Prime Minister Vladimir Putin’s written interview to the Generalny Direktor professional business magazine

“We must open the way for a comprehensive introduction of innovation in all areas of life – the government system, industrial production and social services. It is key to our future, our competitive viability tomorrow.”

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Prime Minister Vladimir Putin gives an interview to the Mir intergovernmental broadcasting company

During the interview, Prime Minister Putin was asked about the current state of relations between the EurAsEC and Customs Union member countries and the effect of national economic interests on intergovernmental cooperation. Regarding the obstacles toward integration, the prime minister said, “Historically, all efforts to integrate have been extremely complicated. No one has ever settled these problems in one fell swoop. All have travelled down the tortuous road of coordinating their positions. We know how to make compromises, and I think we will successfully navigate this road.”

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Prime Minister Vladimir Putin conducts a video conference on the Raspadskaya mine accident

“The Ministry of Energy, the Federal Service for Supervision of Environment, Technology and Nuclear Management must strengthen safety and equipment standards in mines. It is necessary to develop and use only the most cutting-edge equipment that meets today's standards and that cannot be blunted – as coal miners say – turned off or damaged. It is also necessary to increase the responsibility and discipline of the manufacturers of this equipment and everyone involved in its operation, especially the administrators of the coal mines.”

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Prime Minister Vladimir Putin meets with Samara Region Governor Vladimir Artyakov

Mr Putin and Mr Artyakov discussed the socio- economic situation in the region, including the labour market and the reform of housing and public utilities. When considering support for mechanical engineering companies, they gave special attention to the AvtoVAZ carmaker. The prime minister asked if the quality of services offered to the people fell after the funding of social institutions had been transferred from the carmaker to the regional and municipal authorities.

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Prime Minister Vladimir Putin arrives in the Kemerovo Region following the May 8 accident at the Raspadskaya mine

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Prime Minister Vladimir Putin attends a military parade on Red Square marking the 65th anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War

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Prime Minister Vladimir Putin meets with Kirov Region Governor Nikita Belykh and Sergei Chemezov, Director General of State Corporation Russian Technologies

Matters discussed at the meeting were the plans to restructure the Molot factory in Kirov for its use as a base for an industrial park to host projects from joint ventures. The prime minister called on Nikita Belykh and Sergei Chemezov “to keep up the pace and not waste time” and emphasised that all financial issues should be settled as soon as possible.

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While on a visit to Kazan, Prime Minister Vladimir Putin inspects the construction site of the Village of the Student Games 2013

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