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Old October 17th, 2021 #7
Alex Him
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Address to the 15th meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the UN Convention on Biological Diversity



October 12, 2021 - 09:30






President of Russia Vladimir Putin:

President Xi Jinping, Mr Guterres, ladies and gentlemen,

Greetings to the participants of the 15th meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the UN Convention on Biological Diversity.

This convention was adopted almost 30 years ago and it remains a key universal instrument of international law that unites countries and multilateral organisations in their efforts to conserve nature and to promote the sustainable use of our planet’s resources.

These goals are more relevant than ever before, because we can see how human activities and the rapid development of technology, industry and agriculture, unfortunately, often negatively affect the environment and climate.

In this regard, I would like to express my gratitude to our Chinese friends and personally to President Xi Jinping for their support of efforts to step up international cooperation in the sphere of conservation. In turn, we are committed to working together with all stakeholders in order to preserve our common habitat.

And, of course, we are grateful to our Chinese colleagues and the Secretariat of the Convention for hosting this meeting of the Conference, which is going by the name “Ecological Civilisation: Building a Shared Future for All Life on Earth.”

This conference provides a good opportunity to exchange views on how to maximise the harmonious coexistence of humans and nature, to most effectively mobilise the efforts of the international community to protect biodiversity and to promote the sustainable use of natural resources, as well as to define the goals and modalities of international cooperation in these areas.

I would like to take this opportunity to point out that Russia has a unique and abundant supply of natural resources for supporting life on the planet, and biodiversity conservation is an absolute priority for us. We try to approach it responsibly, consistently and systematically. Moreover, state institutions, businesses and civil society have partnered on this work.

A comprehensive sustainable development strategy is being implemented in our country, whose framework includes significant attention to the environmental agenda, protecting and growing the numbers of rare and endangered animals and plants, as well as further strengthening specially protected natural areas. At the federal level alone, there are 109 nature reserves, 64 national parks and 62 sanctuaries. In all, including regional and local specially protected natural areas and other forms of protection, over 25 percent of land in Russia is now protected under environmental law, which, believe me, is truly vast. In addition, we are going to create at least 23 new protected natural areas by 2024.





Protection of rare animal and plant species is guaranteed at the state level in our country. The measures taken to this end are yielding tangible results. In particular, the populations of Central Asian and Far Eastern leopards, snow leopards, saiga antelopes, polar bears, bison, birds of the falcon family and, of course, the Amur tiger have also grown. And we will continue these efforts, including in coordination with our foreign partners.

In this context, I want to point out the fact that we plan to hold the Second International Forum on the Conservation of the Tiger Population in September 2022. This forum will take place as part of the Eastern Economic Forum in Vladivostok. We look forward to the participation of representatives from all countries where these rare predators are found.

I would be remiss not to mention that thanks to the tremendous absorptive capacity of our forests, our country is making a major contribution to addressing global environmental and climate problems and helping to preserve biodiversity. As you may be aware, Russia accounts for 20 percent of the world's forest reserves. And we will continue to improve the quality of forest management and take additional steps to combat wildfires and restore forests.

The very fact that this conference exists clearly shows that nature conservation cannot be successfully addressed by any country alone. This must be taken up by all countries, without exaggeration, by all humankind.

We fully support the idea of ​​pursuing closer international cooperation on all pressing issues related to protecting flora and fauna, the atmosphere and water resources. This cooperation must be carried out on the basis of generally accepted scientific data, a clearly defined and comprehensive legal framework, and with respect for state sovereignty over natural resources and economic activities. Of course, it is important to be mindful of national priorities and the specifics of each country, as well as to focus on the needs of the developing world, including the least developed countries.

The post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework is currently being negotiated. Russian experts are taking part in this work. We want the programme to include specific ideas and proposals regarding biodiversity protection and to help restore global environmental balance.

I would like to close by expressing confidence that this meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the UN Convention on Biological Diversity will be productive and effective and, most importantly, promote constructive cooperation between the countries participating in the Convention.

Thank you.




The source of information - http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/66898






Greetings on opening of the 5th International Conference on Protection of Human Rights in Eurasia: Exchange of Best Practices of Ombudsmen



Vladimir Putin sent a message of greetings to participants in the 5th International Conference on Protection of Human Rights in Eurasia: Exchange of Best Practices of Ombudsmen.



October 12, 2021 - 10:00



The message reads, in part:

“It is important that, despite the restrictions imposed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, you continue this highly popular multilateral dialogue involving national ombudsmen and representatives of state agencies and the academic and expert communities.

The agenda of this year’s conference includes two highly topical subjects: the rights of people with disabilities and environmental human rights. The participants will review ways of improving the legislative framework and law enforcement practice so as to eliminate any barriers hampering the inclusion of people with disabilities in society and ensuring effective environmental protection and the safest possible use of natural resources.

I hope that you will exchange professional experience and will have constructive and detailed discussions, and that your ideas and initiatives will help protect the rights and interests of our states’ citizens.”

On October 12, Moscow is hosting an international conference on the protection of human rights in Eurasia. It involves over 40 ombudsmen from foreign states, the heads of international organisations and integration associations of human rights activists, the heads of Russian government agencies and representatives of civic society and the academic community.




The source of information - http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/66907






Meeting with deputies of the eighth State Duma



Vladimir Putin met with deputies of the Federal Assembly’s State Duma of the eighth convocation in the Grand Kremlin Palace’s St George Hall.



October 12, 2021 - 15:35 - The Kremlin, Moscow






President of Russia Vladimir Putin:

Deputies of the State Duma, Mr Volodin,

I am glad to welcome all of you in the Kremlin on the day of the first session of the State Duma of the eighth convocation and congratulate all of you on the beginning of its work and, of course, on your victory in the competitive, open elections.

I am pleased to note that the lineup of the parliament has a substantial number of new members. Out of 450 deputies, 218, almost half, will work in the State Duma for the first time. But all of you, all without exception, are active and engaged people. You have already established yourselves in politics, in public service, and in your profession.

It was the United Russia party that set this trend for renewal. In its parliamentary party, which has kept the constitutional majority – 48.5 percent, also almost a half, are new deputies.

The CPRF, A Just Russia – For Truth and the LDPR have confirmed their important role in the parliament. The New People, elected to the State Duma for the first time, has also formed its parliamentary party.

All this proves that the political system of Russia is developing, meeting the changing requirements of society, and giving an opportunity for energetic and purposeful people to become politicians at the federal level.

At the same time, many newly-elected deputies have served with several State Duma convocations, and this is important for successful law-making and for developing the best parliamentary traditions. It goes without saying that continuity should exist. As you know, these traditions are maintained by people who have created and expanded them, rather than in offices and conference rooms.

Certainly, your experience was needed during preparations for this first meeting. I know that this short but important and responsible period was well-coordinated and productive for the parliamentary parties and the deputies’ working groups.

As a result, the key organisational matters were quickly resolved today, the parliamentary parties were registered, the committees and commissions were formalised under State Duma regulations, the line-up and chairs have been determined, and the house leaders have been elected. Now you can work confidently on reviewing the packed legislative agenda.





Colleagues,

You represent all regions, as well as various professional and social communities. Each parliamentary party has its own election programme. But I am confident that all of you are united by a striving to work in the interests of Russia, for the sake of successful future development, and for consolidating our traditional values as stipulated by the updated Constitution, and of course, to improve people’s well-being and quality of life.

You have your mandates thanks to the people’s will and trust. This support from our multi-ethnic nation, the only source of power in the country, guarantees the State Duma’s power and authority, its responsibility for the country and for all its decisions. I expect you to earn this high level of trust everyday through intensive and effective work.

Every deputy and parliamentary party represents the hopes of specific people, voters, that is, your voters. Even if they are a minority, their votes, requests and proposals should be heard.

You will certainly strive to fulfil your promises and party programmes and to put forth legislative motions. It is important that they be closely linked with our national development goals so that all of us can work together for the sake of the common good.

As you have seen, it is possible to reach much more impressive results by pooling our administrative, financial and common resources, at the municipal, regional, and federal district levels, as well as at the Federal Government level. This gives us much more successful and positive results, and results that are expected from us by the nation, by our people.

Yes, of course, there is no way to avoid differences in approach, in positions or points of view, but this is absolutely normal. A parliament is a venue where people should express different views and where a path to well-balanced decisions should open up in discussions and arguments.

A constructive dialogue between parliamentary parties, broad discussions of key issues with the participation of the regions and civil society organisations, and continuous, working cooperation with the Government of Russia are very important at this point. These are indispensable conditions and a firm foundation for adopting quality, necessary laws that really work.






Our country, and hence all of us, are facing many difficult challenges. I will repeat that the low average income of our citizens, of millions of people, is our main enemy, a threat to steady development and our demographic future.

In the next few years, we need to establish an integral system for supporting families with children, starting from when a mother is expecting a baby to the graduation of her children from school.

As you know, we have started drafting this programme, this system. We are doing this in stages, gradually, ensuring guaranteed benefits at every step. I would like you to continue working this way on other issues as well.

Of course, the ultimate goal is to increase the average income of our people, create jobs in all regions, ensure the continued growth and restructuring of the economy, support high-tech industries and remove the barriers that still impede the development of small business – people should have as many opportunities as possible to increase the well-being of their families.

Serious problems in healthcare, education, housing and the environment demand particular attention. The solution to these and many other problems largely depends on the effective performance of the State Duma, the country’s highest representative body. This is why it is so important for each parliamentary party and each deputy to realise their high responsibility for drafting and adopting laws.

Some of the first bills that you will be considering include the federal budget as well as the budget for social security. These documents, submitted by the Government, have at least three priorities: social policy, economic development, and healthcare, of course.

The largest budget item is social policy, and that primarily includes support for families with children, and senior citizens. Over the next three years, the Government plans to allocate 41.5 trillion rubles for social needs, 15.1 trillion rubles for economic development and support for the regions, and 10.9 trillion rubles for healthcare.

I would like to note that every other ruble to be spent under the bills on the federal budget and on social security funds will be directed to the implementation of Russia’s social policy and to healthcare.

With the continuing pandemic and the difficult situation in the global economy, there are problems we still need to address. Indeed, the economy has generally recovered to pre-crisis levels as we say, but many problems persist, including inflation. Inflation will exceed the forecasted level of 5.8 percent this year.

Higher inflation naturally hits the poorest population groups hardest. We must be aware of this, keep this in mind and respond accordingly. Let me remind you in this regard that social monetary benefits, which come from the federal budget, should be indexed to actual inflation in 2022. Federal coffers contain sufficient funds to do this, and I would like to bring this to the attention of the State Duma deputies and the Government.

As it is, maternity capital remains the only social support measure that is being indexed to forecasted inflation. I propose, starting from 2022, to start indexing maternity capital based on the previous year’s actual inflation as well, not the projected figure.





(Applause.)

I ask the deputies to adopt the necessary amendments to the law. I believe this decision will be right and fair.

We are always attentive to those who need government support. This year, we have made lump sum payments to pensioners and families with school-age children. I instructed the Government to submit additional proposals on social support measures, which are of the essence in the context of high inflation. We will consider these proposals at a meeting in the near future.

I would also like to stress that the United Russia party went to the elections with a programme based on proposals from people from all regions of our country. These initiatives must be fully reflected in the draft law on the budget, and the factions, of course, must monitor the implementation of these projects so that they bear results before the deadline.

I would like to note once again that making our national ideas and the constructive, substantive priorities in the parliamentary parties’ programmes a reality is our common task. It requires the joint, coordinated work of all factions. I hope that this is how it will be in practice, and, let me repeat, the activities of the State Duma will only be successful if the deputies strive to develop the solutions that our country, society and citizens need.

United Russia, which holds over two-thirds of the mandates, demonstrated this approach during the preparations. It could lead most committees, but the faction continued the traditions of the previous convocation and, when approving the leadership of the committees, provided other factions with the opportunity to chair almost half of them. Thus, the opinion of voters, your voters, colleagues, of those who voted for these parties, was taken into account, and they received additional opportunities for effective and responsible work in order to fulfil the demands of their voters.





Colleagues,

The legislative process requires thoughtful and professional work as well as consideration of many factors, such as financial sources (those above all, perhaps) and, most of all, knowing and understanding people’s requests, essential interests and needs. This is why you should always stay in touch with your voters, know their worries and daily problems, and help them without fail.

Now I would like to address those who are part of parliament for the first time. Those who have worked here for more than one convocation know about this, and this is what they are doing. This is my point: the drafting and adoption of laws, lawmaking is the main activity of the Duma, for all deputies; this is clear, understandable. However, for the people, for your voters you are primarily their representatives. Do not forget this. People can and will address you with diverse questions. Maybe some will not be within your competence, but they rely on you, so remember that they went out and voted for you.

I would also like to ask you to comprehensively analyse how the regions are carrying out our national goals and to help them promptly when your support is needed. The State Duma deputies have the authority to do this, including parliamentary control.

I would also like to talk about the situation with the coronavirus infection. There is no getting away from this today. You know that the number of infections is growing in many regions and medical specialists are working in difficult conditions. We all know well that vaccination can save us from the virus and from a severe course of the disease. It is necessary to step up the vaccination pace. I would like to ask you to be most active in this work, to educate people and speak in the media. People trust and listen to your advice and recommendations. It is very important to do this without a tone of administrative reprimand. We should persistently and patiently work with the people and explain to them the benefits of preventing this dangerous disease.

Colleagues,

In conclusion, I would like to emphasise again the importance of continuity in your activities – in both the lawmaking process and your ability to create an atmosphere of trust, mutual respect and cooperation, while being open to society and our people.

The deputies of the previous, seventh convocation did a lot to promote the traditions of Russian parliamentarism that had its 115th anniversary this year. I hope your deputy corps will not only preserve the best traditions of this most important historical heritage but will also make its own contribution to its development.

I would like to wish you success in serving Russia and our people. All the best to you.

Thank you.





State Duma Speaker Vyacheslav Volodin:

Mr President.

On behalf of all the deputies, I would like to express my gratitude to you for your support of the parliament, for the steps you are taking to promote democracy in our country.

Last year, you proposed an initiative to delegate some of the President’s powers to our citizens; now they will be able to participate in the formation of the Government of the Russian Federation, through their deputies.

This puts an additional responsibility on the State Duma deputies. I do hope that the decisions that we worked out today and then adopted will help make the legislative branch of government more effective and, most importantly, responsible for the decisions made.

Indeed, we have chosen a complicated configuration that you initiated, where the opinions of all parliamentary parties (we have five of them in the State Duma now) are taken into account and, as you rightly said, citizens who have elected deputies from various parties also have a say. Now, regardless of their party affiliation, people who voted for these five factions, five political parties will have the opportunity to influence decision-making in the State Duma, a real chance to participate in the discussion of these decisions.

The new State Duma has more committees than before, 32. But this actually reflects, among other things, the new authority to form the Government that was given to the State Duma by the Constitution. There will be committees that correlate with federal ministries where it was necessary. This structure will allow us to work more effectively with industry-specific ministries, focus on the agenda and adopt more effective laws.

We are actually preparing the State Duma for this, discussing issues with the party faction leaders, and we believe this is achievable and especially important at present as Russia is facing challenges and problems on a global scale. We believe the lower house absolutely must have an agenda that will unite all members regardless of their party affiliation.

That is why it means a lot to us that work has begun without foot dragging: tomorrow, the State Duma committees will begin to hold their meetings and the State Duma Council will gather for a meeting; on Thursday, we will get down to our legislative activities. This is why people run for the State Duma in the first place – to represent the interests of our citizens and solve issues and problems by using laws.

Hopefully, support from the President will allow us to do this effectively. Indeed, the path our political system has traversed, becoming more open and competitive all the while, shows how much is possible. But it is only possible if we develop incrementally, without slipping into populism and demagogy, something we also talked about earlier today.

Mr President, you have noted many times, when wishing [deputies] all the best in their election campaigns, that the path of populism is destructive. We have twice lost our country and there may be no third chance to hold it together. It is essential to understand this and to do everything it takes to make sure that parliament strengthens our sovereignty and addresses the issues raised by the President.

Thank you very much.





Vladimir Putin:

Mr Volodin, colleagues,

Thank you for the words you addressed to me. Still, I believe this is a good occasion for us to express gratitude to the citizens of Russia for their engagement during the election campaign, for their proactive approach to life and for the confidence they have in the authorities and the candidates they have voted for and who are now members of the State Duma.

Of course, this confidence stems from their hope that all of us, all levels of power will work conscientiously and hard, and do whatever we – you – can, to address the challenges facing the country, so that our people have confidence in what is happening in the country and, as they used to say earlier – I am not afraid to use this stock phrase – confidence in tomorrow. I am sure that you will spare no effort. I wish you every success in your work.

Thank you very much. All the best to you.




The source of information - http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/66905






Anatoly Seryshev appointed Presidential Plenipotentiary Envoy to the Siberian Federal District



Vladimir Putin signed an Executive Order on the Presidential Plenipotentiary Envoy to the Siberian Federal District.



October 12, 2021 - 17:40







In accordance with Article 83 (k) of the Russian Federation Constitution, the President resolved to appoint Anatoly Seryshev Presidential Plenipotentiary Envoy to the Siberian Federal District, relieving him of his current position.




The source of information - http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/66909






Dmitry Mironov appointed Aide to the President of the Russian Federation



Vladimir Putin signed an Executive Order on the Aide to the President of the Russian Federation.



October 12, 2021 - 17:45







The President resolved to accept Dmitry Mironov’s resignation from the post of Governor of the Yaroslavl Region and appointed him Aide to the President of the Russian Federation.




The source of information - http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/66910






Meeting with Mikhail Yevrayev



Vladimir Putin met with Mikhail Yevrayev via videoconference. The President signed an executive order appointing him Acting Governor of the Yaroslavl Region.



October 12, 2021 - 17:50 - The Kremlin, Moscow







President of Russia Vladimir Putin:

Good afternoon, Mr Yevrayev.



Mikhail Yevrayev:

Good afternoon, Mr President.



Vladimir Putin:

Mr Yevrayev, did you graduate from St Petersburg University of Economics and Finance?



Mikhail Yevrayev:

Yes, exactly right. Before university, right after leaving school, I went to work as a turner. Later I entered university and worked at a plant at the same time. So, I traversed the entire path from worker to boss.



Vladimir Putin:

Where did you work as a turner?



Mikhail Yevrayev:

The Kalinin Plant on Vasilyevsky Island.



Vladimir Putin:

I see. In Moscow you worked in interesting and very important areas such as at the Ministry of Regional Development and the Ministry of Digital Development, Communications and Mass Media. All this is obviously important and seriously broadens one’s outlook and opportunities for trying one’s hand at the federal level.

As far as I can see, the proposal made to you is somewhat unexpected. What do you think about it and if you take it, what goals would you set yourself? This is bearing in mind that the Yaroslavl Region is the very centre of Russia, a very industrialised region. You know the main types of business in the region as a whole, what they are linked with and how important they are for the civilian and defence industries. Go ahead, please.



Mikhail Yevrayev:

Mr President, it is indeed a major region with a big history. Much has been done there recently but naturally, much remains to be done.

I have familiarised myself with the issues affecting the Yaroslavl Region. Of course, people are primarily concerned about road maintenance, transport, problems with housing and utilities and, naturally, soaring prices. Of course, it is necessary to go there and take a closer look, talk to local people and business owners and clearly outline the goals I will be pursuing in office.

But my experience of working on different projects in different capacities in the federal civil service during the past 17 years gives me confidence that I am up to the job.





Vladimir Putin:

Mr Yevrayev, you have very good character references. Everyone who has worked with you over the years is very positive about your personal and professional qualities and your abilities, all of which I hope will be on display in this new, very important endeavour. You will have enough time to say what you can do for the Yaroslavl Region, which will play a role in the future election campaign.

I would like to wish you success. I assume after your first steps in this new job we will meet again to talk in more detail and discuss what is next for you in this position. I will do all I can to support you.



Mikhail Yevrayev:

Thank you so much, Mr President. I will try to justify your confidence and the trust of the people of the Yaroslavl Region.



Vladimir Putin:

That is what matters most. Thank you. All the best to you.



Mikhail Yevrayev:

All the best.




The source of information - http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/66908






Mikhail Yevrayev appointed Acting Governor of Yaroslavl Region



Vladimir Putin signed an Executive Order on the Acting Governor of the Yaroslavl Region.



October 12, 2021 - 17:55



Following the early resignation of Governor of the Yaroslavl Region Dmitry Mironov, the President appointed Mikhail Yevrayev Acting Governor of the Yaroslavl Region until an elected governor takes office.




The source of information - http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/66911






Meeting with Prime Minister of Armenia Nikol Pashinyan



Vladimir Putin received Prime Minister of Armenia Nikol Pashinyan at the Kremlin.



October 12, 2021 - 18:00 - The Kremlin, Moscow






President of Russia Vladimir Putin:

Mr Prime Minister,

I am very happy to see you. Thank you for accepting the invitation and coming here.

We are in constant contact by telephone but, of course, a personal meeting is always more productive for reaching the required results. I hope this will be the case this time, too. We will talk in both formal and informal atmospheres. We will have lunch, discuss current issues, and talk about our plans. We will soon have a CIS summit, and I would like to synchronise our watches for this, and of course, for our main cooperation goals, including the settlement in the region today and in the long-term perspective.

I am very happy to see you. Welcome.





Prime Minister of Armenia Nikol Pashinyan:

Thank you, Mr President.

I am very happy to see you. This is our fourth meeting this year and I would like to thank you for the invitation to visit Moscow. I think such frequent meetings point to the high dynamics of our relations and our mutual understanding of the importance of our strategic, allied ties.





Of course, dynamic processes are taking place in our region and in the world as a whole. It is very important for allies to meet often, talk and, as you say, synchronise our watches. Of course, unfortunately we cannot yet speak about complete stabilisation in our region. As you noted, the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict remains an issue. It is clear that Russia is playing a key role in settling the conflict and ensuring security in our region in general, being a co-chair of the Minsk OSCE Group. Naturally, all these issues are very important. They are key issues, and I am very glad to have this opportunity to discuss the entire agenda

Thank you very much.





Vladimir Putin:

Thank you.




The source of information - http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/66912
__________________
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