Kremlin

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Official web site for the President of the Russian Federation |
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Moscow, the Kremlin | February 10, 2004
Speech at a meeting with superior officers

President Vladimir Putin:

Good afternoon, comrades,

I congratulate you on the award of military titles and appointments to new positions. And I expect that you will continue to carry out your duty, and reliably protect the interests of the state, citizens and all of Russian society.

Among the tasks entrusted to you as superior officers, the priority tasks remain ensuring security of the state, fighting terrorism and crime, protecting the country’s borders and liquidating the aftermath of emergency situations.

And it is clear that the solution to these tasks depends in many ways on the level of your training, on your ability to act precisely and effectively. I expect that the entire officer body of Russia well understands the degree of responsibility that lies on each and every one of you.

Last year we did a great deal to consolidate military organization and the law enforcement bodies of the state. And so there is every reason to expect that there will now be a fundamental rise in the effectiveness of their work.

The process of modernizing the Armed Forces continues. The staff structure of the army and navy has become more optimal. Alert units are being recruited from contract soldiers. Our troops have begun to use new kinds of weaponry and technology. The material provision for the officer body is gradually improving.

At the same time, a great deal remains to be done to increase the professional training of officers and soldiers, and the quality of military instruction. Particular attention should be given to educational work. I would point out that this is a very important component of military service. You should be extremely attentive to the staff.

Comrades,

The key task of the Russian law enforcement departments and special services remains the war on terrorism, and protecting civilians from terrorist acts. Three to four years ago, bandits did not expect such swift growth in the fighting efficiency of our Armed Forces and special divisions in the war on terrorism. They also did not expect such a consolidation of Russian society in protecting the foundations of our statehood. After suffering, despite their numerous boasts, they use terrorist acts to try to create panic, fear and distrust of authority among the civilian population, and thus break the will of the Russian people in their right to consolidate democracy, freedom, and the territorial integrity of our country.

Therefore, special attention needs to be given today to the effectiveness of operative work and developing tactics that can prevent the threat of terrorist acts.

The Federal Security Service, Internal Ministry and other power structures should continue to hold systematic work on liquidating the terrorist network.

One of the most important elements in the war on terrorism, and with organized crime, and the drug trade is reliable protection of the state border. And I count on the professionalism of employees of the Border Service, on their precise interaction both with the appropriate departments, and with power bodies in the regions.

Important areas of work for internal affairs bodies remain opposing crime and protecting the rights and interests of citizens from criminal activity.

An entire range of difficult tasks lies before the recently created State Drug Control Agency. And one of the priority tasks is ensuring precise and effective coordination of the efforts of ministries and departments in the war on drugs.

The Federal Migration Service is still being formed. I expect that the updated legislation will help you to regulate migration processes and ensure a controllable flow of necessary labour resources into the country.

In 2003, the Federal guard service of the Russian Federation also increased its capabilities, which will make it possible to solve the tasks before it more effectively.

The activity of the Russian Emergency Ministry has been assessed highly not just in Russia, but also abroad. I expect that the actions of rescuers to liquidate the aftermath of natural disasters and catastrophes will continue to be competent and timely.

I would also like to note that in the current conditions, the efforts of the Federal service of special construction are also seriously in demand, as are military railway workers.

And finally, the development of the situation in the world, local conflicts and the activity of international terrorists also dictate increased demands to the work of the Foreign Intelligence Service.

In conclusion, I would like to congratulate you once more on your appointment to new positions and on the awards of military titles.

And once morel, I would like to remind you that this event is not just the acknowledgement of your individual services, but also confirmation of the special state significance of service in the army, in the law enforcement bodies, and other services, ministries and departments which protect the interests of the state.

I am certain that you will continue to successfully fulfil the tasks set before you. You will serve Russia, showing the necessary professionalism, decisiveness, and if necessary, personal courage.

I wish you success, and all the best.

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