Briefing for Journalists at the International Press Centre
July 17, 2006.Part 4
Strelna, St Petersburg
Брифинг для журналистов в Международном пресс-центре
17 июля 2006 года
Санкт-Петербург, Стрельна
QUESTION (The Moscow Times):
We know that Russia seeks integration with the West, but at the same time the director of one of the biggest potential investors in Russia, Bill Browder, was recently denied a Russian entry visa. Many investors and Western diplomats are concerned about this and dont understand why that happened, and many people think that this might defer the flow of investments to Russia. Could you explain why he was refused a visa without any explanation and whether there were any other such cases?
VLADIMIR PUTIN: Sorry, I didnt hear you. Who exactly was denied a visa?
THE MOSCOW TIMES: Bill Browder. He is the CEO of the Hermitage Fund, which is the biggest investor in the Russian stock market. And I think the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom might have discussed this with you today.
VLADIMIR PUTIN: Well, to be honest I dont know for what reasons that particular individual was denied entry into the Russian Federation. I imagine that person may have violated our countrys laws, and if others break our laws we will refuse them entry as well. At the same time, we will do everything to support and assist in every way those who come to Russia to work and to invest in the Russian Federation and in our economy.
Foreign direct and portfolio investments in Russia are growing. I wont give any figures now but they are very good, and we are very pleased about them. Capitalization of the Russian market keeps growing and last year it was the worlds highest. The highest capitalization in the world. So we are very much interested not merely in attracting investments but also in working with honest and professional investors who really want to work in the Russian economy on a long-term basis.
QUESTION (Georgy Nilosz, Hungary):
With regard to the declaration on counterterrorism, it shows there are common values shared by the G8 members. Does that mean that in specific cases there is also agreement about who can be considered a terrorist? Mr. Zakaev, for example. Would he be extradited to Russia on the basis of that declaration?
VLADIMIR PUTIN: Sorry, I didnt catch your name. Georgy Nilosz? Thank you very much for that question. I dont really need to comment on it because you put it in such a way as to highlight this very important issue, one of the most acute problems in countering terrorism.
Of course, when we are told Syria or Iran, or some other country is to be mentioned in that context, then why not also mention those who harbor known terrorists on their territory? For that, one does not need to dig deep into archives. We have sufficient video recorded evidence of his criminal activities. And if these questions are raised, then we should not duck the issue or resort to mutual criticism, but should look for a compromise. It seems to me that our position is appreciated.
It is true that in some countries judicial and legal systems are very complex, and criminals, particularly those involved in terrorism, take advantage of such complexity to destroy civilized countries and the basic principles underlying todays democratic civilization. Its time for us to understand that, to analyze the situation and to take necessary steps to rectify it.
QUESTION (Radio Liberty):
Mr. Putin, prior to the summit you met with the Civil G8, and worked quite a lot with them, and you made a number of promises. You said that you shared their views and would pass their concerns on to your colleagues. What has happened, if anything? Can you tell us about that?
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putin = evil !
chinox59 2 years ago
Putin is great!
Mrzombiecully 2 years ago