Some years ago our Japanese counterparts asked us to resume the discussions of the issue and so we did meeting them halfway. Over the passed couple of years the contacts were practically frozen on the initiative of the Japanese side, not ours. At the same time, presently our partners have expressed their eagerness to resume discussions on this issue [the Kuril Islands].
Vladimir PutinThank God, I think no one is thinking of unleashing a large-scale conflict with Russia. I want to remind you that Russia is one of the leading nuclear powers.
Vladimir PutinPresidents come and go, and even parties come to and away from power. But the main policy tack does not change.
Vladimir PutinNo references to the need to fight terror can be an argument for restricting human rights.
Vladimir Putin