Vladimir Putin: Good afternoon, Mr Zyuganov, what are the main results of the latest session, in your view?

Gennady Zyuganov: The session went smoothly and efficiently. United Russia set the tone, of course. It should address a wider range of issues, I believe. It could allocate more funds for the National Priority Projects, and they could be expanded. Even more so they gave people hope.

In my view, at the end of the session we took an important decision. We had long pressed for raising the minimum wage to the level of subsistence. We suggested that it should be increased to 6,300 roubles ($256, or €174), but the final figure was 4,300 roubles. Still, it's a step forward.

Now we're drafting bills for the next season. I've just been on a tour of southern Russia. We'll have a good harvest, Mr Putin. We must try our best to help farmers harvest the crops and make necessary purchases. If we buy some 15 million tons of grain from them at a fair price, then the price of bread and bakery in the shops won't go up. Bread will be sold at affordable prices.

Vladimir Putin: In this respect I fully agree with you. Evidently, you know that I gave an instruction to the Government regarding this matter. I will press for its fulfillment.

Gennady Zyuganov: Yes, let's put the heat on this time. I think we can do it. Moreover, the farmers are hoping for it, they even harvest their crops with joy.

I was at a farm, where they harvest 80-100 centners of wheat and barley. Marvelous!

Vladimir Putin: In the Krasnodar Region?

Gennady Zyuganov: In the Stavropol Region.

I've just returned from my visit to Ukraine. The situation is complicated there. We held a meeting there, and launched an anti-NATO campaign. Our people have been doing much there. By the way, they also have a good harvest.

Vladimir Putin: Thank God!

Gennady Zyuganov: The economic situation is challenging there. And as to management problems, I'm afraid there's simply no way out.

Vladimir Putin: I fully agree. And the legislation is complicated and tricky, which leads to crises like this.

Gennady Zyuganov: The "Orange" are losing their grip. People had put much trust in them. The Prime Minister is also becoming less influential. There is a similar situation in Moldova. So, we could address the problem together.

Vladimir Putin: OK.