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	03.12.06 Victoria Panova G8 research group, University of Toronto, Director for Russia
	03.12.06 Mona Bricke German NGO Forum Environment and Development
	03.12.06 Nigel Martin Montreal International Rorum (FIM)
	02.12.06 John Kirton Head of G8 Research Group, University of Toronto
	02.12.06 Regina Gunter Head of the WWF Germany

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Putin discusses message to FA with Duma factions

MOSCOW, April 11 (Itar-Tass) -- Work on the presidential message to the Federal Assembly has entered the final phase.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has invited the leaders of parliamentary factions to discuss the basic issues to be addressed in the message.

“I would like to talk to you about the whole range of internal political and international problems, bearing in mind that the work on the message is in the final phase,” Putin told parliamentary faction leaders. “I do count a great deal on our proposals and amendments that might be implemented.”

He said he would like to discuss with the legislators not only internal political themes, but the international agenda, too, “in the context of our forthcoming presidency of the G8.”

“A discussion with leaders or invited guests – and there will be many of them – of the pre-selected priority questions would be a very convenient format to raise themes our country sees as crucial for itself and the international community. If you have any ideas to voice or proposals to make, it would be my pleasure to translate them into reality in the course of meetings with foreign counterparts,” Putin said.

The president thanked the legislators for doing a good job to translate into reality the basic ideas of last year’s message. In particular, he noted their efforts to create democratic institutions.

“A great deal has been done to continue the creation of the legal basis and institutions of democracy in our country. A law has been passed on the institution of parliamentary investigations. I believe that this is very important. A bill on response to people’s complaints is in the consideration phase. This is going to be a very crucial piece of legislation, bearing in mind the dire need for easing the negative effects of red-tape on the emergence of democratic institutions,” Putin said.

The head of state noted the efforts to lay the legal groundwork for priority national projects.

“They are in the initial phase, but the work is on, and I hope that lawmakers’ control over all of them will remain,” Putin said.

He noted the need for active efforts in other spheres, including the promotion of the innovation vector of the economy.

Putin recalled that a decision had been made in favor of the creation of special economic zones.

“They are about to go operational and I am counting on your legislative support,” Putin said.

Expert opinion

	02.12.06 Halter Marek Le College de France
	02.12.06 Olivier Giscard d’Estaing COPAM, France
	02.12.06 Mika Ohbayashi Institute for Sustainable Energy Poliсy
	02.12.06 Bill Pace World Federalist Movement - Institute for Global Policy
	01.12.06 Peter I. Hajnal Toronto University, G8 Research Group