). \nThe Minister also briefed the President on the implementation of presidential instructions to deliver humanitarian aid to Afghanistan.\nMr Putin and Mr Ivanov also discussed cooperation between the CIS, the United States and other anti-terrorist coalition member countries, and deeper cooperation between Russia and NATO in various spheres.","date":"2001-10-04","title":"President Vladimir Putin had a working meeting with Defence Minister Sergei Ivanov","location":"The Kremlin, Moscow","link":"http://en.special.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/40422","id":40422}
{"doc_id":"president_ru-en-040436","text":"President Vladimir Putin met with King Carl XVI Gustav of Sweden\n\nOctober 8, 2001, The Kremlin, Moscow \n\nThe welcoming ceremony was held in the Kremlin’s St George Hall.\nThe President said the Swedish King’s visit to Russia was a confirmation of the high level of contacts between the two countries in diverse areas. \nKing Carl XVI Gustav and Queen Silvia, accompanied by a group of leading Swedish businessmen, arrived at the invitation of the Russian President. This is the second visit of the royal couple to Russia since June 1978.","date":"2001-10-08","title":"President Vladimir Putin met with King Carl XVI Gustav of Sweden","location":"The Kremlin, Moscow","link":"http://en.special.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/40436","id":40436}
{"doc_id":"president_ru-en-040473","text":"President Vladimir Putin held a meeting with the Cabinet\n\nOctober 8, 2001, The Kremlin, Moscow \n\nThe counter-terrorist operation in Afghanistan topped the agenda of the President’s meeting with Government officials. \nMr Putin said he had no doubts that the US Administration and President Bush would do everything possible to prevent the civilian victims as a result of this operation. \nThe Kremlin meeting also discussed the Kursk submarine recovery effort.","date":"2001-10-08","title":"President Vladimir Putin held a meeting with the Cabinet","location":"The Kremlin, Moscow","link":"http://en.special.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/40473","id":40473}
{"doc_id":"president_ru-en-040441","text":"President Vladimir Putin met with Prosecutor-General Vladimir Ustinov\n\nOctober 10, 2001, The Kremlin, Moscow \n\nPresident Putin gave instructions for investigators from the Prosecutor-General’s Office and forensic experts to be allowed on board the Kursk immediately after it has been put in the dock at Roslyakovo. He said during the meeting that the necessary instructions had already been given to the Defence Minister.\nThe Prosecutor-General said that the necessary preparation had been completed and investigators from the Prosecutor-General’s Office would begin work on board the Kursk immediately.\nThe special barge Gigant-4 carrying the Kursk had passed the Kola Bay and anchored earlier today at Roslyakovo in the Belokamenka Bay.","date":"2001-10-10","title":"President Vladimir Putin met with Prosecutor-General Vladimir Ustinov","location":"The Kremlin, Moscow","link":"http://en.special.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/40441","id":40441}
{"doc_id":"president_ru-en-040483","text":"President Vladimir Putin met with Konstantin Totsky, Director of the Federal Border Guard Service\n\nOctober 10, 2001, The Kremlin, Moscow \n\nThe Director of the Federal Border Guard Service briefed the President on the situation on the Tajik-Afghan border. Mr Totsky said that no influx of refugees was expected on that border or on Afghanistan’s border with Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan.\nMr Totsky also briefed the President on the situation on Russia’s border with Abkhazia. In order to reinforce the area, there are plans to station Defence Ministry and Internal Affairs Ministry forces on that section along with Border Guard Service troops.","date":"2001-10-10","title":"President Vladimir Putin met with Konstantin Totsky, Director of the Federal Border Guard Service","location":"The Kremlin, Moscow","link":"http://en.special.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/40483","id":40483}
{"doc_id":"president_ru-en-040498","text":"Russian President met with Horst Koehler, managing director of the International Monetary Fund\n\nOctober 11, 2001, The Kremlin, Moscow \n\nOn opening the meeting, Mr Putin said that Russia’s relations with the International Monetary Fund had moved to a new level. Now, Russia develops economic programmes independently and without taking out loans. \n The President said that although Russia did not need credits, it did need cooperation. Moreover, Russia is involved in a three-year programme which is being developed with IMF participation. \nMr Koehler said that he highly valued cooperation with Russia, which had entered new phase, adding that successful reforms in Russia made this partnership possible. \nThe Russian President said that the Central Bank’s currency reserves were growing. Such figures have allowed Russia to draw up a proposal to the Fund to advance the repayment of loans. \nThe head of the Fund welcomed this initiative, saying that it was very important and well-timed in the current economic environment. \nThe Russian President and the Fund’s director also discussed the fight against international terrorism. Horst Koehler emphasised the importance of drafting laws against money laundering in Russia and establishing special institutions to combat it.","date":"2001-10-11","title":"Russian President met with Horst Koehler, managing director of the International Monetary Fund","location":"The Kremlin, Moscow","link":"http://en.special.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/40498","id":40498}
{"doc_id":"president_ru-en-040523","text":"Vladimir Putin met with Akhmat Kadyrov, head of the Chechen Republic's Administration\n\nOctober 15, 2001, The Kremlin, Moscow \n\nThey discussed the social and economic situation and ways of restoring peaceful life in the republic.\nMr Kadyrov also told the Russian President about the results of his visits to Arab countries. He said that the main objective of his tour was to inform those countries about the situation in the republic and also negotiate possible assistance to the Chechen people in their efforts to restore peaceful life.","date":"2001-10-15","title":"Vladimir Putin met with Akhmat Kadyrov, head of the Chechen Republic's Administration","location":"The Kremlin, Moscow","link":"http://en.special.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/40523","id":40523}
{"doc_id":"president_ru-en-040512","text":"Vladimir Putin had negotiations with Polish President Aleksander Kwasniewski\n\nOctober 15, 2001, The Kremlin, Moscow \n\nWhen opening the meeting, Mr Putin noted a positive development of economic ties between the two countries. He said that their foreign trade turnover exceeded $5 billion in 2000.\nThere is not a single complication in Russian-Polish relations, Mr Putin said.\nHe confirmed his readiness to pay an official visit to Poland on January 16–17, 2002. The date was not chosen by chance: on January 17, 1945, Soviet troops liberated Warsaw.\nThe Presidents discussed prospects for developing bilateral relations, especially in view of Poland’s forthcoming entry into the European Union, general aspects of Russia-EU relations and Russian-Polish transport and cultural cooperation.\nMr Kwasniewski said after the talks that the two countries’ positions on such issues as the fight against international terrorism and European integration coincided. He called the talks interesting and fruitful.","date":"2001-10-15","title":"Vladimir Putin had negotiations with Polish President Aleksander Kwasniewski","location":"The Kremlin, Moscow","link":"http://en.special.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/40512","id":40512}
{"doc_id":"president_ru-en-040587","text":"President Vladimir Putin met with Prime Minister Mikhail Kasyanov\n\nOctober 16, 2001, The Kremlin, Moscow \n\nAt Mr Kasyanov’s suggestion, some changes were made in the Government’s structure. \nThe Ministry for Federation Affairs and National and Migration Policies was abolished by a presidential decree and its functions were distributed among the Interior Ministry, the Foreign Ministry and the Economic Development and Trade Ministry.\nIt was also stipulated that the Prime Minister should have five deputies, among them the Minister of Industry, Science and Technologies, the Minister of Agriculture and the Finance Minister.","date":"2001-10-16","title":"President Vladimir Putin met with Prime Minister Mikhail Kasyanov","location":"The Kremlin, Moscow","link":"http://en.special.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/40587","id":40587}
{"doc_id":"president_ru-en-040514","text":"President Vladimir Putin met with members of the organising committee of the Delovaya Rossia parliamentary association\n\nOctober 16, 2001, The Kremlin, Moscow \n\nThey discussed small and medium-sized business in this country.\nThe President said that private enterprise was developing in the sectors which used to be loss-making under the plan-based economy, i.e., trade, tourism and the food industry.\nMr Putin said much had been done to eliminate bureaucracy in the economy, but there were unsolved problems, in particular in the taxation sphere. He said the Ministry for Taxes and Dues and the Economic Policy Ministry were drafting a package of proposals on these issues.\nThe President expressed certainty that Russia’s accession to the World Trade Organisation would benefit the country’s economy. He said Russia regarded its accession to the WTO as an important task but realised that many Russian commodities could not compete with other countries’ goods on the market. Mr Putin’s advice to Delovaya Rossia’s representatives was to consider international cooperation of small and medium-sized businesses.\nPersonnel training was another problem faced by small and medium-sized businesses. The President noted that the Government and the business community should pay more attention to this issue.","date":"2001-10-16","title":"President Vladimir Putin met with members of the organising committee of the Delovaya Rossia parliamentary association","location":"The Kremlin, Moscow","link":"http://en.special.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/40514","id":40514}
{"doc_id":"president_ru-en-040510","text":"President Vladimir Putin received credentials from seven new extraordinary and plenipotentiary ambassadors\n\nOctober 17, 2001, The Kremlin, Moscow \n\nThe following ambassadors handed in their credentials to President Putin: Alexander Russell Vershbow, United States of America; Mohammad Saad Udah al-Sallal, State of Kuwait; Karin Jaani, Republic of Estonia; James Anthony Sharkey, Ireland; Sanjaagiin Bayar, Mongolia; Tawfeeq Ahmed Khalil al-Mansoor, State of Bahrain; and Gholam Reza Shafei, Islamic Republic of Iran.\nIn his speech the President touched upon the fight against terrorism and on the strengthening of global security, as well as Russia’s relations with each of the countries represented by their ambassadors at the ceremony.","date":"2001-10-17","title":"President Vladimir Putin received credentials from seven new extraordinary and plenipotentiary ambassadors","location":"The Kremlin, Moscow","link":"http://en.special.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/40510","id":40510}
{"doc_id":"president_ru-en-040603","text":"President Vladimir Putin met with Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez\n\nOctober 22, 2001, The Kremlin, Moscow \n\nMr Putin said that Russia insisted on a just oil price corridor and was holding active consultations with principal oil exporting countries. \nHe emphasised the permanence and vitality of the Russian-Venezuelan dialogue, and stressed its positive content, especially from the point of steady global crude oil supplies. \nMr Putin and Mr Chavez focussed on the situation in the global petroleum markets. Mr Chavez summarised his tour of European countries and informed Mr Putin about decisions the upcoming OPEC meeting was expected to make. These decisions meant, on the one hand, to preserve the stability of oil extraction and production and, on the other hand, to prevent major oil price fluctuations.","date":"2001-10-22","title":"President Vladimir Putin met with Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez","location":"The Kremlin, Moscow","link":"http://en.special.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/40603","id":40603}
{"doc_id":"president_ru-en-040576","text":"President Vladimir Putin met with the leaders of State Duma parties\n\nOctober 23, 2001, The Kremlin, Moscow \n\nPresident Putin said the draft 2002 federal budget must be based on global economic development and energy price trends.\nMr Putin and members of Parliament discussed foreign-policy issues. The President told State Duma deputies about his visit to Shanghai. The sides also discussed the situation around Afghanistan, Chechnya and Georgia, the dismantling of a Russian military base in Vietnam and a radar station in Cuba, as well as aspects of the pension reform.","date":"2001-10-23","title":"President Vladimir Putin met with the leaders of State Duma parties","location":"The Kremlin, Moscow","link":"http://en.special.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/40576","id":40576}
{"doc_id":"president_ru-en-040571","text":"President Vladimir Putin met with French Prime Minister Lionel Jospin\n\nOctober 23, 2001, The Kremlin, Moscow \n\nMr Jospin said Russian-French relations were developing positively and expanding. President Putin said he was satisfied with the recently active bilateral dialogue. He stressed that he was maintaining permanent contacts with President Jacques Chirac, and that the experts of both countries were working hard to expand Russian-French ties.\nMr Putin and Mr Jospin examined bilateral economic ties and important international issues. Both parties confirmed that they perceived broad cooperation prospects in many spheres, including the aerospace industry, and that bilateral cooperation could help attain positive results in Russian-French and Russia-EU relations. President Putin said there were many mutually beneficial prospects in this field.","date":"2001-10-23","title":"President Vladimir Putin met with French Prime Minister Lionel Jospin","location":"The Kremlin, Moscow","link":"http://en.special.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/40571","id":40571}
{"doc_id":"president_ru-en-040549","text":"President Vladimir Putin chaired a meeting of the commission for military-technical cooperation\n\nOctober 24, 2001, The Kremlin, Moscow \n\nIn his speech, Vladimir Putin spoke of the need to give more attention to the quality of Russia’s military-technical cooperation with foreign partners.\nThe President said that in view of the recent terrorist attacks on the United States and many countries’ efforts to unite forces in the fight against terrorism, military-technical cooperation acquired special significance. It is important not only to maintain a high quality of Russian hardware but also to ensure a proper level of servicing it.","date":"2001-10-24","title":"President Vladimir Putin chaired a meeting of the commission for military-technical cooperation","location":"The Kremlin, Moscow","link":"http://en.special.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/40549","id":40549}
{"doc_id":"president_ru-en-040553","text":"President Vladimir Putin met with Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi\n\nOctober 25, 2001, The Kremlin, Moscow \n\nWhen opening the meeting, Mr Putin emphasised that Russia was very interested in the development of Russian-Italian relations. He pointed out that Italy was one of Russia's main business partners, with a trade turnover between the two countries estimated at $10 billion. \nDuring the meeting, Mr Putin and Mr Berlusconi expressed concerns over the escalation of violence in the Middle East. They also discussed the situation in the Balkans and Afghanistan, Russia’s relations with the EU and other issues related to world and European security.","date":"2001-10-25","title":"President Vladimir Putin met with Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi","location":"The Kremlin, Moscow","link":"http://en.special.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/40553","id":40553}
{"doc_id":"president_ru-en-040500","text":"President Vladimir Putin negotiated with Portuguese President Jorge Sampaio\n\nOctober 26, 2001, The Kremlin, Moscow \n\nMr Putin and Mr Sampaio discussed international efforts to combat terrorism. The Presidents also focused on the future of the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), the Angolan peace settlement and bilateral economic cooperation.\nThree Russian-Portuguese agreements, namely a consular convention, a memorandum of understanding on cooperation between foreign ministries and a protocol on transferring Russian archives from Portugal to Russia, were signed in the presence of both leaders.\nPresident Putin accepted an invitation from President Sampaio to visit Portugal in 2002.\nThe Russian President told journalists after the talks that he was quite optimistic about the future of the OSCE. Mr Putin said more harmonious relations in Europe and the world had increased the OSCE’s chances of tackling specific problems in accordance with its charter.","date":"2001-10-26","title":"President Vladimir Putin negotiated with Portuguese President Jorge Sampaio","location":"The Kremlin, Moscow","link":"http://en.special.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/40500","id":40500}
{"doc_id":"president_ru-en-040522","text":"President Putin met with Chinese Vice President Hu Jintao\n\nOctober 27, 2001, The Kremlin, Moscow \n\nThe two leaders spoke in favour of maintaining and strengthening international strategic stability, the cornerstone of which is the Anti-Ballistic Missile Treaty. In particular, they discussed Russian-American dialogue on this issue. Mr Putin told the Chinese Vice President about his meetings with US President George W. Bush. The two leaders also discussed the situation in Afghanistan, prospects for settling the conflict and developing the country in the post-Taliban period, the coordination of efforts to combat international terrorism, and issues related to bilateral military, technical and economic cooperation. \nMr Hu said that the All-Chinese Assembly of People’s Representatives had approved the Treaty on Good Neighbourliness, Friendship and Cooperation between the two countries. Earlier that day, the Russian President had introduced the treaty to the State Duma.","date":"2001-10-27","title":"President Putin met with Chinese Vice President Hu Jintao","location":"The Kremlin, Moscow","link":"http://en.special.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/40522","id":40522}
{"doc_id":"president_ru-en-040534","text":"President Vladimir Putin met with Macedonian President Boris Trajkovski\n\nOctober 29, 2001, The Kremlin, Moscow \n\nThe twp leaders focused on combating international terrorism and the situation in the Balkans.\nPresident Putin emphasised Russia’s support for the efforts made by Macedonia and the international community to stabilise the Balkans and Macedonia in particular. The Russian President mentioned the operation to collect weapons from militants and the effort to improve the security of OSCE personnel and other international staff.\nMr Putin and Mr Trajkovski also focused on economic and cultural cooperation between the two countries.","date":"2001-10-29","title":"President Vladimir Putin met with Macedonian President Boris Trajkovski","location":"The Kremlin, Moscow","link":"http://en.special.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/40534","id":40534}
{"doc_id":"president_ru-en-040537","text":"President Vladimir Putin chaired a joint meeting of the Russian State Council's presidium and the Security Council\n\nOctober 30, 2001, The Kremlin, Moscow \n\nThe President spoke in favour of a deep structural reform of the country’s military-industrial complex. He said that its structure was still archaic and did not meet the country’s contemporary military-industrial demands. Mr Putin also said it was important to remember that new threats imposed crucial new demands on national security.\nThe President also supported the integration of the Russian military-industrial complex into the market infrastructure, which would allow it to attract non-state investment, including foreign money. He pointed out that attracting foreign investment to the military-industrial complex should benefit Russia’s national security.\nThe meeting approved a strategy for the development of the Russian military-industrial complex.","date":"2001-10-30","title":"President Vladimir Putin chaired a joint meeting of the Russian State Council's presidium and the Security Council","location":"The Kremlin, Moscow","link":"http://en.special.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/40537","id":40537}
{"doc_id":"president_ru-en-041473","text":"President Vladimir Putin met with the presidents of the constitutional courts of European and CIS countries\n\nNovember 1, 2001, The Kremlin, Moscow \n\nMr Putin said that it had become a praiseworthy Russian tradition to receive the world’s leading lawyers. He expressed his hope that their arrival in Moscow for the 10th anniversary of the Russian Constitutional Court showed that the court was now on a par with the other constitutional courts of the world. \nMr Putin paid much attention in his address to the fight against terrorism. He said that contemporary terrorism could undermine the constitutional order of any country. That was why joint search for effective legal methods to combat that evil was among the most essential issues of the day.\nHe said that Russia had faced organised terrorism and the necessity to fight it while, at the same time, complying with citizens’ rights and personal freedoms—a formidable task—before other countries. \nAs he saw it, it was extremely difficult to reconcile the fight against terrorism with such compliance, in particular because radicals of every hue and cry and terrorists had learned to mislead the public by using legal norms. In that, Mr Putin stressed, they were pursuing only one end—to destroy the pillars and values of contemporary civilisation, and they were doing it with the utmost cruelty and ruthlessness. \nMr Putin pointed out the importance of constructive team efforts between the Russian judiciary and the European Court of Human Rights. He said that Russia hoped that its possible miscarriages of justice would be pointed out tactfully and professionally, and then the Russian judiciary would correct its mistakes.","date":"2001-11-01","title":"President Vladimir Putin met with the presidents of the constitutional courts of European and CIS countries","location":"The Kremlin, Moscow","link":"http://en.special.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/41473","id":41473}
{"doc_id":"president_ru-en-041476","text":"President Putin had a meeting with Justice Minister Yury Chaika\n\nNovember 2, 2001, The Kremlin, Moscow \n\nThe President called for stepping up efforts in fighting extremism in Russia. He admitted with regret that the authorities’ efforts in this direction proved inefficient sometimes. \nWhen speaking of the recent affray at the Tsaritsino metro station in Moscow, the head of state said the country was facing many outbreaks of extremism-related violence, something it had never witnessed before. \nIn his turn, Mr Chaika emphasised the need of consistent improvement of Russian legislature and urgent adoption of a bill that would give legal definitions to such notions as extremism and an extremist organisation.\nThe president instructed the Ministry of Justice to speed up the drafting of the relevant document.","date":"2001-11-02","title":"President Putin had a meeting with Justice Minister Yury Chaika","location":"The Kremlin, Moscow","link":"http://en.special.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/41476","id":41476}
{"doc_id":"president_ru-en-041475","text":"President Putin met with Lebanese Prime Minister Rafik Hariri\n\nNovember 2, 2001, The Kremlin, Moscow \n\nThe leaders of the two countries discussed the recent developments in the Middle East, and acute problems of Lebanese-Israeli and Lebanese-Syrian relations. Mr Hariri stressed Russia’s active role in settling the Middle Eastern crisis. \nThey exchanged opinions on the situation around Iraq and emphasised the need to strictly observe a relevant UN resolution on the issue. \nThey paid special attention to bilateral trade and economic relations, in particular Russia’s participation in the construction of an oil refinery in Lebanon.","date":"2001-11-02","title":"President Putin met with Lebanese Prime Minister Rafik Hariri","location":"The Kremlin, Moscow","link":"http://en.special.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/41475","id":41475}
{"doc_id":"president_ru-en-041479","text":"President Putin met with US Defence Secretary Donald Rumsfeld\n\nNovember 3, 2001, The Kremlin, Moscow \n\nA dialogue between defence and security agencies is an important aspect of Russian-American cooperation because it creates the atmosphere of trust we need in other spheres of bilateral partnership, President Vladimir Putin said.\nIn this connection, the president mentioned his recent meeting with the US president in Shanghai, where the two leaders discussed many issues of interaction between Russian and US defence and security agencies.\nThe Pentagon chief, in turn, related President George Bush’s appreciation of the Russian government’s support to the fight against international terrorism.","date":"2001-11-03","title":"President Putin met with US Defence Secretary Donald Rumsfeld","location":"The Kremlin, Moscow","link":"http://en.special.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/41479","id":41479}
{"doc_id":"president_ru-en-041494","text":"President Vladimir Putin met with the leaders of the Federation parliamentary group of the Federation Council\n\nNovember 6, 2001, The Kremlin, Moscow \n\nMr Putin called for stepping up the work on the creation of a centrist ideological platform, including the development of Russian political parties, and to buttress the intellectual underpinnings of collaboration between the various branches of government. \nHe pointed out the successful performance of the Federation Council during a recent change of personnel. The President regarded it as to the personal credit of group members and Speaker Yegor Stroyev.\nMr Putin highlighted the effective cooperation of the State Duma, the Federation Council and the Government in drafting the federal budget for 2002 and in other essential matters. \nThe Federation Council must find the best possible pattern of combining regional and federal interests, the President said while remarking that there were national interests, but no such thing as the federal centre’s interests. \nThe meeting determined the legislative priorities of the upper parliamentary house for 2002— judicial, pension and land reforms. \nMr Putin approved a number of the group’s foreign political initiatives—in particular, to establish a joint team of the US Senate and the Federation Council.","date":"2001-11-06","title":"President Vladimir Putin met with the leaders of the Federation parliamentary group of the Federation Council","location":"The Kremlin, Moscow","link":"http://en.special.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/41494","id":41494}
{"doc_id":"president_ru-en-041502","text":"President Vladimir Putin met with American journalists\n\nNovember 10, 2001, The Kremlin, Moscow \n\nThe Russian President answered questions put to him by chief correspondents of the leading US media accredited in Moscow. The questions covered the entire spectrum of international problems, in particular the situation in Afghanistan and Chechnya, and also Vladimir Putin’s forthcoming visit to the United States and his talks with George Bush. Participants in the meeting included journalists from the Los Angeles Times, Associated Press, Time, NBC, CBS and CNN, The New York Times, Washington Post, Newsweek, The Philadelphia Inquirer and The Wall Street Journal.\nThe conversation took place in the Kremlin Library and lasted for about two hours.","date":"2001-11-10","title":"President Vladimir Putin met with American journalists","location":"The Kremlin, Moscow","link":"http://en.special.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/41502","id":41502}
{"doc_id":"president_ru-en-041501","text":"Vladimir Putin met with the leaders of the Unity, Fatherland and All Russia movements\n\nNovember 10, 2001, The Kremlin, Moscow \n\nThe President discussed the structure, aims and tasks of the newly established centrist party with Sergei Shoigu, Yury Luzhkov and Mintimer Shaimiyev.","date":"2001-11-10","title":"Vladimir Putin met with the leaders of the Unity, Fatherland and All Russia movements","location":"The Kremlin, Moscow","link":"http://en.special.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/41501","id":41501}
{"doc_id":"president_ru-en-026882","text":"President Vladimir Putin met with Slovak President Rudolf Schuster\n\nNovember 12, 2001, The Kremlin, Moscow \n\nThe Slovak president’s visit to Russia would come as another impetus to bilateral contacts, Mr Putin said as he was opening negotiations with his Slovak counterpart.\nHe said that present-day Russian-Slovak relations were not merely free of whatever problems but were making dynamic progress in every sphere, including politics, trade and economic contacts, and culture. \nMr Schuster, in his turn, said that the negotiations proved the two countries’ desire to step up their mutually beneficial contacts. \nSlovakia’s upcoming membership of the European Union and NATO would by no means impede further rapprochement between Moscow and Bratislava, he reassured.\nA cold spell that had affected bilateral relations through certain politicians’ fault was over, Mr Schuster said as he pointed out the necessity of further progress of Russian-Slovak partnership, which based on historical links between the two nations, and their mutually related languages.","date":"2001-11-12","title":"President Vladimir Putin met with Slovak President Rudolf Schuster","location":"The Kremlin, Moscow","link":"http://en.special.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/26882","id":26882}
{"doc_id":"president_ru-en-041535","text":"President Vladimir Putin spoke by telephone with Chinese President Jiang Zemin on the initiative of the Russian party\n\nNovember 19, 2001, The Kremlin, Moscow \n\nThe Russian President informed Mr Zemin about the results of the recent Russian-American summit. The Chinese President praised the agreements that had been reached during the summit and pointed out the importance of the parties’ intentions to reduce stockpiles of nuclear weapons. The Chinese President stressed that such decisions met not only the interests of Russia and the US, but also the whole international community. \nMr Putin and Mr Zemin again stated common Russia’s and China’s views on the ABM Treaty. \nThe two leaders attached great importance to bilateral cooperation in combating international terrorism. They emphasised the role of the UN in this process and spoke for increasing its role in the settlement of the situation in Afghanistan. They praised the fact that the UN’s central role in Afghanistan was widely supported. \nThe Russian and Chinese Presidents emphasised the importance of regular meetings and contacts as a sign of mutual trust.","date":"2001-11-19","title":"President Vladimir Putin spoke by telephone with Chinese President Jiang Zemin on the initiative of the Russian party","location":"The Kremlin, Moscow","link":"http://en.special.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/41535","id":41535}
{"doc_id":"president_ru-en-041534","text":"President Vladimir Putin held talks with Moldovan President Vladimir Voronin\n\nNovember 19, 2001, The Kremlin, Moscow \n\nThe two leaders discussed current issues of bilateral cooperation in the trade, economic and political spheres, and the Transdnestr problem. \nAfter the meeting, the Russian and Moldovan Presidents signed a bilateral treaty on friendship and cooperation. The parties supported the political settlement of the Transdnestr problem with respect to Moldova’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. \nThe treaty confirms the right of the Russian and Moldovan citizens to speak their native language and to choose freely the language for communication and education. Taking into account the role and importance of the Russian language, the Moldovan party, according to the national legislation, was obliged to create conditions for teaching in Russian in Moldova. \nRussia and Moldova documented the need to develop equal and mutually beneficial cooperation in politics, economy, trade, transport, defence, energy, environmental protection, science, engineering, culture, health, humanitarian sphere, etc. \nA separate article of the treaty is dedicated to the fight against international and organised crime, terrorism, illegal trafficking of drugs, armaments, toxic and radioactive materials, money laundering, trafficking, including illegal export of cultural values. Russia and Moldavia agreed to cooperate in the fight against these crimes. \nAfter the meeting, the two leaders made several statements for the press and answered journalists’ questions.","date":"2001-11-19","title":"President Vladimir Putin held talks with Moldovan President Vladimir Voronin","location":"The Kremlin, Moscow","link":"http://en.special.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/41534","id":41534}
{"doc_id":"president_ru-en-026857","text":"President Vladimir Putin met with Defence Ministers of the CIS countries\n\nNovember 21, 2001, The Kremlin, Moscow \n\nMr Putin said that the ministers were meeting shortly before the jubilee summit of the Commonwealth of Independent States, which was to convene in Moscow in late November.\nHe said that the CIS heads of state and foreign ministers did not lack the intuition and political goodwill to develop cooperation in the defence policy. The terrorist attack on the United States on September 11 caused other countries to re-appraise the order of priorities in that sphere. \nHe highly appreciated the recent Commonwealth Southern Shield joint command post exercise. The President called for closer coordination within the CIS Council of Defence Ministers and the Anti-Terrorist Centre, and between the CIS countries’ secret services as a next step in the fight against terrorism.\nImplementing previous decisions was among the top priorities, said Mr Putin as he called on the CIS countries to comply with mutual obligations to fund the Anti-Terrorist Centre, which Russia was presently bearing the brunt of financing. \nHe also pointed out the necessity to further unify the regulatory framework of the military partnership, to draw up together strategies for military-technical cooperation, expand joint research and development, and improve information sharing between law-enforcement agencies.\nThe defence ministers had arrived in Moscow for a meeting of the CIS Council of Defence Ministers.","date":"2001-11-21","title":"President Vladimir Putin met with Defence Ministers of the CIS countries","location":"The Kremlin, Moscow","link":"http://en.special.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/26857","id":26857}
{"doc_id":"president_ru-en-026858","text":"President Vladimir Putin met with His Majesty Abdullah II, the King of Jordan\n\nNovember 21, 2001, The Kremlin, Moscow \n\nThey discussed current international issues on an agenda dominated by the fight against terrorism and the situation in Afghanistan. Mr Putin and King Abdullah II said that it was necessary to further resist religious extremism and fundamentalism, and stressed the coincidence of Russian and Jordanian attitudes to the problem. \nMr Putin highly appreciated the Jordanian contribution to the Middle Eastern settlement cause, in which Moscow and Amman were closely co-ordinating their efforts to resume the regional peace process. King Abdullah highlighted Russia’s fundamental role in the Middle East. The two leaders also discussed the Iraqi situation. Related problems had come into the foreground with a UN Security Council vote, due December 3, on the provisional prolongation of the oil-for-food programme for another six months.\nThey also discussed bilateral partnership and the implementation of agreements made during an official visit by King Abdullah II to Russia in August 2001. Mr Putin approved the King’s initiative for the establishment of a bilateral intergovernmental commission.\nMr Putin congratulated all Muslims on Ramadan and wished them happiness, peace and wellbeing. He asked King Abdullah II to pass on his greetings, and stressed the role the King and the Jordanian Royal family were playing in the Muslim world.","date":"2001-11-21","title":"President Vladimir Putin met with His Majesty Abdullah II, the King of Jordan","location":"The Kremlin, Moscow","link":"http://en.special.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/26858","id":26858}
{"doc_id":"president_ru-en-041574","text":"President Vladimir Putin met with Prime Minister Mikhail Kasyanov\n\nNovember 21, 2001, The Kremlin, Moscow \n\nMr Kasyanov informed the President about the situation in the world financial and commodity markets, and about preparations for State Duma debates on the draft federal budget for 2002 in its third reading. The implementation within the year of the privatisation programme also came under discussion. \nMr Kasyanov passed to Mr Putin the Cabinet’s suggestions for military reform. The Government drafted them in compliance with the decisions of a Russian Security Council meeting of November 2000. The Prime Minister said, in particular, that the reform demanded a gradual arrangement with no fits and starts to drastically change the existing situation, and that its implementation depended on the financial capabilities of the state.\nAn experiment was to be staged in several units to gauge reform costs, with the test units entirely manned by contract troops. \nMr Putin approved the gradual arrangement of the reform to switch part of the Russian Armed Forces from conscription to contract service.","date":"2001-11-21","title":"President Vladimir Putin met with Prime Minister Mikhail Kasyanov","location":"The Kremlin, Moscow","link":"http://en.special.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/41574","id":41574}
{"doc_id":"president_ru-en-026859","text":"President Vladimir Putin attended the opening of the Civil Forum\n\nNovember 21, 2001, The Kremlin, Moscow \n\nA gathering of 5,000, which represented government agencies and non-governmental organisations, discussed Russia’s most acute problems—local self-government reform, the fight against corruption, military development and the social welfare of the military, and the prospects of public participation in domestic and foreign policy. The forum debated education reform, and youth and migration policies. The achievement of peace and accord in Chechnya were also on the agenda.","date":"2001-11-21","title":"President Vladimir Putin attended the opening of the Civil Forum","location":"The Kremlin, Moscow","link":"http://en.special.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/26859","id":26859}
{"doc_id":"president_ru-en-041577","text":"President Putin instructed Emergencies Minister Sergei Shoigu to take further action in tandem with other agencies for expanding humanitarian aid to the population of Afghanistan\n\nNovember 22, 2001, The Kremlin, Moscow \n\n","date":"2001-11-22","title":"President Putin instructed Emergencies Minister Sergei Shoigu to take further action in tandem with other agencies for expanding humanitarian aid to the population of Afghanistan","location":"The Kremlin, Moscow","link":"http://en.special.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/41577","id":41577}
{"doc_id":"president_ru-en-026855","text":"President Vladimir Putin met with members of the international affairs committees of both chambers of the Federal Assembly\n\nNovember 22, 2001, The Kremlin, Moscow \n\nOn the agenda were current foreign policy issues, prospects for the development of relations with the US and NATO as well as efforts to combat international terrorism.","date":"2001-11-22","title":"President Vladimir Putin met with members of the international affairs committees of both chambers of the Federal Assembly","location":"The Kremlin, Moscow","link":"http://en.special.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/26855","id":26855}
{"doc_id":"president_ru-en-041540","text":"Vladimir Putin met with representatives of the Russian Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs\n\nNovember 23, 2001, The Kremlin,  Moscow \n\nVladimir Putin, concerned over the slow growth of small and medium-sized businesses in Russia, suggested analyzing business priorities on the internal and external markets, as well as vehicles of loosening bureaucratic fetters in the economic life. The President welcomed the decrease of licensed activities since the year 2000 to merely 104. The tax system was simplified by introducing only one tax in the management of natural resources instead of the former three. \nThe Russian Government policies are designed to create favourable conditions for the development of Russian business, said Mr Putin.","date":"2001-11-23","title":"Vladimir Putin met with representatives of the Russian Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs","location":"The Kremlin, Moscow","link":"http://en.special.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/41540","id":41540}
{"doc_id":"president_ru-en-041539","text":"Vladimir Putin met with NATO Secretary-General George Robertson\n\nNovember 23, 2001, The Kremlin, Moscow \n\nUnder review was the development of Russia-NATO cooperation, including in the drive to combat international terrorism and to curb the spread of weapons of mass destruction, as well as the situation in the Balkans and the Caucasus.\nThe Russian President said Russia was not craving for NATO membership but was willing to develop partnership on a scope NATO was ready to accept.","date":"2001-11-23","title":"Vladimir Putin met with NATO Secretary-General George Robertson","location":"The Kremlin, Moscow","link":"http://en.special.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/41539","id":41539}
{"doc_id":"president_ru-en-026850","text":"President Vladimir Putin chaired a Cabinet meeting\n\nNovember 26, 2001, The Kremlin, Moscow \n\nThe Cabinet discussed issues related to Russia’s humanitarian operation in Afghanistan. President Putin said that in the morning, 12 Russian military transport aircraft had been unloaded in the space of five and a half hours at Kabul airport.\nCivil engineers, specialists, diplomats, and staff from the Russian Emergency Situations Ministry arrived in Kabul to rebuild the Russian Embassy and establish a humanitarian centre for Afghans. According to Mr Putin, the safe landing and take off were carried out jointly with the Americans. \nMr Putin said that the Afghan Government asked Russia to provide humanitarian aid and took all the necessary precautions to ensure the safety of the staff of the Russian Embassy in Kabul. In future their security will be provided by their Afghan partners.\nAll the equipment and transport needed for the humanitarian centre have been delivered to Kabul. Mine clearance specialists have also arrived in Afghanistan; their primary task is to examine the road from the Bagram airfield to Kabul and the site where the centre will be located. Eighty eight Russian specialists, including security staff, will arrive in Kabul by the end of the week. Later the number of the centre’s staff will be increased to 200.\nThe centre’s primary task will be to provide the shipment of humanitarian aid to Afghanistan from neighbouring countries, in particular Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan.\nFurthermore, a hospital of the Russian Emergency Medicine Centre Zashchita with 30 beds will be established. The number of beds may be increased in future. \nIn September, on instructions from President Putin, a steering group on Afghanistan was set up. It consists of representatives from the Defence Ministry, Foreign Ministry, Interior Ministry, Emergencies and Disaster Relief Ministry, Federal Security Service, Foreign Intelligence Service and Federal Agency for Government Communications and Information. Defence Minister Sergei Ivanov was appointed head of the group.\nMr Putin thanked everyone who participated in the difficult military-transport operation and added that it had been a while since Russia had carried out these kinds of operations.","date":"2001-11-26","title":"President Vladimir Putin chaired a Cabinet meeting","location":"The Kremlin, Moscow","link":"http://en.special.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/26850","id":26850}
{"doc_id":"president_ru-en-026848","text":"Vladimir Putin chaired a Security Council session\n\nNovember 27, 2001, The Kremlin, Moscow \n\nThe main item on the agenda was the country’s mobilisation readiness. When explaining why the session should focus on this issue, the President said that though there was no special urgency, such things should be done in time, in order to avoid emergencies. Besides, he said, much has changed in the country’s economy and defences.\nVladimir Putin said that mobilisation readiness was essential for any country at any time. The matter in question was not only the state and combat readiness of the troops, but also the availability of a sustainable economic, production and resource base in the event of a potential aggression, the President stressed.\nNoting that the military doctrine and the national security concept were still the basic documents, Vladimir Putin said that some priorities had been specified after the September 11th tragic events in the United States. They concerned military-technical cooperation and coordination of the work of security-related agencies and foreign ministries.","date":"2001-11-27","title":"Vladimir Putin chaired a Security Council session","location":"The Kremlin, Moscow","link":"http://en.special.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/26848","id":26848}
{"doc_id":"president_ru-en-026845","text":"President Putin met with workers on the Kursk submarine recovery operation\n\nNovember 28, 2001, The Kremlin, Moscow \n\nFor the Russians, raising the Kursk submarine was not only an obligation of national significance, it was above all a moral duty, said President Putin. \nHe referred to the recovery of the Kursk as a very difficult operation involving, apart from grave technological difficulties, great human expectations. \nRussia should and will learn from the tragedy in the Barents Sea on August 12, 2000. We now realise the necessity of a thorough modernisation of the civil fleet and the navy to ensure sailor service safety, and the development of effective search-and-rescue systems, said the President.\nThe sinking of the Kursk is not the only disaster of this kind. Still, of more than 200 sunken submarines belonging to different countries, the Kursk became the first nuclear-powered ship to be recovered. Saying this, the President admitted that there was ample argument against lifting the boat, but he thinks that his final decision to launch a recovery operation has proved justified. It was Russia’s moral duty to those trapped on the submarine, their relatives and children, said President Putin. \nThe safest and most efficient method of salvage was used, assisted by the most up-to-date technologies and unique experts. President Putin hailed the operation as “an example of extraordinary international cooperation, with participants from different countries working as a close-knit team”.\nThe President also drew attention to the detailed media coverage of the operation, which was a high priority.\nPresident Putin thanked all the participants in the rescue operation for their exceptional competence, courage and sincerely performed civil duty.\nOver 100 people involved in the Kursk recovery operation have been granted different awards.","date":"2001-11-28","title":"President Putin met with workers on the Kursk submarine recovery operation","location":"The Kremlin, Moscow","link":"http://en.special.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/26845","id":26845}
{"doc_id":"president_ru-en-026846","text":"President Vladimir Putin met with Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko\n\nNovember 28, 2001, The Kremlin, Moscow \n\nThe heads of state discussed issues of bilateral cooperation in the economic, defence and military technology spheres.","date":"2001-11-28","title":"President Vladimir Putin met with Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko","location":"The Kremlin, Moscow","link":"http://en.special.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/26846","id":26846}
{"doc_id":"president_ru-en-026841","text":"Presidents Vladimir Putin and Leonid Kuchma attended a ceremony for opening the Year of Ukraine in Russia\n\nNovember 29, 2001, The Kremlin, Moscow \n\nIn his address, the Russian head of state said that the past decade had seen Russia’s and Ukraine’s growth into influential democracies, powerful European states, countries that consistently promote integration into European processes. \nRussia highly values its neighbourly relations with Ukraine, which it considers its reliable friend and business partner, President Putin said. The economic, technical and cultural infrastructures serve as a solid foundation for bilateral cooperation. Public and business partnership, which is gaining momentum, is becoming more significant. \nThe Year of Ukraine in Russia is a significant event for the 200 million people living on the territory from the Carpathians to the Pacific Ocean, Mr Putin said.\nMr Kuchma suggested holding the Year of Russia in Ukraine in 2003.","date":"2001-11-29","title":"Presidents Vladimir Putin and Leonid Kuchma attended a ceremony for opening the Year of Ukraine in Russia","location":"The Kremlin, Moscow","link":"http://en.special.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/26841","id":26841}
{"doc_id":"president_ru-en-026842","text":"High-level Russian-Kazakh talks were held in the Kremlin\n\nNovember 29, 2001, The Kremlin, Moscow \n\nVladimir Putin and Nursultan Nazarbayev discussed problems relevant to Russian-Kazakh economic cooperation. The Kazakh leader said that regretfully experts had agreed only 60% of common customs tariffs so far. In his opinion, it considerably hampered the positive development of bilateral trade turnover. \nThe leaders of Russia and Kazakhstan agreed that multi-faceted cooperation, above all in customs and transport, should be given a boost. \nThey also discussed the problem of demarcation of the Russian-Kazakh border on the Caspian shelf. The Presidents said that good progress had been made in resolving the issue, which, in their opinion, would lay the groundwork for signing in 2002 an agreement between Russia and Kazakhstan to draw a modified middle line along the northern Caspian seabed.","date":"2001-11-29","title":"High-level Russian-Kazakh talks were held in the Kremlin","location":"The Kremlin, Moscow","link":"http://en.special.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/26842","id":26842}
{"doc_id":"president_ru-en-041591","text":"President Vladimir Putin had a lunch with Ukrainian President Leonid Kuchma and Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia Alexy II\n\nNovember 29, 2001, The Kremlin, Moscow \n\nDuring the lunch, they discussed the problem of overcoming an Orthodox schism in Ukraine. Mr Kuchma shared with Alexy II his point of view on how to overcome the crisis in the Church, which followed the collapse of the Soviet Union. \nThe Ukrainian leader said that the granting of autonomy to the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the Moscow Patriarchate would solve many painful problems. \nDuring a jubilee session of the Council of Bishops in 2000, the Russian Orthodox Church adopted a new charter, which granted the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the Moscow Patriarchate the right of self-governance. At the same time, the Council said it was ready to proclaim the autonomy of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the Moscow Patriarchate, but on condition that the problem was solved at the pan-Orthodox level.","date":"2001-11-29","title":"President Vladimir Putin had a lunch with Ukrainian President Leonid Kuchma and Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia Alexy II","location":"The Kremlin, Moscow","link":"http://en.special.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/41591","id":41591}
{"doc_id":"president_ru-en-026844","text":"President Vladimir Putin met with Tajik President Emomali Rakhmonov\n\nNovember 29, 2001, The Kremlin, Moscow \n\nThe Presidents discussed the counter-terrorist operation in Afghanistan, and relevant aspects of trade and economic cooperation, including within the framework of the EurAsEC.","date":"2001-11-29","title":"President Vladimir Putin met with Tajik President Emomali Rakhmonov","location":"The Kremlin, Moscow","link":"http://en.special.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/26844","id":26844}
{"doc_id":"president_ru-en-026834","text":"Presidents Vladimir Putin of Russia, Heidar Aliyev of Azerbaijan and Robert Kocharian of Armenia held a trilateral meeting\n\nNovember 30, 2001, The Kremlin, Moscow \n\nThese negotiations had not been planned in advance and began immediately after the end of Caucasian Quartet negotiations. \nMr Aliyev and Mr Kocharian acknowledged that Russia would continue to play an important role in the settlement of the Armenian-Azerbaijani conflict in Nagorno-Karabakh. The sides came to the common view that Russia could help to settle the conflict in Nagorno-Karabakh by attending bilateral negotiations and through the Minsk Group.","date":"2001-11-30","title":"Presidents Vladimir Putin of Russia, Heidar Aliyev of Azerbaijan and Robert Kocharian of Armenia held a trilateral meeting","location":"The Kremlin, Moscow","link":"http://en.special.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/26834","id":26834}
{"doc_id":"president_ru-en-026835","text":"The Caucasian Quartet held a meeting\n\nNovember 30, 2001, The Kremlin, Moscow \n\nThe Presidents of Russia, Azerbaijan, Armenia and Georgia discussed a wide range of issues bearing on international security cooperation, settlement of regional conflicts and coordination of joint efforts in the fight against terrorism.\nMr Putin recalled it was the fifth such meeting. But on this occasion it was being attended for the first time by Foreign Ministers. Such meetings always discuss important and vital issues for the region, the Russian head of state said.\nIn his view, bilateral contacts between the leaders of the Caucasian countries, particularly between the Presidents of Russia and Georgia, were of great significance for solving many regional problems. True, no bilateral meeting was held between the heads of Armenia and Azerbaijan today, the Russian President noted, but they had contacts on the fringes of the meeting. Mr Putin expressed hope that these discussions would help to settle the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict.","date":"2001-11-30","title":"The Caucasian Quartet held a meeting","location":"The Kremlin, Moscow","link":"http://en.special.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/26835","id":26835}
{"doc_id":"president_ru-en-026836","text":"Presidents Vladimir Putin of Russia and Eduard Shevardnadze of Georgia held a meeting\n\nNovember 30, 2001, The Kremlin, Moscow \n\nMr Putin assured Mr Shevardnadze that Georgia could count on Russia’s full support in addressing its economic problems.\nPeople in Russia followed with great concern the latest domestic political developments in Georgia, the Russian head of state said. He noted that Mr Shevardnadze’s political experience had enabled the republic’s leadership to avert a political confrontation in the country.\nIn turn, the President of Georgia said he attached great significance to the meeting and considered it to be a watershed event. He pointed out that he had come to Russia despite the controversy in Georgia about the wisdom of his visit. That the situation was complex was evident from a statement issued by the Georgian Foreign Ministry today. The statement contained a warning about possible retaliatory measures against Russia, which Tbilisi accused of violating the republic’s airspace and bombing its territory on the night of November 27–28.\nRussia categorically denied those charges, stressing that no aircraft were airborne in the area of the Russian-Georgian border.\nThe Presidents of Russia and Georgia said they intended to make a close study of the issue of Chechen refugees in Georgia and find a solution to the problem. Mr Putin said a distinction must be drawn between refugees and militants.\nThe two leaders exchanged views on the situation in the Georgian-Abkhazian conflict area, and prospects for economic and security cooperation. The sides agreed to redouble their efforts towards drafting a full-scale treaty between the two countries.\nThe Russian head of state praised the results of his meeting with the Georgian President.","date":"2001-11-30","title":"Presidents Vladimir Putin of Russia and Eduard Shevardnadze of Georgia held a meeting","location":"The Kremlin, Moscow","link":"http://en.special.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/26836","id":26836}
{"doc_id":"president_ru-en-026838","text":"CIS leaders held a news conference after their anniversary summit\n\nNovember 30, 2001, The Kremlin, Moscow \n\nPresident Putin said international terrorism would remain the focus of attention of CIS heads of state until the problem was fully solved. The Commonwealth’s countries, he said, had faced terrorism ahead of the Western countries and so were able to anticipate its moves. The President cited the establishment of a CIS Counter-Terrorism Centre and a rapid deployment force as an example of successful cooperation in the fight against terrorism. \nPresident Emomali Rakhmonov of Tajikistan stressed that his country’s position on the struggle against terrorism fully coincided with that of Russia. \nIn President Putin’s view, the CIS already had well-oiled mechanisms for resolving conflicts between Commonwealth countries. One such occasion, he said, was provided by a Tajik-to-Tajik conflict. Mr Putin emphasised that credit for resolving it must go to all the CIS heads of state.\nIn turn, President Robert Kocharian of Armenia noted that every conflict had its background and specifics, and each one needed an individual, professional approach to be solved. \nPresident Heidar Aliyev of Azerbaijan recalled that as early as 1993 Azerbaijan proposed holding a meeting between CIS leaders dedicated to ways of resolving inter-ethnic conflicts. In his opinion, it was still a topical issue. \nIn turn, President Putin stressed that whereas earlier conflicts inside the Soviet Union were between ethnicities, now they transformed themselves into those between countries and became more difficult to address.\nDuring the news conference, President Putin also commented on the latest events in the Georgian-Abkhazian conflict area. He referred to incidents in the Pankisi and Kodor gorges, where, as Georgia alleged in official statements, Russian air force planes delivered strikes against rural villages on the night of November 27–28. Earlier, Russia had categorically denied these allegations, insisting that no aircraft had been airborne in the area of the Russian-Georgian border at the time. \nThe Russian head of state called into doubt the claims that the Russian Air Force was involved. He said either no strikes were dealt or they were not targeted at villages. He quoted the Russian secret services as saying those were clashes between militants. \nPresident Putin supported a proposal by President Eduard Shevardnadze of Georgia that a bilateral commission be set up to investigate the incident, but at the same time voiced doubts that Russian investigative experts could reach the area, which, he said, was not easily accessible even to Georgia’s officials. The President said that not only were there militants, their bases and ammunition depots in the area, but also drug manufacturing facilities. He said militants in Chechnya used repeater towers in the region to contact their sponsors in the Persian Gulf and Afghanistan. These were not unsupported claims, he said, but established facts.\nIn turn, Mr Shevardnadze expressed confidence that Russia’s leadership did not know about the bombings. He assumed it could have been individual commanders, whether acting deliberately or in error. The Georgian President saw no reason to bomb villages.\nThe Georgian leader said that at the current meeting of the Commonwealth heads of state he had not raised the bombardment issue, deciding to discuss it at a separate meeting with his Russian colleague.\nJournalists were also interested to know more about the prospects for economic integration on the post-Soviet space. In response to the journalists’ question, Mr Putin said that Russia’s entry into the World Trade Organisation would not interfere with coordination of efforts within the Eurasian Economic Cooperation (EurAsEC) organisation or the CIS. He said his country intended to work towards a CIS free trade area. At the moment, he said, an intensive and positive dialogue was under way to agree the positions of the Commonwealth members on the issue.\nPresident Askar Akayev of Kyrgyzstan stressed that the goals pursued by the CIS and EurAsEC coincided and that EurAsEC’s efforts would go a long way towards introducing the practice of a free-trade area. \nIn turn, the Ukrainian head of state, Leonid Kuchma, noted that both Ukraine and Russia were interested in the free-trade principle and were close to seeing it enacted.","date":"2001-11-30","title":"CIS leaders held a news conference after their anniversary summit","location":"The Kremlin, Moscow","link":"http://en.special.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/26838","id":26838}
{"doc_id":"president_ru-en-026839","text":"The CIS summit adopted statements on the situation around Afghanistan and on the 10th anniversary of the Commonwealth\n\nNovember 30, 2001, The Kremlin, Moscow \n\nThe leaders of the Commonwealth of Independent States declared their support for a political settlement in Afghanistan under the aegis of the UN, expected to establish a multi-ethnic and wide-based government in accordance with UN Security Council Resolution 1378. They stressed that the Taliban regime had lost the right to be represented on the country’s institutions of power.\nThe Presidents said they believed it was the exclusive and inalienable right of the Afghans alone to determine Afghanistan’s future.\nThe CIS heads of state called for expanding humanitarian aid to the Afghan people and for a comprehensive international programme on the post-war rehabilitation of Afghanistan’s economy. \nIn another statement, which was adopted to mark the 10th anniversary of the Commonwealth, the sides expressed interest in intense trade, economic, military and military-technical cooperation and coordination of anti-crime efforts. The document expressed the readiness of CIS countries to continue the joint fight against international terrorism and narcotics trafficking on a legal basis.\nThe heads of state declared they intended to work for an early peaceful solution to armed conflicts on the territories of CIS member-states based on the universally accepted rules and principles of international law and the fuller use of the Commonwealth’s peace-making potential.","date":"2001-11-30","title":"The CIS summit adopted statements on the situation around Afghanistan and on the 10th anniversary of the Commonwealth","location":"The Kremlin, Moscow","link":"http://en.special.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/26839","id":26839}
{"doc_id":"president_ru-en-026837","text":"President Vladimir Putin announced the award of the Order for Service to the Fatherland, 1st Class, to Boris Yeltsin\n\nNovember 30, 2001, The Kremlin, Moscow \n\nPresident Putin promulgated his decree before Boris Yeltsin addressed a Commonwealth of Independent States summit.\nThe first CIS Chairman and Russia’s first President thanked the Russians for their patience, work and courage. He emphasised that Russia had been, was and would remain a great power. He expressed the hope that the next decade would mark a new stage in the Commonwealth’s development, because the independent countries were now economically stronger and the CIS’s prestige was growing in the world.","date":"2001-11-30","title":"President Vladimir Putin announced the award of the Order for Service to the Fatherland, 1st Class, to Boris Yeltsin","location":"The Kremlin, Moscow","link":"http://en.special.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/26837","id":26837}
{"doc_id":"president_ru-en-026840","text":"Heads of state of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) met for an anniversary summit\n\nNovember 30, 2001, The Kremlin, Moscow \n\nPresident Putin opened the summit, congratulating those present on the approaching anniversary of the CIS. The Russian leader proposed they sum up 10 years of the Commonwealth, discuss its present, and take a glimpse of its future. \nThe exchange of views took place behind closed doors in St Catherine’s Hall of the Grand Kremlin Palace. The heads of state then moved to St George’s Hall to hold a meeting attended by their delegations.\nCoordination of efforts between Commonwealth countries is becoming an increasingly important factor for the world’s financial and economic stability, the Russian head of state said. He said the CIS countries remained the principal suppliers of fuel to the world and must therefore coordinate their moves in the energy sphere.\nThe Commonwealth was established in the post-Soviet space as a necessary form of integration. The CIS is a vast common market with great potential for development, Mr Putin said. The main dynamics of its economic life are not so much the governments, as companies, businessmen and ordinary people, the President emphasised. They have chosen their nearest neighbours and partners who have been tested through years of history. The Russian head of state noted that people in CIS countries not only entertained the conviction that the Commonwealth had a common labour market, but were also proactive in it. \nIn the course of the meeting, the CIS leaders also held a discussion on the fight against terrorism. Mr Putin described the counter-terrorism campaign waged by the Russian special services in the North Caucasus and said that an international terrorist called Abu Sayah had been captured in the Chechen Republic. According to Russian law enforcement agencies, Abu Sayah was the deputy of foreign mercenary leader Khattab. The man supplied money to terrorists, organised terror attacks on Russian territory, and maintained ties with terrorist units in Georgia. Mr Putin said that some of the terrorist mercenaries fighting in Chechnya had moved to Georgia, which was regrettable not only for Russia, but also for Georgia’s leadership and population, because it meant occupation of certain regions of the Caucasian republic by terrorists.","date":"2001-11-30","title":"Heads of state of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) met for an anniversary summit","location":"The Kremlin, Moscow","link":"http://en.special.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/26840","id":26840}
{"doc_id":"president_ru-en-026932","text":"President Vladimir Putin held a meeting with Prosecutor General Vladimir Ustinov, Russia's Defence Minister Sergei Ivanov, Chief of General Staff Anatoly Kvashnin, and Commander-in-Chief of the Russian Navy Vladimir Kuroyedov\n\nDecember 1, 2001, The Kremlin, Moscow \n\nVladimir Putin first received the Prosecutor General who informed him of the interim results of the investigation into the causes of the Kursk nuclear submarine disaster.\nThe President then had a meeting with Sergei Ivanov, Anatoly Kvashnin, Vladimir Kuroyedov and Vladimir Ustinov. \nAddressing participants at the meeting, Vladimir Putin stressed that all the conclusions made were of an interim nature and failed to explain the causes of the disaster and the chain of events. All possibilities are being examined, including the submarine’s collusion with an unidentified submerged object, the President said.\nHe instructed the Defence Minister, Chief of General Staff, and Commander-in-Chief of the Russian Navy to set forth their proposals not only on personnel issues but also on the entire system of measures aimed at improving the Navy’s performance.","date":"2001-12-01","title":"President Vladimir Putin held a meeting with Prosecutor General Vladimir Ustinov, Russia's Defence Minister Sergei Ivanov, Chief of General Staff Anatoly Kvashnin, and Commander-in-Chief of the Russian Navy Vladimir Kuroyedov","location":"The Kremlin, Moscow","link":"http://en.special.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/26932","id":26932}
{"doc_id":"president_ru-en-026933","text":"Vladimir Putin addressed the founding congress of Yedinstvo I Otechestvo (Unity and Motherland) Party\n\nDecember 1, 2001, The Kremlin, Moscow \n\nIn his address to Congress delegates of the new party formed by merging the Unity Party, the Fatherland Party, and the All Russia Party, Vladimir Putin said that Russian society needed healthy political competition, not a fruitless struggle weakening the state system and undermining the authorities’ prestige and the very essence of democracy. Russian citizens justly believe that this sort of confrontation does not serve their interests, he said.\nNoting that the party’s supreme council included many well-known people, among them those from government agencies, Vladimir Putin warned them against proclaiming the new party a “party of power.” Russia needs parties that can really win the respect and support of the people and will defend citizens’ rights and interests, the President said. Such a party can really become a party of the majority, he stressed.","date":"2001-12-01","title":"Vladimir Putin addressed the founding congress of Yedinstvo I Otechestvo (Unity and Motherland) Party","location":"The Kremlin, Moscow","link":"http://en.special.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/26933","id":26933}
{"doc_id":"president_ru-en-026928","text":"President Putin met with members of the Presidium of the Russian Academy of Sciences in the Kremlin\n\nDecember 3, 2001, The Kremlin, Moscow \n\nPresident Putin said recent achievements of Russian scientists had been truly unique, despite the economic problems the Academy was facing along with the rest of the country. However, Mr Putin criticised certain aspects of the Academy’s work, for example for inefficient use of fixed assets. The President suggested they should embark on the challenging task of modernising the Academy.\nThe President talked about the need to formally document the Academy’s legal status as well as to draft legislation for the protection of intellectual property, especially in the sphere of technological innovations. The President instructed the Government to render assistance to the Academy, and instructed the Ministry of Finance to find ways to provide young researchers with housing.","date":"2001-12-03","title":"President Putin met with members of the Presidium of the Russian Academy of Sciences in the Kremlin","location":"The Kremlin, Moscow","link":"http://en.special.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/26928","id":26928}
{"doc_id":"president_ru-en-026929","text":"President Putin held talks with Prime Minister of Ethiopia Meles Zenawi\n\nDecember 3, 2001, The Kremlin, Moscow \n\nThe two leaders instructed their Governments to study the economic projects to be signed, in order to boost cooperation in geological prospecting, precious metals mining and processing, hydro power generation and other spheres. \nMr Putin and Mr Zenawi also discussed the international situation, including regional conflicts. They talked about the two countries’ interaction in the United Nations.\nThe Russian President said he was satisfied that Ethiopia had fully repaid its debt to Russia this year.\nThe two leaders signed the Declaration on Principles of Friendly Relations and Partnership between Ethiopia and the Russian Federation in the wake of the talks.\nThey also supervised the conclusion of a series of bilateral agreements, including the cooperation agreement between education ministries, and the protocol on consultations between foreign ministries.\nThe Russian President and the Prime Minister of Ethiopia continued their discussion at lunch following the formal meeting.","date":"2001-12-03","title":"President Putin held talks with Prime Minister of Ethiopia Meles Zenawi","location":"The Kremlin, Moscow","link":"http://en.special.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/26929","id":26929}
{"doc_id":"president_ru-en-026931","text":"President Vladimir Putin held a meeting with the Cabinet\n\nDecember 3, 2001, The Kremlin, Moscow \n\nPresident Putin reminded the audience that the meeting was being held on the International Day of Disabled Persons, December 3rd, and drew the government members’ attention to the difficulties experienced by the 10 million people with disabilities in Russia.\nMr Putin emphasised that government policy should be aimed at mainstreaming people with disabilities and helping their social adaptation.\nThe President instructed the Ministry of Economic Development and Trade to draft a bill on introducing preferential distribution of state orders to companies which employ people with disabilities. He also asked Deputy Prime Minister Viktor Khristenko and the head of the State Committee for Construction, Housing and Municipal Economy to ensure an early development of construction standards for wheelchair-accessible residential buildings.\nThe President also discussed military issues with the Cabinet. He said that military expenditures should have priority in next year’s federal budget. It is all the more important as a very ambitious army reform programme has been approved, he said.","date":"2001-12-03","title":"President Vladimir Putin held a meeting with the Cabinet","location":"The Kremlin, Moscow","link":"http://en.special.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/26931","id":26931}
{"doc_id":"president_ru-en-042181","text":"Vladimir Putin met with members of the Association of Business Organizations of Russia (OPOR)\n\nDecember 5, 2001, The Kremlin, Moscow \n\nThe President said Russia lagged far behind other developed market economies in the sphere of small and medium business, which was a cause of concern for the country’s leaders. He stressed that in developed countries small business provided employment for two thirds of the working population and accounted for more than 50% of the GDP, while the figure for Russia was less than 22%.\nStatistics show that the number of small enterprises has not been growing since 1996, and one in every four is put into liquidation. Meanwhile the number of companies without the legal entity status has been growing. In Mr Putin’s opinion, these are alarming facts. The Government, the State Duma and the State Council are preparing decisions aimed at rectifying the situation: cutting down red tape in the sphere of small business, making these companies more viable and their work more transparent. \nThe President’s meeting with entrepreneurs was part of the preparation for the session of the State Council of Russia devoted to the support and development of small and medium businesses scheduled for December 19.","date":"2001-12-05","title":"Vladimir Putin met with members of the Association of Business Organizations of Russia (OPOR)","location":"The Kremlin, Moscow","link":"http://en.special.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/42181","id":42181}
{"doc_id":"president_ru-en-042180","text":"The Russian President met with the Foreign Minister Igor Ivanov\n\nDecember 5, 2001, The Kremlin, Moscow \n\nVladimir Putin issued directives to the Foreign Minister on START and ABM issues, the search for ways to resolve regional conflicts and on several other international problems. He expressed satisfaction with the work of the OSCE Council of Foreign Ministers in Bucharest.","date":"2001-12-05","title":"The Russian President met with the Foreign Minister Igor Ivanov","location":"The Kremlin, Moscow","link":"http://en.special.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/42180","id":42180}
{"doc_id":"president_ru-en-042177","text":"Ahead of his visit to Greece Vladimir Putin gave an interview to the Greek media\n\nDecember 5, 2001, The Kremlin, Moscow \n\nAnswering questions from the Greek newspapers Eleftherotypia and Vima, and the TV companies NET-TV and MEGA, the Russian President spoke about key international problems and bilateral Russian-Greek relations. \nIn the opinion of the Russian head of state, the main threat to the world community today is the possibility of chemical and biological weapons falling into the hands of terrorists, and not from intercontinental ballistic missiles, against which the United States intends to protect itself by setting up a national missile defense.\nHe said that all the necessary means– political, economic and, if necessary, military, if sanctioned by the UN, should be used to fight terrorism. \nMr Putin said the future of Europe depended on the creation of a collective security system on the continent capable of responding to the modern threats. Noting that Russia’s defence potential is fairly high, the President said that Russia was ready to make it part of the security system in Europe and the world. But he is convinced that mutual trust should be a key element in the new relations. \nIn the words of the Russian leader, Moscow, together with the leaders of NATO countries, was considering the possibility of changing the format of relations between Russia and NATO from “19+1” to “20”. The President said that if it happened the problem of NATO expansion would lose much of its relevance and urgency.\nThe President confirmed that he was pleased with the positive change in Russian-American relations. At the same time he admitted to differences over some issues.\nNoting that the American plans to create a national missile defence would not affect Russia’s security, at least not in the next decade, Mr Putin stressed that the 1972 ABM Treaty was the cornerstone of international stability and security. \nHe said that Russia had enough weapons of a standard and quality that could pierce any national antimissile defence. \nMr Putin dwelled on the anti-terrorist operation in Afghanistan saying that it was not the only place where the fight against international terrorism was being waged because an arc of instability had been formed from the Balkans to the Philippines, in which the so-called terrorist international had been established. \nGreek journalists also asked questions about Russia’s interests in the Balkans, its military presence in the Mediterranean, President Putin’s attitude to the US and NATO presence in Central Asia, his opinion about the changes taking place in Russia and the rest of the post-Soviet space, on the situation in Chechnya, and the outlook for economic ties between Russia and Greece, including the Burgas-Alexandroupolis oil pipeline.","date":"2001-12-05","title":"Ahead of his visit to Greece Vladimir Putin gave an interview to the Greek media","location":"The Kremlin, Moscow","link":"http://en.special.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/42177","id":42177}
{"doc_id":"president_ru-en-026915","text":"President Vladimir Putin met with the participants in the All-Russia Congress of Ukrainians Living in Russia\n\nDecember 10, 2001, The Kremlin, Moscow \n\nAddressing the participants, Vladimir Putin pointed to the importance of the congress of Ukrainians Living in Russia held on the eve of the Year of Ukraine in Russia.\nThe President also proposed that the participants should share their opinions on the state of Russian-Ukrainian relations and submit their proposals on what could be done to strengthen them.","date":"2001-12-10","title":"President Vladimir Putin met with the participants in the All-Russia Congress of Ukrainians Living in Russia","location":"The Kremlin, Moscow","link":"http://en.special.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/26915","id":26915}
{"doc_id":"president_ru-en-041959","text":"President Vladimir Putin chaired a conference on the development of diamond production in Russia\n\nDecember 10, 2001, The Kremlin, Moscow \n\nThe conference discussed, among other things, property issues related to ALROSA’s development. It was stressed that the measures taken to develop the company should meet state interests.\nThe situation on the global diamond market was also discussed.\nVyacheslav Shtyrov, ALROSA’s head, said that the company intended to increase diamond production and processing in future.","date":"2001-12-10","title":"President Vladimir Putin chaired a conference on the development of diamond production in Russia","location":"The Kremlin, Moscow","link":"http://en.special.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/41959","id":41959}
{"doc_id":"president_ru-en-026916","text":"President Vladimir Putin met with US Secretary of State Colin Powell\n\nDecember 10, 2001, The Kremlin, Moscow \n\nVladimir Putin thanked the United States for the successful cooperation of American and Russian specialists during a Russian humanitarian operation at Bagram Airport, Kabul. \nVladimir Putin and Colin Powell also discussed issues related to bilateral relations between Russia and the United States and also Russia-NATO cooperation.","date":"2001-12-10","title":"President Vladimir Putin met with US Secretary of State Colin Powell","location":"The Kremlin, Moscow","link":"http://en.special.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/26916","id":26916}
{"doc_id":"president_ru-en-026917","text":"President Vladimir Putin held a meeting with members of the Government\n\nDecember 10, 2001, The Kremlin, Moscow \n\nReminding the participants that the meeting was held on International Human Rights Day, the President instructed the Government to look more attentively at the basic social and economic rights of the Russian people.\nHe also called on the ministers in charge of social issues to fulfil their obligations and closely watch the passing of laws on pension reform and labour legislation in parliament.\nVladimir Putin said that another major problem was the protection of the legal rights of Russians living abroad. Noting that the foreign ministry and other organisations were giving more attention to this work of late, the President stressed that every move of the Government should be justified and understandable to the people for whom it was intended and also fit well into the activities of European human rights organisations.\nVladimir Putin also expressed hope that the leaders of those countries with which dialogue on such issues was under way would respond to Russia’s actions in this sphere in a proper manner.","date":"2001-12-10","title":"President Vladimir Putin held a meeting with members of the Government","location":"The Kremlin, Moscow","link":"http://en.special.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/26917","id":26917}
{"doc_id":"president_ru-en-026914","text":"President Vladimir Putin addressed guests at a gala reception devoted to Russian Constitution Day\n\nDecember 12, 2001, The Kremlin, Moscow \n\nThe President congratulated all the guests on the state holiday. He stressed in his address that amendments to the Constitution were not on the agenda, just as there could be no talk of dismantling the basic values and rejecting democratic gains. According to him, this fully applies to the presidential term in office. \nA revision of the fundamental provisions of the Constitution would be tantamount to a revision of the foundations of the country’s state system, the President said, adding that a revision of constitutional norms dictated by the ups and downs of politics would lead to a crisis of power, the weakening of state government bodies and dangerous intra-state conflicts.","date":"2001-12-12","title":"President Vladimir Putin addressed guests at a gala reception devoted to Russian Constitution Day","location":"The Kremlin, Moscow","link":"http://en.special.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/26914","id":26914}
{"doc_id":"president_ru-en-041969","text":"Vladimir Putin held a meeting with Emergencies Minister Sergei Shoigu\n\nDecember 13, 2001, The Kremlin, Moscow \n\nMr Shoigu told Mr Putin that motor convoys delivering humanitarian cargoes (food, medicines, tents) had started moving towards Afghanistan. \nThe project had been undertaken on the President’s instructions and was supervised by a Russian humanitarian centre in Kabul. \nMr Shoigu informed the President about the measures to restore the Lower Pyandzh River crossing to expedite the delivery of humanitarian aid to Afghanistan.","date":"2001-12-13","title":"Vladimir Putin held a meeting with Emergencies Minister Sergei Shoigu","location":"The Kremlin, Moscow","link":"http://en.special.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/41969","id":41969}
{"doc_id":"president_ru-en-026907","text":"President Vladimir Putin met with Russian Muslim spiritual leaders\n\nDecember 17, 2001, The Kremlin, Moscow \n\nThe meeting on the occasion of the Uraza-Bairam holiday was attended by Chairman of the Council of Russian Muftis Ravil Gainutdin, Chairman of the Spiritual Directorate of the Muslims of Russia Talgat Tadzhuddin, and Chairman of the Coordinating Centre of the Muslims of the North Caucasus, Magomed Albogachiyev.","date":"2001-12-17","title":"President Vladimir Putin met with Russian Muslim spiritual leaders","location":"The Kremlin, Moscow","link":"http://en.special.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/26907","id":26907}
{"doc_id":"president_ru-en-041988","text":"President Vladimir Putin decorated the members of the Tashukhadzhiyev family in Chechnya for their heroism in a clash with criminals\n\nDecember 17, 2001, The Kremlin, Moscow \n\nThe Russian President received the head of the family, Raisa Tashukhadzhiyeva, her 14-year-old son Islam and two daughters, Zalina and Milana. He presented Raisa Tashukhadzhiyeva with the Hero of Russia Star, the decoration posthumously conferred on her elder son Magomed for his valour and courage. The President decorated the younger brother Islam with the Order of Valour for the courage he displayed in a clash with armed criminals. \nThe President gave flowers to the Tashukhadzhiyevs and talked with the family. Boris Gryzlov, the Minister of Internal Affairs, was present during the talk. \nBefore the meeting ended, Mr Putin and the Tashukhadzhiyev family were joined by Muslim spiritual leaders Ravil Gainutdin, Talgat Tadzhuddin and Magomed Albogachiyev. Recalling the tragedy in the Tashukhadzhiyev family, the President said he had decided on a meeting in such a format so that the family could have the support not only from the government, but also from spiritual leaders. \nFifteen-year-old Magomed Tashukhadzhiyev was killed by Magomed Tsagarayev, a militant chieftain, in Grozny last summer. On the night of July 23, Tsagarayev and his men broke into the home of the Chechen policeman, First Lieutenant Saidi Tashukhadzhiyev. They killed Saidi and his guest, Police Captain Rasul Khabuseyev. Magomed resisted the attackers, seized his father’s assault rifle and shot Tsagarayev and his accomplice, Andi Dashayev. He was heavily wounded and later died in hospital. \nTsagarayev was a prominent militant and a trusted agent of the terrorist and mercenary Khattab. According to special services, Tsagarayev controlled 90% of all the small terrorist groups in the foothills of Chechnya and was personally implicated in the murder of more than a hundred people.","date":"2001-12-17","title":"President Vladimir Putin decorated the members of the Tashukhadzhiyev family in Chechnya for their heroism in a clash with criminals","location":"The Kremlin, Moscow","link":"http://en.special.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/41988","id":41988}
{"doc_id":"president_ru-en-026908","text":"President Vladimir Putin met with Government members\n\nDecember 17, 2001, The Kremlin, Moscow \n\nThe President said he had a package of documents on the reform of the judiciary that had been forwarded to him from Parliament, and assured the Cabinet that he would sign them. He described the reform of the justice system as an important stage in the process of modernising the state. \nMr Putin paid special attention to the new Criminal Procedure Code, which fully meets constitutional human rights standards. It guarantees trial by jury. The President stressed that this institution would be introduced gradually as financial resources permit. \nThe President drew attention to the important amendments and additions introduced into the law on the status of judges. He stressed that it would help to upgrade the skills of judges, provide further guarantees of their independence and, among other things, rule out the participation of local authorities in the process of appointing judges. \nSome of the changes under the reform of the justice system have to do with the work of the Constitutional Court.","date":"2001-12-17","title":"President Vladimir Putin met with Government members","location":"The Kremlin, Moscow","link":"http://en.special.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/26908","id":26908}
{"doc_id":"president_ru-en-042027","text":"The Kremlin hosted a meeting of the State Council's presidium on the development of small and medium-sized businesses\n\nDecember 18, 2001, The Kremlin, Moscow \n\nThe meeting took place ahead of the Wednesday’s meeting of the State Council on small and medium-sized businesses. \nAddressing the audience, the President said that Russia could not overcome its dependence on the energy complex without developing small business. \nHe also said that addressing the problems faced by small businesses had always been postponed. As a result, small business developed spontaneously. Since 1996, the number of small and medium-sized companies has not increased, and statistics about their work is unreliable. \nThe President emphasised that the government needed to reduce administrative barriers and update the legislation to develop small and medium-sized businesses.","date":"2001-12-18","title":"The Kremlin hosted a meeting of the State Council's presidium on the development of small and medium-sized businesses","location":"The Kremlin, Moscow","link":"http://en.special.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/42027","id":42027}
{"doc_id":"president_ru-en-042024","text":"President Vladimir Putin met with Armenian President Robert Kocharian\n\nDecember 18, 2001, The Kremlin, Moscow \n\nThe two leaders discussed current issues related to economic cooperation. In particular, they talked about the realisation of the agreements based on the “debts in exchange for investments” formula. \nDuring the 2-hour talks, Mr Putin and Mr Kocharian also discussed bilateral relations in the gas and energy spheres, joint development of the Armenian nuclear power plant, security issues and the coordination of efforts on the international stage.","date":"2001-12-18","title":"President Vladimir Putin met with Armenian President Robert Kocharian","location":"The Kremlin, Moscow","link":"http://en.special.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/42024","id":42024}
{"doc_id":"president_ru-en-042036","text":"President Vladimir Putin met with Grigory Yavlinsky\n\nDecember 19, 2001, The Kremlin, Moscow \n\nThe Yabloko leader informed President Putin about his opinion on national economic and political processes.\nThe Russian leader greeted delegates of the Yabloko congress, due to be held over the weekend, which will transform the bloc into a political party.","date":"2001-12-19","title":"President Vladimir Putin met with Grigory Yavlinsky","location":"The Kremlin, Moscow","link":"http://en.special.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/42036","id":42036}
{"doc_id":"president_ru-en-026906","text":"President Vladimir Putin chaired a meeting of the Russian State Council\n\nDecember 19, 2001, The Kremlin, Moscow \n\nThe State Council discussed a concept of the state policy for supporting small businesses in Russia, which had been drafted by a working group and examined by the State Council Presidium on December 18.\nIn his speech, the Russian President pointed out that the situation with small businesses in this country could hardly be called optimistic. Although small businesses provide jobs to one-third of the Russian population, a full-fledged middle class has not yet emerged in Russia. Over 50% of small businesses are located in just eight Russian regions, 25% of them in Moscow.\nMr Putin advocated effective legislation at every government level that would create incentives for small businesses. He said legislation for regulating entrepreneurial activity was also essential.\nPresident Putin proposed a tax reduction and simplified tax procedures for small businesses and said many businessmen lacked the required formal education to handle the complicated accounting system. Mr Putin said tax exemption limits were an interesting idea.\nSumming up the meeting’s results, Mr Putin presented State Council with a list of instructions due to be submitted to the Government. Proposals on specifying criteria for a small-business enterprise will be submitted to the State Duma; the Government will study the possibility of applying simplified tax legislation for small businesses enterprises; financial statements for consolidated social tax payments must also be simplified; national legislation must stipulate tax ceilings for small businesses; and regulatory documents for state control and supervision must also be drafted more quickly. President Putin said this list could be extended further.","date":"2001-12-19","title":"President Vladimir Putin chaired a meeting of the Russian State Council","location":"The Kremlin, Moscow","link":"http://en.special.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/26906","id":26906}
{"doc_id":"president_ru-en-026904","text":"President Vladimir Putin addressed an official function marking Security Operatives Day\n\nDecember 20, 2001, The Kremlin, Moscow \n\nVladimir Putin said the security agencies of Russia had become part of the democratic system, as well as its natural and essential component, in the last 10 years.\nPresident Putin set forth security-agency tasks, primarily efforts to counter foreign intelligence operations. Mr Putin said national security and economic competitiveness depended on the performance of the security agencies.\nPresident Putin said that high-priority tasks included the fight against terrorism, that Russia had become the first country to face all-out terrorist attacks in modern times, and that national secret-service operations had dealt the first serious blow to international terrorism. Mr Putin stressed the fight against terrorism was difficult and cruel and asked those present to stand in silence for a moment and to remember those killed in action.\nPresident Putin said it was important that national secret services be open to the media because Russians deserved to know about the problems and results of their work.\nPrior to the official function, Mr Putin met with the families of security-agency operatives killed in action and presented them with state awards.","date":"2001-12-20","title":"President Vladimir Putin addressed an official function marking Security Operatives Day","location":"The Kremlin, Moscow","link":"http://en.special.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/26904","id":26904}
{"doc_id":"president_ru-en-026905","text":"President Vladimir Putin met with Polish Prime Minister Leszek Miller\n\nDecember 20, 2001, The Kremlin, Moscow \n\nVladimir Putin expressed the hope that bilateral relations would dramatically improve after the appointment of Leszek Miller as Polish Prime Minister.\nLeszek Miller said expanded good-neighbourly relations with Russia were a high-priority of the Polish foreign policy, and that he had chosen to visit Moscow immediately after being appointed Prime Minister.\nThe Russian President and the Polish Prime Minister agreed that both countries would jointly fight international terrorism and would coordinate their positions in this sphere. Both leaders also discussed the situation in Europe, opposed regional demarcation lines and advocated a common security and economic space in this and other fields.","date":"2001-12-20","title":"President Vladimir Putin met with Polish Prime Minister Leszek Miller","location":"The Kremlin, Moscow","link":"http://en.special.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/26905","id":26905}
{"doc_id":"president_ru-en-026901","text":"For two hours and 20 minutes Vladimir Putin answered questions in a live question-and-answer session broadcast by the ORT and RTR TV channels\n\nDecember 24, 2001, The Kremlin, Moscow \n\nThe Russian President replied to 47 questions during the session. Altogether, over two million Russians contacted the Ostankino TV studio to ask their questions. The studio received up to 18 calls per second. \nMost questions, asked either by phone or through the Internet, related to social and economic issues.\nMobile communication stations ensuring direct contact with the Kremlin were set up in Moscow, Vladivostok, Novosibirsk, Murmansk, Rostov-on-Don, Kazan, the Krasnodar Territory, Yekaterinburg, Kaliningrad and St Petersburg. The Russian Ministry of Communications put to use all of its landline facilities and two high efficiency satellite channels. \nThe programme was presented by Yekaterina Andreyeva and Sergei Brilev from the ORT and RTR TV channels. The Radio Mayak and Radio Rossii stations organised a live radio broadcast.\n After the broadcast, the President said that he had been ready for many questions. It was not a surprise to him that most questions focused on pensions, wages and living standards. He said he realized that it was impossible to help everyone, and it would not be proper to do so bypassing regular procedures. The goal was to ensure a well-balanced and adequate state policy.","date":"2001-12-24","title":"For two hours and 20 minutes Vladimir Putin answered questions in a live question-and-answer session broadcast by the ORT and RTR TV channels","location":"The Kremlin, Moscow","link":"http://en.special.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/26901","id":26901}
{"doc_id":"president_ru-en-041930","text":"President Vladimir Putin met with Emir of Qatar Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani\n\nDecember 25, 2001, The Kremlin, Moscow \n\nAt the beginning of the meeting, Mr Putin pointed to the importance of contacts between the two countries now that Qatar was holding the rotating presidency of the Organisation of the Islamic Conference. \nIn opening expanded negotiations, Mr Putin noted that bilateral relations between Russia and Qatar should be made more meaningful and that Russia looked forward to the establishment of direct, trusting and businesslike relations, including after the first official visit by a head of Qatar to Russia.","date":"2001-12-25","title":"President Vladimir Putin met with Emir of Qatar Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani","location":"The Kremlin, Moscow","link":"http://en.special.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/41930","id":41930}
{"doc_id":"president_ru-en-026899","text":"President Vladimir Putin chaired a session of the Security Council on state support for the export of military goods\n\nDecember 26, 2001, The Kremlin, Moscow \n\nOpening the session, Vladimir Putin said that in 2001 Russia earned $4.4 billion from military exports, much more than the previous year.\nThe President noted that the last few years had seen a growth in Russian exports of combat equipment and military technologies, though statistics did not give grounds to draw overly optimistic conclusions. In his opinion, Russia was just beginning to restore its lost positions. He said that Russia cooperated with about 60 countries in that sphere but the number of its main partners was much less impressive – just two or three countries. \nAccording to Vladimir Putin, in determining a strategy of military-technical cooperation it was necessary to objectively assess the potential of the national defence industry and review the priorities of R&D work.","date":"2001-12-26","title":"President Vladimir Putin chaired a session of the Security Council on state support for the export of military goods","location":"The Kremlin, Moscow","link":"http://en.special.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/26899","id":26899}
{"doc_id":"president_ru-en-026898","text":"A session of the Supreme State Council of the Russia-Belarus Union State was held in the Kremlin\n\nDecember 26, 2001, The Kremlin, Moscow \n\nOpening the session, Vladimir Putin proposed that the participants should discuss not only the progress achieved but also failures and drawbacks.\nThe President said it was a top priority to work out a uniform economic policy, primarily, to form a single economic and customs space. Other major issues included the unification of the tariff and tax systems, the regulation of property issues of Union importance, the settlement of defence issues, social security and labour safety.\nBefore the session, Vladimir Putin and Alexander Lukashenko had a one to one meeting.","date":"2001-12-26","title":"A session of the Supreme State Council of the Russia-Belarus Union State was held in the Kremlin","location":"The Kremlin, Moscow","link":"http://en.special.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/26898","id":26898}