Nikol Pashinyan noted the importance of the joint statement signed today on the restoration of the economic infrastructure of Nagorno-Karabakh. However, the Armenian Prime Minister stressed the exceptional importance of an early resolution of the issue of prisoners of war, which is a very sensitive humanitarian issue.
He also recalled the issue of the status of Karabakh and Armenia's readiness for negotiations within the framework of the OSCE Minsk Group. It is clear that the issue of status was not considered in these negotiations, but the Armenian leader is under enormous oppositional pressure ... [not in my rules to take sides, but it looks like they are trying to make a scapegoat out of him]
According to Ilham Aliyev, the unblocking of transport arteries in Karabakh will benefit not only Azerbaijan itself, but all neighboring countries and will become a guarantor of stable development and security of the region.
On the whole, the Azerbaijani leader is satisfied with the result of the November 10 peace agreement on Nagorno-Karabakh. He noted a couple of minor incidents of violation of the cessation of hostilities regime and praised the actions of the Russian peacekeepers.
The Azerbaijani President stressed the importance of today's talks for the restoration of the infrastructure of Karabakh (bearing in mind all the same roads). He called for leaving the conflict behind and starting to live in the future.
Vladimir Putin finds important and useful talks with Ilham Aliyev and Nikol Pashinyan on the observance of agreements on resolving the situation in Karabakh.
According to the Russian leader, the main result of the trilateral talks was the signing of a joint statement on concrete steps to develop economic ties and infrastructure projects.For this purpose, a working group will be created, which will be headed by the vice-premiers of three governments - Azerbaijan, Armenia and Russia.
Putin is confident that the implementation of these agreements will benefit both the Azerbaijani and Armenian peoples, will benefit the region as a whole, and hence the interests of the Russian Federation.
Putin called on Aliyev and Pashinyan to resolve issues related to the activities of the peacekeeping contingent, clarification of demarcation lines, humanitarian problems and the protection of cultural heritage sites.
The Russian President stated that the agreements on Karabakh are being consistently implemented, this creates preconditions for the settlement of the long-standing conflict on a just basis in the interests of the Armenian and Azerbaijani peoples.
Vladimir Putin stressed that Russia values the partnership and good-neighborly relations linking all three countries. And he expressed regret that large-scale hostilities led to significant human casualties and aggravated the already difficult situation in the Caucasus, increased the risks of the spread of terrorism.
The Russian leader thanked Aliyev and Pashinyan for the fact that they positively perceived Russia's active mediating actions aimed at stopping the bloodshed and stabilizing the situation.
Putin also noted that at the request of the Armenian and Azerbaijani sides, a Russian peacekeeping contingent was deployed to monitor the observance of the ceasefire on the contact line in Nagorno-Karabakh and along the Lachin corridor.
According to the Russian president, the situation in Nagorno-Karabakh remains calm, 48,000 refugees have already returned to the region.
According to him, with the mediation of Russia, the exchange of prisoners and bodies of the dead was carried out. In addition, the International Center for Humanitarian Response is successfully operating, within the framework of which pressing issues related to the establishment of a normal life in settlements, the reconstruction of destroyed infrastructure, and the protection of historical, religious and cultural monuments are being resolved.
Following talks in the Kremlin lasted almost four hours, Putin, Aliyev and Pashinyan signed a statement on new steps to develop infrastructure projects in Karabakh.
While Orthodox Christians are celebrating Christmas, the Capitol is being stormed in the US Сapital. Here is the statement of President Lukashenko on this matter.
Vladimir Putin attends Christmas Mass at the oldest Orthodox church in Russia.
The Church of St Nicholas was built in 1292 by Archbishop Clement on the site where the miracle-working icon of St Nicholas of Myra was found. It is the oldest remaining church in Russia built after the Mongol invasion.
Vladimir Putin donated the icon of God the Almighty to the church. It was executed in tempera in the tradition of 19th century Mstera icon-painting. The icon-case, with a gilded frame, and the icon-setting were made in the workshops of the St Trinity Fellowship of the city of Shchigry.
On Orthodox Christmas Eve, Vladimir Putin paticipates in service at the Saint Nicholas Church on Lipno Island.
The Lord's love for man is not that he fulfills our desires. This Love is in our prayer with Hope for the best. This hope, sometimes even the expectation of a miracle, is the very star that illuminates our path in life and supports us in difficult times. Happy Holiday! Merry Christmas!
Commenting on his decision to declare 2021 the Year of National Unity, Alexandr Lukashenko spoke out his priorities very honestly for a politician. “So that people understand that I am not an enemy to my people and, above all, to myself,” the president said.
In general, the Belarusian leader expressed quite adequate thoughts about the need to unite the nation for the country's prosperity, about his possible resignation from office based on the election results, etc. But I liked more that he first of all thinks about himself, and then about his people. At least he is honest, and the Belarusians, I hope, will appreciate that they are in second place in the presidential rating, which is not so bad.
On the eve of Orthodox Christmas, Vladimir Putin held the first Cabinet meeting this year.
The meeting was devoted to social problems and the president announced the creation of Circle of Kindness - Fund to support seriously ill children. According to Putin, funds from the excess profits tax will be fully directed to support children with serious, life-threatening and chronic illnesses, including rare, or orphan, diseases.
Vladimir Putin was shown the new bell-tier of the Spasskaya Tower.
Works on equipping it with a number of new bells have been taking place since 2017. The Spasskaya Tower clock and chimes were stopped in October 2020 to install and finetune the new bells. The Kremlin Chimes have now resumed work on National Unity Day [November 4]. The bells will continue to ring out the Anthem of Russia and Glory, but using a new full-octave.
Vladimir Putin extended New Year greetings to Prime Minister of the Republic of Armenia Nikol Pashinyan, expressing hope that the difficulties and hardships of 2020 would be a thing of the past.
“It is important that we have been fully convinced of the significance of friendly, allied relations between our countries,” Putin stressed, adding that the further development of multifaceted Russian-Armenian ties meets the fundamental interests of both peoples.
In his message to President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev, Vladimir Putin noted that even during such a difficult year, both parties had a chance to see proof of the strong strategic partnership between Russia and Azerbaijan. He also expressed hope that Moscow and Baku would continue to combine efforts to build up mutually beneficial ties in all areas as this meets the fundamental interests of the peoples of the two states and is in line with strengthening peace, security and stability in the South Caucasus.
In his New Year greetings to President of Turkey Recep Erdogan, Vladimir Putin noted with satisfaction the progress in Russian-Turkish relations across all key areas.
The President of Russia said that despite the challenging sanitary and epidemiological situation, a meaningful political dialogue is being maintained, important joint energy projects are being implemented as scheduled and high level of cooperation in trade, the economy, defence and other areas is being maintained. The Russian leader expressed confidence that in the coming year, Moscow and Ankara would continue to productively interact on important issues on the bilateral, regional and international agendas, which fully meets the interests of the peoples of Russia and Turkey and is in line with strengthening stability and security in Eurasia.
The trials of life are unavoidable, but they urge one and all to turn an attentive ear to the voice of conscience, to brush off vanity and to focus on the matters of the greatest importance, Vladimir Putin said in his New Year address to the nation.
True, the formidable novel coronavirus has changed and turned upside down the customary mode of life, work and studies, it forced a revision of and amendments to many plans. In our world, the trials of life are unavoidable. They urge us to turn an attentive ear to the voice of conscience, to brush off vanity and to focus on the matters of the greatest importance, Putin said.
He added that he was referring to "the gift of human life, the family, our mothers and fathers, our grandpas and grandmas, our children - both little kids and grown-ups - our friends and colleagues, disinterested assistance and the common energy of acts of kindness - large-scale deeds of national importance and small ones, too, within each neighborhood, street and house, but nevertheless no less significant.
Putin said that today it is very important to have faith in oneself, not to retreat in the face of hardships, and to take care of our unity, which is the basis for our successes in the future.
Putin wishes Happy New Year to several former presidents, prime ministers. When serving as president and prime minister, Putin had many conversations with these colleagues, sharing friendship with many of them.
The Kremlin clarified that the wishes were communicated to ex-Prime Ministers of Japan and Italy Shinzo Abe and Silvio Berlusconi, former US President George Bush, former Presidents of Armenia Robert Kocharyan and Serzh Sargsyan, ex-Prime Minister of Italy and former President of the European Commission Romano Prodi, ex-President of France Nicolas Sarkozy, former Prime Minister of France Francois Fillon, ex-President of Finland Tarja Halonen, former King of Spain Juan Carlos I and former German Chancellor Gerhard Schroder.
Vladimir Putin claims that the topic of Russian hackers involved in the US elections is a provocation that has no basis, which is aimed at deteriorating relations between the two countries.
The President hopes for Biden's watered experience in resolving the current situation.
According to the Russian Leader at his annual press conference on Thursday, incumbent US President Trump enjoys wide support in his country and is not going to leave politics.
Vladimir Putin finds US presidential candidate Joe Biden as more promising for Russian-American relations, despite the usual anti-Russian rhetoric.
The Russian leader has found common roots between US Democrats and Communists, whose liberal values he shares.
The USSR support of African Americans in the struggle for their rights, according to the President, will also contribute to the development of contacts with Democrats, since African Americans make up their stable electorate base.
Finally, Putin believes in Biden's promises to extend the New START or conclude a new treaty... Trump's campaign promises seem to have taught the Russia's president nothing!
*****
On December 15, 2020, Putin sent a message to Biden congratulating him on his victory in the US presidential election.
In his message, Vladimir Putin wished the President-elect every success and expressed confidence that Russia and the United States, which bear special responsibility for global security and stability, can, despite their differences, effectively contribute to solving many problems and meeting challenges that the world is facing today.
The President of Russia noted that with this in mind, Russian-American cooperation, based on the principles of equality and mutual respect, would meet the interests of both nations and the entire international community.
“For my part, I am ready for interaction and contacts with you,” Russia’s Head of State stressed.
On December 31, 1999, the Russians are preparing to celebrate the New Year 2000. But today they are in for a surprise. Russia's first president, Boris Yeltsin, resigns, handing over power to his successor Vladimir Putin, whose existence the people only learned a couple of months ago.
So, Putin is addressing the Nation for the first time as the acting President of Russia. He promised to suppress any attempts to act contrary to Russian law and to protect the rights and freedoms of citizens. In general, the new leader made it clear that the era of laxity is over.
Well, Putin got an unenviable inheritance. The country is on the verge of economic collapse, the second Chechen war is in its fifth month... Boris Yeltsin apologizes to Russian citizens for not living up to their hopes. Well, somehow, the first president acted wisely, clearing the way for the young successor, who in a couple of years will make the arrogant West respect Russia. He will return the country to its former greatness, and hope to the citizens.
The new millennium for Russia has become the era of the country's new leader.
In an interview on November 10, Vladimir Putin reluctantly commented on the final stage of the US presidential race, in particular the Trump-Biden contest, where Russian intervention became a constant topic, candidates and their supporters exchange insults and use the President of Russia name.
Vladimir Putin on Thursday congratulated the RT channel on its 15th anniversary in broadcasting. He noted the achievements of the channel, among which he considers truthful coverage of events to be the most important.
According to the President, the RTs success is that it follows the general rules of honest, professional and free journalism, which historically rejects any information monopoly, censorship or desire to assign to itself the right to the ultimate truth.
Putin believes that the channel provides international audience with the latest, current and objective facts about developments in Russia and the world.
On Wednesday, Vladimir Putin congratulated the nation on Heroes of Fatherland Day. He paid tribute to all fellow citizens who performed outstanding deeds in the name of the Motherland, for the sake of the salvation of their neighbors, for the sake of peace, prosperity, and the well-being of Russia.
The President said that the deepest admiration for heroes unites all generations of Russian citizens, and an honest, sincere desire to be worthy of its great history gives birth to new heroes.
Putin is convinced that the chronicle of Russian glory will never be interrupted. Because patriotism, courage, readiness, regardless of personal risks, to take responsibility in difficult times bring people of various nationalities, professions, and ages together. These qualities are in the blood, in the character of the Russian people.
Vladimir Putin spoke about the pros and cons of Donald Trump's presidency in relation for Russian-American relations. It seems that the current owner of the White House has disappointed the Russian leader, since there were more minuses than pluses.
The US policy of a two-party conspiracy aimed at containing Russia's development, Putin said, prevented Trump from fulfilling his 2016 promises to develop US-Russia relations.
In addition, the current administration has set a record number (46) of anti-Russian sanctions!
The Russian leader noted the US withdrawal from the INF Treaty and Open Skies Treaty negatively affecting global security.
On a positive note, President Putin described the strange growth in trade between the two countries, which would seem to contradict the rise in the number of anti-Russian sanctions.
The second and last positive moment for Russian-US relations, Putin considers the joint mutually beneficial work of Moscow and Washington to stabilize energy markets.
Finally Monday, Russian President Vladimir Putin, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev and Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan signed a joint statement on complete cessation of military actions in Nagorno-Karabakh from 00:00 MSK on November 10, 2020.
Ahead International Conference on Refugees in DamascusVladimir Putin had a meeting, via videoconference, with President of the Syrian Arab Republic Bashar al-Assad on Monday.
Alexandr Lukashenko told reporters about the process of forming the New Belarus Constitution during his visit to the Belarusian nuclear power plant in Ostrovets on Saturday.
The two presidents had a detailed discussion on the developments in the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict zone. Vladimir Putin informed his Turkish counterpart about a series of telephone conversations he had with the leaders Azerbaijan and Armenia. These contacts were focused on finding options for a quick cessation of hostilities and paving the way to a political and diplomatic settlement. Vladimir Putin and Recep Tayyip Erdogan reaffirmed their mutual commitment to working together to achieve a peaceful resolution to the conflict.
Vladimir Putin had a telephone conversation with the President of the French Republic, Emmanuel Macron.
In the wake of the recent terrorist attacks in France, the two leaders underscored their determination to fight terrorism in all of its forms.
When discussing the situation with Nagorno-Karabakh, they expressed serious concern regarding the ongoing large-scale hostilities in the conflict area and a more active involvement of extremists from Syria and Libya. Vladimir Putin informed Emmanuel Macron of the steps taken by Russia to ensure a ceasefire and a resumption of talks to reach a political and diplomatic solution. The presidents confirmed their mutual commitment to continued coordinated mediation efforts by Russia and France, including as part of the OSCE Minsk Group.
When exchanging opinions on the internal Ukrainian settlement, the leaders highlighted the need to fully comply with the Minsk Package of Measures and all agreements reached in the Normandy Format, including at the Paris Summit of 2019.
It was noted that Russia’s and France’s positions and assessments on the situation in Libya were close. Vladimir Putin and Emmanuel Macron spoke for activating efforts to normalise the situation in the country as soon as possible.
The two presidents examined pressing issues of bilateral cooperation in various fields. Interest was expressed in deepening cooperation in the fight against the coronavirus, including building ties between the relevant Russian organisations and the Pasteur Institute in developing and producing vaccines.
Aleksandr Lukashenko commented on the U.S. presidential election, the results of which have not been announced yet: "The bastion of democracy... Look at what's going on with this election. It is a shame, a mockery of the democracy," Mr Lukashenko told the media after visiting the Belarusian nuclear power plant in Ostrovets on Saturday.
Comment by Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova on a letter from the Federal Ministry of Justice and Consumer Protection of Germany to the Prosecutor General’s Office of Russia regarding the “Navalny case.”
Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova presents a sequence of events in the story of the alleged poisoning of Russia's blogger Alexey Navalny, which is replete with interesting facts.
Responding to the Archbishop Ezras appeal, Vladimir Putin confirmed his position on the peaceful settlement of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict at a meeting with religious representatives of Russia on the occasion of the National Unity Day on Wednesday.
By tradition, Vladimir Putin, via videoconference, meets with representatives of religious confessions: Orthodox Christianity, other Christian confessions, Islam, Buddhism, Judaism on National Unity Day.
The meeting was attended by Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia, Head of the Buddhist Traditional Sangha of Russia Pandito Khambo Lama Damba Ayusheev, Chairman of the North Caucasus Muslim Coordinating Centre Ismail Berdiyev, Archbishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Russia Dietrich Brauer, Chairman of the Council of Muftis of Russia, Chairman of Religious Board of Muslims of Russia Ravil Gaynutdin, First Deputy Chairman of the Euro-Asian Division of the General Conference of the Church of Christians of Seventh Day Adventists Oleg Goncharov, Head of the Russian and Novo-Nakhichevan Diocese of the Armenian Apostolic Church Archbishop Ezras, Metropolitan Kornily of Moscow and All Russia of the Old-Rite Russian Orthodox Church, Chief Rabbi of Russia, Chairman of the Centralised Religious Organisation of the Orthodox Judaism Federation of Jewish Communities of Russia Berel Lazar, Chief Bishop of Russia's Union of Evangelical Faith Christians (Pentecostals) Sergei Ryakhovsky, and Chairman of the Central Spiritual Directorate of Muslims of Russia Talgat Tadzhuddin.
Vladimir Putin laid flowers at the monument to Kuzma Minin and Dmitry Pozharsky on Red Square in a traditional ceremony to celebrate National Unity Day marked on November 4.
During the ceremony, the President had a brief conversation with young members of the Vympel military and patriotic centre and Russia’s Search Movement, who also attended the event.
Following the ceremony, Vladimir Putin was shown the new bell-tier of the Spasskaya Tower. Works on equipping it with a number of new bells have been taking place since 2017. The Spasskaya Tower clock and chimes were stopped in October 2020 to install and finetune the new bells. The Kremlin Chimes have now resumed work on National Unity Day. The bells will continue to ring out the Anthem of Russia and Glory, but using a new full-octave.
Vladimir Putin partipates in the flag raising ceremony on the open sea diesel-electric icebreaker Viktor Chernomyrdin in St. Petersburg on Tuesday.
The Viktor Chernomyrdin, of the Icebreaker8 ice class, is the world’s largest diesel-electric icebreaker and is capable of operating in open seas through ice up to two metres thick. It has two helipads and is equipped not only to lead vessels through ice but can also be used for research expeditions and can transport containers and hazardous cargo.
Vladimir Putin greeted via videoconference on Monday the finalists of the Bolshaya Peremena nationwide contest for school students that is taking place at Artek.
