Society needs to remain consolidated - Putin
MOSCOW. Dec 26 (Interfax) - Russian President Vladimir Putin has stressed the need to preserve a consolidated society in order to address the challenges facing the country.
"Consolidation of our society is a key condition for overcoming difficulties. The next year will not be easy. We are facing many difficult problems, and we will definitely solve them," the Russian president at a New Year reception in the Kremlin on Friday.
"(Working) in the name of the Motherland, serving the home country, defending its vital interests has always been an attestation of honor and duty," he stressed. "How much these characteristics are in demand today is fully attested by the fact that Crimea and Sevastopol returned into the family this year," the president said,
"Events which can unite the society do not happen very often and it is very important to preserve this consolidation further and give ample space to citizens' initiatives," Putin said.