Zee Beam News

10.05.2006 10:54 MSK The Moscow News - The exact contents of the speech are being kept secret until he delivers the address, but it is expected to place more emphasis on foreign policy than in previous years, the BBC reports. It is also thought that energy security will be one of the key themes. His speech, to be delivered at 12:00 local time (08:00 GMT), Putin will address ministers and parliamentarians, senior members of the judiciary and religious leaders. Those gathered in the Marble Hall of the Kremlin may number more than 1,000. The speech will be shown on live television. A much larger, worldwide audience will also be paying close attention. Russia currently holds the presidency of the G8 group of the world's leading industrialised nations. Some hope that the Russian President will answer critics, including U.S. Vice-President Dick Cheney, who has suggested that Russia uses its resources as tools of intimidation and blackmail. Vladimir Putin may also talk about policy towards Iran. Moscow has always insisted that the tension over Tehran's nuclear programme should be eased through diplomatic means. President Putin is also likely to discuss domestic issues, particularly Russia's so-called "national projects" (e.g. education and health projects, such as the campaign for HIV-prevention).