Transcript of Putin's Press Conference

Introduction

[Putin] Ladies and gentlemen: As you know, with the summer recess [of the State Duma] one can say that our active political season of the first half of this year has ended. In the context, and given the very large number of inquiries from news agencies and individual journalists as regards meetings and interviews which has been received recently - there has been more than a thousand of them - I have been able to meet and talk to many of your colleagues but, naturally, it has been impossible to answer all these queries individually.

That is why, my colleagues and I have decided to hold an event such as this, and meet all those interested. I would like to thank all those gathered here for the interest all of you take in Russia's political life and Russia as a whole. I shall try to do my best so as, as far as possible, to satisfy your curiosity as much as possible and answer all questions you may ask.

I think it would be right if we straight away proceed to questions in order that, as there is not much time, we do not waste any of it.

[Moderator] Your questions, please, colleagues. Let us begin with news agencies - Interfax.