Zee Beam News

11/05/2008 - MOSCOW, November 5 (RIA Novosti) - Russian President Dmitry Medvedev delivered his first state of the nation address to both houses of parliament on Wednesday. His speech to the Russian parliament was broadcast on state television and became the longest-ever presidential address, lasting 1 hour and 25 minutes. In line with the Russian Constitution, the president annually addresses the Federal Assembly, comprising the Federation Council and State Duma, talking about the domestic situation and the key areas of Russia's foreign policy. The Russian president in his address:
- Georgia's military offensive on South Ossetia was a consequence of policies unilaterally followed by the U.S. administration
- Russia will push for reforms to global political and economic systems
- Russia will not give up its role in the Caucasus
- Political and economic changes in Russia will not violate political freedoms and private property
- Russia will fulfill its obligations to protect individuals' savings, pensions and social security
- Russia will establish a self-sufficient financial system in the near future
- pledged that the implementation of the country's strategic programs will continue on schedule
- the global credit crisis is far from over, and the government and business must consider this factor in their planning
- warned against attempts to ignite social and national strife amid the financial crisis
- proposed guaranteeing parliamentary seats for parties that win between 5% and 7% of the vote
- warned against delays in implementing the government's bailout measures
- proposed to abolish election deposits in Russia
- proposed drawing up amendments to ensure a rotation of party leaders
- said the Internet and digital TV guarantee freedom of speech
- proposed extending the presidential and parliamentary terms of office from the current four years to six and five years respectively
- proposed a gradual reduction in the number of voter signatures required for parliamentary polls
- said he would present a draft law reducing the time civil cases are considered by courts
- said the Constitution plays an important role in establishing Russia's democracy and is a guarantee of the country's resurgence
- urged a reduction in federal executive bodies in the regions
- suggested granting more power to parliament, placing the activities of the government under the supervision of the State Duma
- announced that 2010 will be the Year of the Teacher
- Russia will deploy short-range Iskander missiles in its exclave of Kaliningrad next to Poland in response to U.S. missile plans for Europe
- Russia has cancelled plans to take three missile regiments out of service in the central part of the country, in response to the U.S. missile shield plans for Europe
- Russia will not be drawn into an arms race, but will continue to ensure the security of its citizens
- hoped the new U.S. administration will seek better relations with Russia
- the ongoing global economic crisis is no reason to nationalize domestic industries and banks
- Russia has sent its proposals on reforming the global economic system to the G20 nations
- Russia should adopt legislation on establishing the country as a global financial center by the end of the year
- Russia will continue its efforts to settle the post-Soviet conflicts over Nagorny Karabakh and Transdnestr
- Russia will use electronic warfare to counteract the U.S. missile shield - urged a switch to the ruble in payments for gas and oil supplies