Point of View

"Most importantly we need to educate people about fighting xenophobia. People need to realise that from the first days of its existence as a state, Russia developed as a multiethnic and a multi-faith country. We have always had a very strong tradition of being respectful towards other cultures and religions. That has always been one of our country's strengths. And this tolerance is what has helped create this huge state that is the Russian Federation today. We need to be very clear about this. These fundamental and elementary moral principles need to be learned from the earliest age."

"I have just spoken with the President of the Republic of Chuvashia (Nikolai Fyodorov). This is what we have fully agreed on: crime has fallen significantly in Russia, and so have alcoholism and smoking among young people. This improvement is largely due to widespread sports and fitness programmes, so their effect is here for all to see. We have set this target, and we are achieving it. So our efforts must go on."

"Rap, even urban and street rap, already has social content and addresses the problems of youth. Graffiti is becoming refined and polished, like a real art form. Breakdancing is something completely unique. Breakdancing truly promotes a healthy lifestyle, because it is difficult to imagine how it could related to drug use. It would be impossible to perform so-called low-risk breakdancing, and still less high-risk breakdancing, (while on drugs), especially when you see the acrobatics some of these kids do. This really does command respect."

"Seven hundred thousand Georgians fought in the Great Patriotic War, a third of whom perished. Our sacred duty is to pay them the respect they deserve and preserve the memory of the heroes of the Great Patriotic War."

"I know that we in this country have always held an absolutely unanimous consensus on everything related to the remembrance of the victims of World War II and support for war veterans. It is United Russia that put forward this proposal [to restore the demolished monument], but I have confidence that other Russian political forces will also rally around this initiative. I wish the Georgian society would also be positive about it."

"The 50th anniversary of Yuri Gagarin's space flight is an opportunity to once again persuasively remind the global community of the key role that Russia plays in space exploration and of the significance of Russia's space programme for all of humanity. Therefore, I consider it necessary to engage Russian media resources to the fullest, including press publications, the Internet, television. And, of course, we need to once again attentively analyse the quality of textbooks used in our schools."

"We should pay particular attention to the educational aspects. Space research is one of the most high-tech, science-intensive sectors. And a large-scale celebration of Yuri Gagarin's space flight will not only draw attention to space-related subjects, but will generally increase the prestige of science and innovation, and demonstrate the importance and prospects for development in these areas, which is particularly important for young people."

"We should remember their exploits and pass on this pride and legacy to future generations. Therefore, I consider it our collective duty to celebrate this anniversary properly, which we should also do for the Year of Space Exploration, which will be held in Russia in 2011."

"When I was there[Battle for Respect], I really liked these young people, not only those who gave excellent performances, but also the people who attended the show. They are young and very trusting, so it is very important what it is said and done by their idols. And we should make sure these idols do positive things."

"I believe that the government should work with all age groups, and, in particular, with young people. 17% of Russians die of smoking-related diseases. The number of deaths from drug abuse is slightly lower. And we are all know about deaths caused by alcohol. That's why we have launched several campaigns promoting healthy lifestyle. I want them to be implemented at both federal and regional levels. And I am counting on the initiatives of youth organisations, because working with teenagers is our top priority."