While in Izhevsk Prime Minister Vladimir Putin took a short walk through the park, where he spoke with residents of the city. First he approached a group of secondary-school graduates who heard their last bell today.

"What are your plans?" Putin asked the graduates.

"We are going to relax and have a good time," they replied.

"No, I'm not asking about today. I'm asking about your plans for the future. Where do you want to study or work?" asked the prime minister.

One of the graduates said he wants to study at the Emergencies Ministry's school.

"Excellent! You'll become a rescue worker," Putin said approvingly.

Prime Minister Putin continued walking through the park. He came upon some young couples with children. He approached them and asked what aid they received for having children. The young parents told him that aside from federal aid, they receive additional material assistance from the republic's government.

"Do you plan to have a second child?" Putin asked.

"Absolutely," said a young father.

"That's good. We have to reach our targets," the prime minister said, referring to the government's programme to improve the demographic situation in the country.