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Winners of 2018 Presidential Prize for Young Culture Professionals and for Writing and Art for Children and Young People announced



Vladimir Putin signed the Executive Order On the 2018 Presidential Prize for Young Culture Professionals and for Writing and Art for Children and Young People.



March 25, 2019 - 12:50 - The Kremlin, Moscow







The winners were announced at a special briefing by Presidential Adviser Vladimir Tolstoy.



* * *


Vladimir Putin considered the recommendations of the Presidential Council for Culture and Art and resolved that the 2018 Presidential Prize for Young Culture Professionals and the honorary title of prize-winner would be awarded to the following individuals:







Nikolai Pereslegin, architect, for the development of Russian architecture and the preservation of cultural heritage;

Valentin Uryupin, artistic director and chief conductor of the Rostov Academic Symphony Orchestra of the Rostov Regional Philharmonic Hall, for his contribution to the development of Russian music art;

Sergei Chekhov, stage director, for his creative development of the Russian theatrical school.







* * *


Vladimir Putin considered the recommendations of the Presidential Council for Culture and Art and resolved that the 2018 Presidential Prize for Writing and Art for Children and Young People and the honorary title of prize-winner would be awarded to the following individuals:

Boris Diodorov, artist, for his significant contribution to the development of Russian and global illustration art;

Sergei Kazarnovsky, Principal of the Klass-Centre general education school in Moscow, for the development and implementation of the concept Theatre as the Foundation of Humanitarian Education;







Francheska Yarbusova, artist, for her significant contribution to the development of Russian and global animation art.




The source of information - http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/60141






Meeting with Russian Post head Nikolai Podguzov



Vladimir Putin held a working meeting with Russian Post Director General Nikolai Podguzov to discuss promising areas of the company’s work.



March 25, 2019 - 13:30 - The Kremlin, Moscow








President of Russia Vladimir Putin:

Mr Podguzov, your company, a structured corporation, is not only of economic, but also of social significance.

I know that it has been developing quite successfully. I would like to hear your assessments and plans.







Director General of Russian Post Nikolai Podguzov:

Mr President,

Indeed, we achieved some success in 2018. We focused on optimising the business processes and on systematically cutting costs. This work has already produced results.

At the end of 2018, the company's revenue and net profit reached a historical high of 190 billion rubles in revenue and 2.7 billion rubles in net profit.

Having shown such results and having made projections for the future, we started on our second most important job – raising the wages of our core workers.

We have developed a programme that will affect 210,000 employees such as postal service operators, and mail carriers – we plan to increase their pay by 20 percent and we have invested 11.5 billion rubles in the payroll fund.

On May 1, we will launch the programme in 17 regions with the lowest pay and over 18 months, we will bring the core workers’ wages up to market levels. If the Russian Post’s performance exceeds forecasts, then we will try to do it in a shorter time.

The infrastructure of Russian Post needs to be renewed and investments are required. A modern infrastructure will contribute to high-quality postal services and good working conditions, which is very important.

Last year we carried out repair work on about 3,000 post offices and plan to proceed at the same rate.

In addition, this January we launched the second line of the Vnukovo 2 logistic postal centre, which will make it possible for us to achieve the highest market rates of delivery quality in Moscow Region.

At the same time, last autumn together with VTB Bank we established National Logistic Technologies, a company that is to create a network of 38 logistic postal centres in two years using the most advanced technologies.

These centres are established in order to create a digital logistic platform that will support e-commerce flow in the domestic market, as well as imports, exports and transit flows.

Investments in Russian Post will account for about 34 billion rubles over a period of the next two years.

Russian Post’s social function is another important task we have to address. We deliver pensions and social security benefits to 18 million people. Most of them live in rural areas.

Our mission is to preserve Russian Post’s infrastructure across the country, especially in remote areas, to provide basic postal services, to deliver food and to provide financial services.

In this context, I would like to note the development of our Pochta Bank project. Last year, the number of offices of the bank in the Russian Post’s infrastructure reached 15,000, so we will continue to expand our financial services.

In order to develop the post’s social function, we have launched the Bringing Care Closer project together with the Agency for Strategic Initiatives. Thank you very much for approving it at the Agency’s Supervisory Council in January.

The project in Novgorod Region will aim to find out, using the postal workers, what the requirements are for social and medical services.

I would like to say a bit about our active participation in preparations to celebrate a great day in our nation, the 75th anniversary of the Victory in the Great Patriotic War. Russian Post will take part in many events, such as the Immortal Regiment, Letters of Victory and Faces of Victory. We will use our entire infrastructure for this purpose.

This year, Pochta Bank is to be converted into a joint stock company. You signed the relevant law on June 29, 2018. Together with the Russian Government, we are now carrying out the reorganisation. According to the law, no later than October 1, 2019, Pochta Bank will become a joint-stock company with the Russian Government owning 100% of the company’s shares.







Vladimir Putin:

Pochta Bank’s results show that the decisions made concerning restructuring and reorganising the work according to new principles are now manifesting themselves.

What do you believe to be the most important factor that contributed to achieving all the results that you have just told me about?



Nikolai Podguzov:

I believe that the most important factor is ensuring Russian Post’s efficiency through enhancing the company’s economic yield. This can be done.

This is evidenced by our systematic work with costs. The business component of Russian Post will develop confidently and successfully.

At the same time, other important factors include the social function and the post’s presence in remote and hard-to-reach areas. It is very important, because sometimes, Russian Post serves as a sort of a centre of gravity, and there, the quality of services we offer to citizens depends, among other things, on the quality of our work.

Take, for instance, the switch over to digital broadcasting that is now underway. The Russian Post is committed to providing citizens in rural and remote areas with set-top boxes sold at the lowest possible price. We are now carrying this work out together with the Government, and we will do it well.







Vladimir Putin:

A question concerning Pochta Bank.

We both know and you know this all too well that Pochta Bank does indeed have great prospects for development.



Nikolai Podguzov:

Indeed, Pochta Bank really is a very successful project. Financial services are in great demand, especially in rural areas.

We are now rapidly establishing a network of branches of the bank and can clearly see how positive the population’s feedback of Russian Post’s financial services is.



Vladimir Putin:

Right now, it is very important as other large financial institutions are closing their branches down for different reasons.

It is, of course, one more important function – not only economic or financial, but also of a social–nature that Pochta Bank can undertake, bearing in mind that the network of post offices extends throughout the whole country.



Nikolai Podguzov:

Without a doubt.

Our entire infrastructure, a total of 42,000 post offices, will be offering financial and other important social services that can be of use to the citizens.




The source of information - http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/60142






Awarding Presidential Prizes for Young Culture Professionals and for Writing and Art for Children and Young People



Vladimir Putin awarded the 2018 Presidential Prize for Young Culture Professionals and the 2018 Presidential Prize for Writing and Art for Children and Young People.



March 26, 2019 - 16:20 - The Kremlin, Moscow







President of Russia Vladimir Putin:

Good afternoon, friends.

First of all, I would like to greet you on the occasion of Culture Worker’s Day. This professional holiday was marked yesterday. All of us are aware of the huge, everyday importance of all spheres of culture. We highly value the contribution of those who work in museums, libraries, clubs, concert halls, theatres, film studios, as well as in literature and the arts. Serving culture and the arts is by right considered an essential mission in Russia, primarily because of their contribution to education and enlightenment, to the strengthening of the spiritual and moral foundations in society, as well as to the preservation and accumulation of our rich historical heritage.







As you may know, 2019 has been declared Year of Theatre, and tomorrow we will mark one more holiday, World Theatre Day. We have every reason to be proud of our theatre directors and actors and, of course, our unique repertory theatres, including theatres for children. The world’s first theatre for children was created in this country nearly a hundred years ago. We remember what Konstantin Stanislavsky said when he was asked how to act for children: “The same as for adults, only better.” These wise words from the great director can be applied to everything we do for children and young people. Books, films, theatre performances and music must help the rising generation learn about life with its contradictions and complexities, teaching them to separate the wheat from the chaff and to assert the ideals of goodness, friendship, generosity and justice.







The works of the prize winners fully comply with these principles.










People’s Artist of Russia Boris Diodorov is an illustrator of Russian and foreign classics. In fact, he is a classic himself: his talented, filigree drawings reveal and enrich the contents of more than 300 books, including works by Aksakov, Andersen, Bazhov and many other authors. In his art and educational and pedagogical activities, Diodorov is guided by intrinsic values, presenting readers with beauty and singing praise to the harmony of the world. He is convinced that real art is sincere and simple, and the works of this outstanding master are understandable and close both to children and adults.










Sergei Kazarnovsky has the same force of attraction for his students. A famous Russian pedagogue, he has his own approach to educating young people. In his school Klass-Centre art accounts for two thirds of the content of the education. In his 30 years of activity, Kazarnovsky has proved that school is a major part of our culture, that while passing on knowledge, education should pursue moral ideals that have equal value. Kazarnovsky prioritises the molding of children’s personalities and is focused on developing their feelings, the understanding of good and evil, the importance of human dignity and spiritual uplifting.







Our prize winners include the fabulous and amazing artist Francheska Yarbusova. She can depict both reality and magic, precise details and the disappearing fragility of a dream. It remains an inconceivable mystery how she can convey frosty air, the fragrance of the night or the energy of space in her illustrations. Yarbusova’s works are among the indisputable masterpieces of world art. Characters in such animated films as Hedgehog in the Fog, Left-Hander and The Tale of Tales, to name a few, have forever touched the hearts of many generations.







Friends, our young talented professionals are making a huge contribution to our rich cultural environment.







The professional stance of architect Nikolai Pereslegin is to take a thorough and analytical approach to every project. We can see the embodiment of his bold ideas in our capital’s public spaces, parks and embankments, as well as comfortable residential districts. The signature line of this young architect is the delicate and scrupulous renovation of Moscow’s historical buildings, which have a new lease on life thanks to him. Nikolai Pereslegin’s projects have not only made our city more beautiful but are also promoting its image as a hospitable and comfortable megacity.







Dedication to his profession is also one of Valentin Uryupin’s major traits. He became an accomplished conductor at 21, a unique case in this profession. He has performed with many musicians, including world famous musicians, as an invited conductor. For a fourth year now, he has been the principal conductor of one of Russia’s oldest symphony orchestras in Rostov-on-Don. I know that Valentin Uryupin plans to make that city one of Russia’s music capitals again. It is a noble mission and goal, and we will do everything we can to help him. We are confident that he will attain his goal thanks to his talent as a conductor, his huge creative potential and the ability to create a close-knit team of likeminded people. And all these talents in such a young man. He is also a top class clarinet player, giving solo recitals and bringing joy to his fans.










Theatre director Sergei Chekhov invites audiences to judge his vision of new ideas. He has worked in Moscow and in other Russian cities with widely different and long-established troupes, and every time he finds a way into their hearts, charging them with his innovative ideas and winning acceptance of his creative approach to drama, which includes an open dialogue with the audience. Sergei Chekhov is the founder and the driving force of several creative groups that are both looking for new theatrical concepts and developing the traditions of the Russian theatre school.







Friends, all of our winners today, even though they come from different generations, are noted for their strong will, which, along with their ability to think “out of the box” and to devote all their lives to their professions is evident in their creative endeavours. Thank you for serving Russian culture and for your brilliant achievements. I wish you every success and all the best.

Thank you very much.


<…>


Vladimir Putin:

Friends, colleagues, winners,

I would like to congratulate all of our winners on today’s event once again, and to wish you new achievements. I have no doubt that all of you will do a lot to contribute to the development of, quoting one of the winners, our great, extensive Russian family, and do so in your own unique way. You thanked the members of the Commission, but here is what I need to tell you.







The Commission members who chose you as winners documented a fact that was recognised by the hundreds of thousands of people that you work for.

I wish you further achievements. Thank you very much.




The source of information - http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/60145






Congratulations on National Guard Day



Vladimir Putin congratulated active and retired National Guard officers on their professional holiday, National Guard Day.



March 27, 2019 - 09:00







President of Russia Vladimir Putin:

Comrade officers, veterans,

Please accept my best wishes on your professional holiday, the National Guard Day.

The Russian National Guard proudly continues and expands the best traditions of Interior Ministry Troops, OMON Special Police Force and SOBR Rapid Deployment Task Force units, extra-departmental security units and the Licensing Service in a befitting manner. This continuity, extremely high training levels and impeccable professionalism serve as a reliable foundation for successfully accomplishing your diverse tasks.

You spearhead the fight against such threats as terrorism, extremism and organised crime. You assume tremendous responsibility for maintaining law and order during public events, for reliably shielding key industrial facilities and infrastructure and for organising efficient control in such an important sphere as arms sales.







All these aspects of your everyday work require the utmost concentration, resoluteness and determination, as well as unfailing compliance with the law, respect for the rights and freedoms of citizens and the dignity of every person.

I want to note that commanders and soldiers, the entire National Guard service personnel, always honourably fulfil their orders, while maintaining the security of our citizens, society and state. They act bravely, skilfully and efficiently. I am confident that this will continue in the future.

Thank you for your service. I wish you, your families and loved ones every success, health and all the best. Congratulations on the holiday once again.




The source of information - http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/60148






Visit to Olympic Synchronised Swimming Centre



Vladimir Putin visited the Olympic Synchronised Swimming Centre of Anastasia Davydova located in the Park of Legends sports and entertainment quarter in Moscow.



March 27, 2019 - 15:15 - Moscow






President of Russia Vladimir Putin and Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin inspected an information stand on the development of physical culture and sports in Moscow and looked around the Olympic Synchronised Swimming Centre. The centre’s equipment and technical infrastructure comply with the Olympic standards, and the system of training combines traditional Russian methods with innovative learning techniques.
















Russia’s junior national teams started training at the centre and regional championships were first held there in 2018. There are 116 children at the Youth of Moscow Olympic Reserve School in the Olympic Synchronised Swimming Centre of Anastasia Davydova.
















In addition, Vladimir Putin met with participants of the 2019 Winter Universiade held in Krasnoyarsk and congratulated Russia’s student team on their victory.




The source of information - http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/60151






Meeting of the Council for the Development of Physical Culture and Sport



Vladimir Putin chaired a meeting of the Presidential Council for the Development of Physical Culture and Sport at the Olympic Synchronised Swimming Centre.



March 27, 2019 - 17:00 - Moscow






The meeting focused on national goals and strategic tasks concerning the development of physical fitness and sport in the Russian Federation until 2024 and beyond.

Participants discussed creating conditions for engaging all categories and groups of the public in regular exercise, upgrading sports facilities, improving the training of athletic reserves and increasing the competitiveness of Russian athletes.




President of Russia Vladimir Putin:

Good afternoon, friends,

First of all, I want to thank the Council’s working group for preparing today’s meeting.

The agenda is indeed full and substantial. We are to discuss strategic issues related to the development of physical fitness and sports in Russia until 2024 and for the later period.

Our colleagues developed proposals in line with the key national goals and objectives that were outlined in the 2018 May Executive Order.







It should be noted that this approach complies with a resolution of the UN General Assembly adopted in December 2018 which considers sport an important factor of sustainable development.

Physical fitness and sport remain a priority of our social policy. What I will say may be obvious but in no way less important. Sport is an opportunity for self-fulfilment, for a new quality of life for each and every person.







As a matter of fact, the main purpose of multiple international and national competitions that Russia has hosted in recent years is precisely to promote the culture of healthy living.

Promoting sports is an important task, including for a new television channel, MATCH.Strana, which was established to cover sports events of all levels and perhaps most importantly in Russian regions.







There are positive dynamics, indeed. Over the past decade, the number of those who chose an active lifestyle and sports as leisure activities has increased from 17 percent to almost 40 percent, or over 54 million people.

As you may recall, our goal was to get over half of Russia’s population (55 percent) involved in an active lifestyle by 2024.







To do so, it is imperative to expand sports for the public much more actively, to expose everyone to physical fitness from childhood, and to cultivate responsibility for one’s health, as well as to fully support interest in an active lifestyle for middle-aged and older people and to create a corresponding infrastructure.

Of course, sports for the public should be included in our national projects, all of which focus on people’s interests and requests.







It is even more important to do this as part of programmes like Demography, Housing and Urban Environment, Healthcare and Education, which are designed to create a modern and comfortable environment for people, hence, the active lifestyle.

The Council’s working group believes that these matters are not fully reflected in the national programmes. Of course, we can and must correct this situation, and make sure that measures to promote physical fitness and sports are included in national project passports, and that proper funding is provided.







In addition, the current Physical Culture and Sport Development Strategy will expire next year. Including based on what we discussed today, I want the Government (we will discuss this in more detail later) and the Ministry of Sport to start developing a new Strategy for the period to 2030 without delay and adopt it no later than October 2020 in order for us to be able to implement this document effectively and on schedule.

Today, I would like to focus on the tasks at hand.

First, as I already mentioned, this is about further developing the public sports infrastructure. This should literally be within walking distance. We should also take a closer look at the ways to more effectively use sports facilities of educational organisations, such as schools. This is important and there is a need to do so, especially in rural areas.







Next, it is necessary to facilitate public-private partnerships in sports and physical fitness, to use, in conjunction with public budget resources, the potential offered by the entrepreneurial initiative, the desire of small and medium-sized businesses to work in public sports and offer services ranging from affordable fitness and athletic classes to manufacturing inexpensive sportswear and equipment.

Besides, as you know, professional sports, major sporting events and tournaments can be commercially successful, including income for advertising companies and various lotteries. An entire business sector is linked with sports.







As I see it, we need to carefully revaluate the regulatory system for this and create clear and understandable procedures to purposefully allocate part of the revenues generated in the professional sport segment for the development of public sports, for training new stars who can serve as examples for the younger generations.

I would like to talk separately about cooperation between the Russian Olympic Committee, national sports federations, and specialised agencies and international sport organisations.







We need to expand Russia’s involvement in drafting and implementing decisions on key matters on the international sports agenda, as well as a systematic approach to defending the rights and interests of Russian athletes. I would like you to work actively and consistently here, based on common approaches and an agreed-upon policy.

This directly concerns the well-known doping incident. Russia has fulfilled all the requirements for more efficient anti-doping efforts. We have established constructive cooperation with specialised international agencies. We need to completely resolve any remaining matters and do everything possible so that members of the Russian team will not be subjected to any restrictions during the 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo, so that we don’t provide any pretext to those who use sport for political purposes against Russia’s interests.







I would like to note that many aspects of maintaining the international status of Russian sports and ensuring domestic development depend on skilful coordination. The ministries, departments and public organisations whose activities are linked with sports should work as hard as possible and draft common comprehensive development programmes for specific areas. This also concerns the introduction and use of advanced scientific and technical achievements, as well as human resourcing.

I agree with those who note the need for common, so-called comprehensive standards and requirements for training and qualifications of specialists working in the system of school, additional and higher education.







Matters of streamlining the system for protecting the labour rights of coaches and athletes themselves, developing the system of specialised medical assistance and rehabilitation for people who have devoted years and decades of their lives to sport also require the same degree of attention. And, of course, we should further work on ways to additionally incentivise coaches and athletes.

The Foundation for the Support of Russian Olympians has been doing this successfully in professional sports for many years. But we need to include all sports levels, support local enthusiasts and devotees who implement important and promising projects and who act as true mentors to young people.

Please think about how we can use the potential of the Presidential Grants Foundation and the grant programmes of corresponding ministries and regions for these purposes.

Let’s start discussing the items that have been prepared for today.




The source of information - http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/60152






Condolences to Valery Bykovsky’s family



Vladimir Putin offered his condolences to the family and friends of pilot-cosmonaut Valery Bykovsky following his passing.



March 27, 2019 - 21:00







The message reads, in part:

“Twice Hero of the Soviet Union, Valery Bykovsky was a great representative of the first, iconic cosmonaut corps and a person of exceptional courage and will. Over the years of loyal duty to the Fatherland he added colourful pages to the history of space exploration as well as the history of Russia. He has rightfully earned a great reputation and respect.”

Pilot-cosmonaut, twice Hero of the Soviet Union Colonel Valery Bykovsky passed away on March 27 at the age of 84.

In 1960, Valery Bykovsky became a member of the first cosmonaut squad. He took his first flight aboard Vostok 5 in June 1963. The five-day mission was carried out together with Vostok 6 flown by Valentina Tereshkova. Valery Bykovsky’s second mission, as commander of Soyuz 22, lasted eight days and took place in September 1976. During his third mission, Valery Bykovsky flew to the Salyut 6 orbital station as commander of Soyuz 31 along with Sigmund Jaehn (Germany) in August-September 1978. The flight lasted eight days.




The source of information - http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/60169






Meeting with permanent members of Security Council



Vladimir Putin chaired a meeting with permanent members of the Security Council.



March 29, 2019 - 13:10 - The Kremlin, Moscow







Following an exchange of opinions, the meeting participants voiced their grave concern about several states’ continuing direct statements on their intention to further interfere in Venezuela’s domestic affairs, which makes the settlement of the internal political crisis in the country more problematic. They emphasised that only the people of Venezuela can make decisions on the future of their state.













In addition, during the meeting Vladimir Putin informed the participants of the results of the talks held during his visit to Kyrgyzstan.







Pressing socioeconomic matters were also discussed.










The meeting was attended by Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev, State Duma Speaker Vyacheslav Volodin, Chief of Staff of the Presidential Executive Office Anton Vaino, Security Council Secretary Nikolai Patrushev, Interior Minister Vladimir Kolokoltsev, Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu, Federal Security Service Director Alexander Bortnikov and Special Presidential Representative for Environmental Protection, Ecology and Transport Sergei Ivanov.




The source of information - http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/60170






Meeting with Vologda Region Governor Oleg Kuvshinnikov



Vladimir Putin met with Vologda Region Governor Oleg Kuvshinnikov to discuss the socio-economic situation in the region. Mr Kuvshinnikov told the President about his decision to run for Vologda Region Governor next September.



March 29, 2019 - 14:05 - The Kremlin, Moscow







The Governor recalled that seven years ago, the financial and economic situation in the region was very difficult; therefore, he had asked the President to support his request to provide the region with budget loans at 0.1 percent interest. Owing to these measures, the region overcame its budget crisis. In seven years, the regional budget has virtually doubled. It had a deficit of almost 8 billion rubles whereas now it has a surplus of 14 billion (10th among the 85 regions of Russia). The region’s public debt has almost been cut in half and it is already possible to say that it is close to an infrastructure breakthrough.

The GRP has almost doubled since 2011 to 600 billion rubles. The region is ranked 18th in Russia in per capita industrial output. Its economy has been diversified. The metallurgical industry has grown by 9 percent, and paper and chemical production and wood processing also recorded substantial growth. In terms of investment, the region now ranks 20th in Russia.







According to Mr Kuvshinnikov, the region has increased its development budget. In 2012, it was 9 percent of the budget, and in 2019, it amounts to 22 percent. In the next three years, 45 billion rubles will be spent on developing municipal infrastructure, such as roads, bridges, and schools, major repairs of social facilities, fitness and health-building centres and a new stadium. The construction of 460 facilities is already underway.

Mr Kuvshinnikov asked the President to support the programme for developing Vologda Region and back his decision to run in the election next September.







Calling his intention well-grounded and the results of his performance obvious, Vladimir Putin promised to support his nomination.




The source of information - http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/60171






On March 30, Moscow Kremlin facade lighting will be turned off for Earth Hour



On March 30, the facade lighting of the President’s official residence, the Moscow Kremlin, will be turned off between 8.30 pm and 9.30 pm Moscow time for Earth Hour.



March 29, 2019 - 15:00



Earth Hour is an annual campaign organised by the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) to promote environmental awareness.

People around the world simultaneously turn off lights, electric appliances and facade lighting on iconic buildings, for one hour.

Earth Hour is the most widespread campaign in human history. In 2018, over 2 billion people from 188 countries took part in the event, including the residents of 170 Russian cities.

The Moscow Kremlin joined the campaign in 2013 by decision of Vladimir Putin.




The source of information - http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/60172






Message of greetings to participants, organisers and guest of 32nd Nika national film awards



Vladimir Putin sent greetings to the participants, organisers and guests of the 32nd Nika National Film Award ceremony.



March 30, 2019 - 18:30



The message reads, in part:

“Film directors, actors, scriptwriters, artists and cameramen, those who created the most successful films of 2018, are among the audience here today. You are all united by sincere dedication to your trade, outstanding talent, a wish to make a personal contribution to the development of Russian cinematography. It is certainly gratifying that you have deep respect for renowned masters, annually presenting them with the Eldar Ryazanov award in the Honour and Dignity nomination.

I am confident that the current ceremony will be a true festival of creativity and amicable communication, and that the best of the best will receive the sought-after Nika awards, since high praise from colleagues is the best evidence of the winners’ extraordinary talents and their commitment to reaching professional heights.”




The source of information - http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/60178
__________________
Where should they dig the Very Deep Pit?
Piglet said that the best place would be somewhere where a Heffalump was, just before he fell into it, only about a foot farther on.
(c) Alan Alexander Miln