We want peace and a political solution to the situation in Chechnya.

There are numerous bugbears in the profession of a politician. First, ordinary life suffers. Second, there are many temptations to ruin you and those around you. And I suppose third, and this is rarely discussed, people at the top generally have no friends.

You have no right to criticise Russia over Chechnya.

Liberty sets the mind free, fosters independence and unorthodox thinking and ideas. But it does not offer instant prosperity or happiness and wealth to everyone.

I understand that it's hard for everyone, but one cannot give in to emotions... we'll have to draw lessons from the current crisis and now we'll have to work on overcoming it.

I especially love driving down a hill directly at a tree and swerving to one side at the last moment. That's my way to relax.

International terrorism is throwing down a challenge, and not just to Russia.