We have created stability, which is a necessary condition for development. But I can't call this system authoritarian.

You know every stage of your life has an impact on you.

Under the international agreements, the Russian peacekeepers are committed to protect the population of South Ossetia.

It is extremely dangerous to encourage people to see themselves as exceptional, whatever the motivation.

It's a historical phenomenon that in 250 years, a nation could move from a colony into the most prosperous nation of the world and the leader of the world. It is indeed an achievement, a tribute to the talent of the American nation, the American people and an optimal political and economic system.

The thing is, however strange it may seem, that the interests of the United States and of the Russian Federation do coincide sometimes.

The last time I was in Japan as President of Russia was 11 years ago, if memory serves. I later visited in my capacity as Prime Minister.