Question: Russia is marking the tenth anniversary of its new democratic history. Are you satisfied with the course of its development, and what were the main errors of judgement in the process of the regeneration of the USSR into the new Russia? Was the choice in favor of the liquidation of the Soviet Union justified, and which of the traditions and experiences of the past could turn out to be useful today? Are the civil society being created in Russia and liberal ideals enough for the solution of the real problems of your state?

President Putin: Over these ten years not only has our country changed, but also the world as a whole. Has changed not least thanks to the fact that Russia has made its choice in favor of a democratic and law-governed state. Yes, those were eventful and very difficult years. Difficult first of all for the people, who bore on their shoulders the whole load of cardinal changes. For we were rebuilding all of the archaic command-administrative economy and social system literally from scratch. That was hard not only economically and socially; vital aims had to be reviewed, people had to get used to the new, sometimes incomprehensible and at first alien world. Practically each Russian family experienced such psychological stresses. But the most important thing is that all this has not proved to have been in vain. Russia has emerged as a democratic state and one open to the world.

Our economy is dynamically developing, actively integrating itself into world economic processes. Over these years a new generation has grown that does not think itself outside democratic values. This generation is forward looking, and it has no experience of life in a totalitarian and anti-market state to pull it back.

Now about the consequences of the breakup of the Soviet Union. Was there an alternative to that? Perhaps. But history knows not the subjunctive mood. The process did take place, and it is very important that we managed to avoid inter-nationality conflicts. The fate of Yugoslavia and its peoples are a distressing example of this kind.

Of course, the majority of people in Russia, and then also in other former republics very painfully endured the disintegration of what had been one country. For it was not only the republics that came apart; overnight relatives, friends and loved ones found themselves residents of different countries. Not to speak of the rupture of at times age-old cooperative ties.

But we were able to worthily endure this trial as well. And began to build our cooperation on a new basis. We have marked the tenth anniversary of the creation of the Commonwealth of Independent States. We gathered in Moscow in order to review the path traveled and to discuss the future of the CIS in the context of the changes occurring in the world after the events of September 11. I am convinced that today the CIS has all the possibilities to become an influential regional international organization. And to solve successfully matters in the sphere of security and political and economic cooperation.

The force of the integration processes now evolving in the post-Soviet space lies in the public and business initiative of citizens. A great unifying role is played by direct links among market entities, corporations, and public associations. State structures now have to catch up with those processes.

And, of course, we must keep all the best that there was in the relations among people in the Soviet Union. We were always proud of our polyethnicity. Of the diversity of cultures, traditions and languages. And today we again understand that our dissimilarity and our distinction are not an obstacle to cooperation, but indeed our asset.

Question: Which of the problems Russia is currently faced with is the most serious, and how are you solving it? Over the year and a half that you've been President what cardinal changes have occurred in Russia?

President Putin: I do not think that solving one, even important, problem can alter the situation as a whole. As a rule, in life, just as in state affairs, it is all interconnected. The talk, evidently, must be about priorities. One of the main tasks at present is economic growth. During the last two years we have been successfully keeping fairly high rates here. Economic growth for this year is predicted to reach 5.5 percent.

We well understand that achievements in the economy are the basis for dealing with all social questions. Therefore to this - economic sphere - we allot a key role in our state policy. Here our guidelines are an easing of the tax burden, de-bureaucratization, and the further development of market infrastructure. All this creates the most favorable conditions for an investment climate. Investments have begun to go into the production sphere. A striking indicator of the change in the situation - capital has started to return to Russia.

One of our priority tasks is Russia's entry into WTO. We are intentionally synchronizing this process with internal reforms. Even though we understand that this step involves not only advantages, but also extra obligations. Understand that this will have to be done in a short space of time and yet keep deliberately speeding the negotiation process. A package of draft laws is already being prepared that will eliminate the "white spots" from the point of view of international standards and WTO rules.

Just a few words on the situation in the Chechen Republic. In the first place I would put here the qualitative change in the situation. The people there has already made a choice in favor of a peaceful and worthy life. Terrorists are not just blocked in the military sense of the word, they have found themselves in moral isolation.

And the main thing is that the people's mood is changing. Their confidence and faith in their own strength is growing.

Question: In the 70s and 80s the Black Sea Fleet often called into the Aegean Sea. These voyages ceased in 1991. Do you bear in mind to resume that practice, based on the belief that at least the presence of ships and their crews had long since contributed to friendly ties between the peoples of our countries?

President Putin: You are talking of the situation where our navy was present in the Mediterranean on a permanent basis. Today a lot has changed. Maintaining the Russian presence in the Mediterranean is conditioned, above all, by the interests of international security with regard to the strategic position of this region and Russia's geographical proximity to it. And therefore our presence should be looked upon as an indispensable element of the maintenance of security and stability in the Mediterranean. However I see no direct analogy with the events of 20 years ago here.

Question: Greek-Russian relations develop excellently at the level of political declarations but they lag behind in pace and in practical realization. What, in your opinion, hinders them? In what domains and on the basis of what projects can they become more effective? What would you tell Greek entrepreneurs about economic transformations in your country?

President Putin: We have currently been gradually overcoming this lag. Today our countries are engaged in a rich political dialogue. We are candidly discussing key problems of international life, and cooperating effectively on many issues of European and world politics. Last year Greek President Costis Stephanopoulos paid a visit to Russia, and Prime Minister Costas Simitis visited Moscow this year. In the next few days, I will make a visit to the Hellenic Republic. The packed agenda of these talks shows that we have very many themes for joint work both in the interests of the two countries and of all Europe.

What is more, Russian-Greek interstate relations rest on a solid juridical base. In taking stock of the treaties, including those that were concluded back in Soviet times, we have sought "not to throw out the baby with the water" and confirmed the validity of many agreements, which have shown their effectiveness also in the new circumstances. And this only demonstrates the continuity and stability of our mutual relations.

Of course, in economic cooperation the untapped reserves and potentialities are still the largest. However, a whole series of large-scale bilateral economic projects are in the pipeline, especially in fuel and energy cooperation. With the constructive stand of the Greek side we link plans of participation by Russian specialists in developing the gas infrastructure of Greece: in erecting branches of the Kulata-Athens trunk gas pipeline, an underground gas storage facility and a thermal power station in Florina City.

Another important project is the construction of the trans-Balkan Burgas-Alexandropolis oil pipeline involving Greece, Russia and Bulgaria. Its accomplishment would give a significant impetus to business activity in Greece itself and the Balkans as a whole.

Investment cooperation likewise offers great benefits. For capital investments most favorable treatment is now created in our country. Moreover, not only for large producers, but also for medium-sized and small business.

Even several centuries before our era Aristotle said: "Great then is the good fortune of a state in which the citizens have a moderate and sufficient property." And today it is precisely small and medium-sized business that forms the basis of the economic prosperity of Greece. In this regard, your experience of the development of enterprise is very interesting to us. And especially, in the creation of an effective tax system and the de-bureaucratization of the economy. We in Russia have made serious progress here over the last year. A truly favorable business climate is being created in the country. And most importantly, a fundamentally new economy, based on the principles of market and private initiative, is already operating.

Last year Russia's gross domestic product grew by 8.3 percent, and the volume of industrial production by more than ten percent. Growth has continued in the current year as well, and at a rate which we have not seen for more than 30 years. And this despite the evident recession in the world economy. We regard the precise execution of the state budget as a very important factor. Russia has been punctually paying its external debts, honoring all of its obligations.

I also want to draw your attention to the fact that along with the reduced level of taxation we have abolished all privileges, trying to make our tax system fair, predictable and transparent. Thanks to a significant cut in the rate of tax on individual income the proceeds from this kind of tax have increased by 54 percent.

The system of taxation has been markedly simplified in the field of the utilization of natural resources, where one tax has been introduced instead of three. And with the adoption of the new Land Code the key obstacle has been removed that had for years seriously hampered the growth of capital investments in Russia.

Question: In the 50s we saw from the example of France and Germany how the recent adversaries in war drew closer and presented to the world a model of international cooperation. By this analogy is it possible to discern something like that in the future relations of the Cold War opponents - the USA and Russia?

President Putin: The experience of the fostering of cooperation between France and Germany is doubtless interesting and, I think, can be very useful on a broad international scale. And if we were to search for an analogy here, it is discernible only in that in both cases at the base of rapprochement lie the really understood national interests of the participating countries themselves and the objective requirements of world development.

Based on the outcomes of my recent visit to the USA, I can once again repeat: we are satisfied how the positive transformation of Russian-American relations is proceeding, and how there goes the molding of a new cooperation framework. We are gradually leaving behind the accretions of previous times, and changing the very logic of interaction.

Of course, differences still remain in some approaches. But most importantly - a common understanding is taking shape that the Russian-American rapprochement is not a tactical move, but a strategic trend.

Question: Greece shows a special interest in Southeastern Europe and does everything possible to consolidate security in the region. Based on the fact that Russia historically was always present in this region, do you plan a more active presence on the Balkan Peninsula?

Is the advancement by Russia of any initiatives possible that aim at moving off dead center the Cyprus problem, which represents a hotbed of tension in the region? Generally speaking, what hinders its solution and what, in your opinion, should yet be undertaken? Do you think that a force-based intervention is possible, hindering the legitimate desire of the Cypriot citizens to integrate themselves into the European Union?

President Putin: Indeed, the presence of Russia in Southeastern Europe is conditioned by objective historical and geopolitical prerequisites. And I would like to note that it has always exerted a positive influence on the situation in the region. Not for nothing do the partners in the Stability Pact for Southeastern Europe describe the role of Russia in the region's affairs as a key one. Noting, above all, the positive contribution of Russia to the settlement of the well-known crises in the Balkans and its continuous efforts to ensure peace and security and to develop cooperation in Southeastern Europe.

Our assistance to the development of the Balkans bears a long-term character and is most appreciable in the fuel and energy sphere. But today we offer our aid also in such areas as humanitarian demining, the struggle against the illicit trade in small arms and light weapons, the strengthening of the border and customs regimes, the combating of organized crime and corruption in the countries of Southeastern Europe, and elimination of the consequences of natural and technogenic catastrophes. Unfortunately, these initiatives are held back by resistance to the equal participation of Russian operators in the implementation of projects financed under the Pact and other regional programs. Frankly, we still have to encounter this kind of attitude.

The principled stand of Russia in support of the independence, sovereignty, territorial integrity and unity of the Republic of Cyprus is well known. A just solution of the Cyprus problem could improve the political climate throughout the Eastern Mediterranean. Russia has always been consistently supportive of the good offices mission of the UN Secretary General on Cyprus, and advocating active cooperation toward this end within the framework of the Security Council. The politico-diplomatic way of settlement of the Cyprus question is the only possible one. And hence we consider it important now to help the UN Secretary General resume a substantive dialogue on Cyprus. It is clear that the problem cannot be solved by monologues and the laying down of preliminary conditions. However some, recently emergent steps in the direction of the resumption of the negotiation process are encouraging.

As to the Cypriots' keen desire to integrate themselves into the European Union, it is obvious that this question belongs to the competence of Nicosia and Brussels. In this case we are convinced that the issue of the admission of Cyprus to the EU should be decided in accordance with the expression of the Cypriots' will, the rules of international law, and the principles of the European Union without prejudice to Cyprus settlement.

Question: What is your personal vision of Europe and relations between Russia and Europe?

President Putin: Russia is part and parcel of the European civilizational and cultural space. So the development of relations with European structures and individual states is one of the chief and natural foreign policy priorities of our country.

The future of Europe today depends on the creation in the continent of a system of collective security able to withstand present-day threats. Russia is ready here for equal dialogue with all the European partners and the USA. It is from this standpoint that we also approach the question of imparting a fundamentally new quality to our relations with NATO.

The situation in the world that has evolved after the events of September 11 testifies that mutual trust should be a major element of the new relationship. Without this it is impossible to build a Greater Europe united by a common economic space and a common security space.

Moreover, in my deep personal conviction, a full-fledged and equal partnership with Russia, and the pooling of resources with it, is an essential precondition for the fullest realization by Europe of its potential as a powerful and independent center of world politics.

Question: The tragic events of September 11 have created an absolutely new world climate. What are now the prerogatives of Russian foreign policy, taking into account the fact of Russia's quick rapprochement with the USA and the EU, as well as of its consent to the presence of American troops in the Central Asian region, strategically important for Moscow? With the declared war against terrorism is there any room left for the UN and international law, or will everything be decided from now on only by the diktat of the strongest?

President Putin: Russia encountered terrorism earlier than others. And we long ago called on our partners to combine efforts in the struggle against this evil. Warned that terrorists are ever more closely coordinating their criminal actions and that a kind of "terrorist international" has emerged in the world, covering a vast territory from the Philippines to the Balkans and Middle East. Noted that terrorism has a ramified financial and organizational infrastructure and is able to destabilize the situation in whole regions of the world.

The world has already become conscious of the full extent of this danger and begun to work out a coordinated policy to neutralize the dangerous threat. There increases the importance of the coordinating mechanisms that the UN has available in this connection. We hold that purposeful work should continue under the aegis of this organization on improving the international legal regime, based on 12 antiterrorist conventions. In the fight against terrorism all the necessary means and levers should be employed: both political and economic, and where necessary - also military with the approval of the UN.

Russia has been consistently advocating the establishment of a global system of counteraction against new threats and challenges. And is ready for cooperation in this with all states and international organizations, including NATO and the EU.

As to the US military presence in Central Asia, here it is necessary to proceed from the fact that the chief objective today is to put an end to the seat of international terrorism in Afghanistan. Specific decisions, though, on forms of participation in the antiterrorist drive each state - including CIS countries - takes independently. We also take into consideration the statements of American representatives that a permanent military presence in Central Asia is not part of the plans of the United States.

Question: Many were surprised by Russia's unconditional support of the actions of the "world coalition," including the military operation in Afghanistan. Are you satisfied with the course of the operation, and what is the role of Moscow in deciding the further fate of that country? Can bombings liquidate the "invisible enemy" or do they only strengthen the terrorist potential, as they do not remove its deep-rooted causes? How do you feel about the USA's declared plans to bomb so called rogue countries, for example, Syria, Iran or Iraq, with which Moscow maintains partner relations? President Putin: Russia gave support to the military operation in Afghanistan, as that was the only way to wipe out this dangerous hotbed of instability. The Taliban had plunged a whole people into barbarity and poverty. In the territory under their control there was created a ramified network of training camps for terrorists. This terrorist infrastructure has in fact coalesced and is closely cooperating with the international drug business.

Today the Taliban have suffered a serious military defeat. Yet I believe that so far there is no cause for euphoria. The Taliban still have no small portion of manpower and equipment left, there is still the capacity to regroup and shift to guerilla warfare. Therefore now as never before it is important to reach a comprehensive political settlement in Afghanistan. Russia wants to see Afghanistan an independent and prosperous state, free of terrorist and drug business, living in peace with neighbors and respecting the norms of conduct recognized in the international community.

Based on this, we are willing to lend assistance to efforts at Afghan settlement with the central role of the UN. As to the statements about possible bombings of rogue countries, I would like to see in them, first of all, a tribute to rhetoric.

Question: How far can the Russia-NATO rapprochement go, and are you certain that antagonism might not again arise soon because of the inclusion of the Baltic states into the alliance or the differences over ABM? And more generally speaking, do you think the West is ready to give Russia equal rights in dealing with European and world problems? And if so, why is this happening for the first time over the last ten years?

President Putin: We are now in the stage of elaboration of new forms and content of Russian-NATO cooperation. After September 11 it has become definitively clear that the present content and pattern of Russia-NATO relations no longer correspond to the real security requirements in the face of new threats and challenges. I think Russia and the NATO countries are equally interested in seeing these relations reach the level of strategic ensuring of a common Euro-Atlantic security space.

It seems that no one disputes the need to form a political Twenty any longer. We are for the broadest possible range of Euro-Atlantic security issues eventually coming within its competence, which we are ready to discuss together. Clearly we exclude from here the defense component (including Article 5 of the Washington Treaty) and internal problems.

Regarding the Baltic states' entry into NATO. Explainable and understandable is the desire of each country to strengthen its security. But we believe that this can be done with greater success by forming in the Baltic region a system of multilateral security in the broad sense of the word.

Question: British officials have expressed the view that close Russia-NATO cooperation may be accomplished on the basis of the Balkans example. Does Russia intend to deepen its relations with the region traditionally close to it, and with what new initiatives is it going to come up for resolving the well-known conflict situations? What, in your opinion, are the prospects for cooperation between Russia and Greece in the region?

President Putin: Indeed, it would be better for all if the Balkans turn from a conflict-forming region into a pole of coordination and cooperation. We have always striven for this and would welcome the readiness of NATO to accomplish such cooperation. To us in this case, the very base on which it will be built is important. In our understanding - this is the need for normalcy in the region as a whole, the ensuring of a lasting peace and security.

We are convinced of the need for a comprehensive approach to the settlement of the Balkan problems in order to prevent a recarving of borders in the region, and to give a timely and fitting rebuff to any manifestations of extremism, terrorism and separatism. Herein lies the essence of the Russian proposal for holding a Balkan conference with international participation with a view to creating a legal basis for regional stability. In order to arrive at the adoption of legally binding and UN Security Council-guaranteed agreements on observance of the generally recognized standards of interstate relations. And to thus simultaneously confirm the multiethnic character of the Balkan states.

We strive to proceed along the road of building up relations with all the countries of Southeastern Europe. Over many centuries Greece was a kind of political, trade and economic center of the Balkans. And today your country continues to play a key role in the political, economic and cultural life of this region. The location in Salonica of the Stability Pact headquarters, the Balkan Reconstruction Agency and the Black Sea Trade and Development Bank is a confirmation of this.

Our approaches on the Balkan theme are largely identical, which has received confirmation not only in the course of the appropriate political consultations, but also in a number of joint moves and initiatives. I will mention, for example, the international Focus humanitarian operation conducted at the height of the Kosovo conflict.

Like Greece, Russia is interested in the removal of the existing hotbeds of tension in the Balkans, in the liquidation of sources of dangerous interethnic and interstate conflicts and in the ensuring of economic development of this important region for us. And I hope that in Athens we will have a candid and keen discussion as to how to expand our cooperation in this direction, and how to impart to it the utmost dynamics.

Question: Mr. President, please say, when you hear the name Greece, "modern Greece," what immediately comes to your mind?

President Putin: When I hear the name "Ellada," to my mind, honestly speaking, comes above all Greece as the cradle of modern civilization and, to a significant extent, as the cradle of Russian spiritual life, because it was precisely from Greece that Orthodoxy came to Rus. And after its coming Russia gradually began to become a European country.

The fact comes to my mind that a great deal binds Russia and Greece in the spiritual, cultural sense of the word. I recall the common pages of our history. And I know that the Greek people treats with great sympathy the people of Russia. And I know that we in Russia cherish this very much.

As a matter of fact nothing has ever seriously disunited us even in the times when we actually were in different ideological blocs. Even at that period of time what united us was actually stronger than what constituted an object of our disputes.

But at present to me Ellada is a European state integrated into the system of international relations, which in a year will hold the EU Presidency. And I very much hope that this will be a period when the movement of Russia and Europe towards each other will be particularly effective.

Question: Of great interest to the Greek audience is the following question. As far as I know, the opening of the pipeline from the Caspian to the Black Sea took place recently. And, as far as you know, a discussion of the construction of an oil pipeline from the Bulgarian city of Burgas to Greece's Alexandropolis has long since been going on.

I would like to clarify what will now happen with this oil pipeline: will it be built or will it not be built, as there exists the oil pipeline from the Caspian to the Black Sea?

President Putin: No, one does not interfere with the other.

If, say, the Bulgarian side shows a cooperative spirit and interest in this project, and if the figures are corroborated that the interested Russian companies are now working on - a feasibility study is currently under way - then this project, of course, will be realized. Preliminarily I can say that Russia generally is ready for its realization.

As to that project which has already been implemented, it is called the Caspian Pipeline Consortium (CPC) - well, there we cooperated with Kazakhstan, and this pipeline is filled mostly with Kazakhstan oil. But the proven reserves, even in the Caspian area, are today so many that it will not be able to meet the requirements of all that which can be extracted there.

Question: I would like to ask, are you satisfied with the results of the antiterrorist operation in Afghanistan? The Taliban movement has been defeated, Americans are already in Afghanistan... What are the prospects, in your opinion?

President Putin: Overall, I am satisfied with the way this operation has been proceeding. Very great losses have indeed been inflicted on the Taliban. But, first of all, they have not yet been defeated. They still have tens of thousands of people at their disposal, both covert supporters and overt, a large amount of weapons, and the main figures, as you know, are not yet caught. But the struggle against international terrorism cannot be limited to the struggle in Afghanistan against the Taliban. We must implement the recently adopted Resolution on Counteraction against the Financing of International Terrorism. The international legal base needs to be improved and very many other things have yet to be done in order to feel that the situation in the field of the struggle against international terrorism has been mastered.

But on the whole, with the continuation of the present day mood of the international community for counteracting this threat, I have a sufficiently optimistic view of things.

Question: Mr. President, you are coming to Greece at a very interesting, in essence, moment for Greece - a year before our country assumes the duties of President in the European Union. I would like to clarify: does Russia have any special interests which it would like to promote in its relations with the European Union at the time of Greece's European Union Presidency? For the state that holds the EU Presidency has the right to submit for discussion any international problem, any question which it considers necessary.

President Putin: You know, I can't say that we want to take advantage of Greece's Presidency in order to deal with some problems quickly. But neither should it be overlooked that Russia has always treated Greece with great sympathy, and continues to do so, and our foreign policy aims very often converge. So I have not the slightest doubt that during the Greek Presidency all the arrangements that have been made recently not only will not disappear or die, but, on the contrary, will be actively developed, and we will move towards a common objective.

One of these objectives is the establishment of a common economic space in Europe. I think that not only Russia is interested in this, but also the European community, including Greece.

Another task facing us is the preparation, appropriate execution and implementation of a joint energy program. We have long since been considering the program together with the EU, and I do not see why during the Greek Presidency it would not be possible to develop it actively, to achieve specific agreements and to begin to realize them. Especially as Greece is itself interested in carrying out many energy projects together with Russia on a bilateral basis.

There are other areas of our cooperation with united Europe. And I am just absolutely convinced that the period of Greek Presidency will be very fruitful in the development of relations between Russia and the EU.

Question: What, in Russia's view, is the future of NATO? And what can be the lines of development of this organization?

President Putin: NATO was born in its time and in certain historical conditions to counteract certain, specific threats. Today the world has changed, and so have threats. It is up to the organization itself and its members to define priorities, but, it seems to me, not to take this into account would be wrong. In my firm conviction, it was the ignoring of the new realities that led to the possibility of the catastrophe of September 11.

Our latest contacts with the leaderships of major NATO countries and with the organization itself have shown that our partners have this understanding. We now together with some colleagues from among the NATO countries' leaders and the organization itself are considering the possibilities of changing the quality of relations between Russia and NATO in the format of not "nineteen plus one," but of "twenty."

It appears to us that there is a certain range of questions which lies at the core of security in the consideration and elaboration of decisions, in which Russia could take a full-fledged part. And its voice must be the same as the voice of any other participant of these events and of this process. If that happens, the very issue of NATO expansion will lose its relevance and acuteness, an expansion that by itself makes no sense in terms of the ensuring of security. It makes sense only for some countries - potential members - for the solution of their internal political questions. But I don't think NATO was created for that.

As to the questions of European security or security policy, we are willing here also to take part and play the role which Europe itself deems possible. I think that the defense potential of Russia is sufficiently high - this everybody knows very well - and we are ready to make it a part or one of the elements that would ensure an appropriate security system in Europe and in the world. But you have correctly noted that today this system of European security is just only taking shape. What is happening in Europe in the sphere of security, does not worry us. It seems to us that the only thing needed here is maximum transparency.

I repeat, we are willing to take part in this process. But it seems to me that it would be incorrect if we as the plea of the absence of such a system and the absence of Russia's integration into this system tried to block the development of relations between Russia and NATO.

On the contrary, it seems to me, that a change in the quality of Russian relations with NATO could be a good bridge to the participation of Russia in the future system of European security. Here we count on a very cooperative effort with our partners, including with Greece as a country which is integrated both into Europe and into NATO.

Question: I would like to ask: the events that took place three months ago and which are terrorist acts, do they inflict harm upon efforts at the development of relations between Russia and NATO, and between Russia and Europe?

President Putin: You mean the events of September 11?

Comment: It seems to me that here one can talk not only about the events of September 11, but generally about all the manifestations of terrorism in Chechnya, in the Middle East...

President Putin: No, they do not affect adversely Russian relations either with Europe or with NATO, but, on the contrary, they show the world and primarily our Western partners that the world has changed, threats have changed. And for overcoming these threats cooperation with Russia is a very promising, the right thing, encouraging a constructive dialogue, and we feel this mutual understanding on the part of our partners.

In our country, you know, there is the folk saying: "If the thunder is not loud, the peasant forgets to cross himself."

Comment: Approximately the same exists also in the Greek language: "If the thunder is not loud, the peasant will not wake up."

President Putin: Unfortunately, we missed the instant when the thunder struck loud, but it did strike, it woke everybody.


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