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Putin Says Democracy is Equally as Important as Economic Success
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Russia's president outlines domestic, international priorities in
annual state-of-the-nation address





Vladimir Putin Russian President Vladimir Putin says Russia remains
committed to strengthening democratic and economic reforms, in order
to create a country that is stable, open and free. The president
outlined his domestic

and international priorities Monday, in his annual state-of-the-nation
address at the Kremlin.

In a nationally-televised address before a joint session of Russia's
parliament, President Putin told lawmakers gathered in the

Kremlin that Russia has no future without democracy.

President Putin says freedom, rule of law, and basic respect for human
rights must be the hallmark of Russian institutions and society, as
the nation works toward his promise of a better future.

He says democracy is every bit as important as economic success,
noting that tax inspectors do not have the right to terrorize
business.

President Putin also said his government will take steps to ensure
equal access to the media, in a bid to quiet criticism in the United
States and Europe that his government is increasingly silencing
opposition voices.


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