putin interview on charlie rose_20150929.docx
Post on 07-Aug-2018
213 Views
Preview:
TRANSCRIPT
-
8/20/2019 Putin Interview on Charlie Rose_20150929.Docx
1/28
Sott Exclusive: Full unedited text of Vladimir Putin's
interview with Charlie Rose: What CBS left out
Harrison Koehli
Sott.net
Tue, 29 Sep 2015 09:14 UTC
The day before his much-anticipated address to the UN General Assembly on Monday, CBS
broadcast Charlie Rose's interview with Russian President Vladimir Putin for its season
premiere of 60 Minutes. Understandably, the interview was cut and edited to fit in the 20-minute
slot available in the program. But now that the full transcript has been made available on the
Kremlin website, it's fascinating to see just what was cut. We're including the full transcript
below, with comments identifying which parts were not included in the final broadcast, or as
special online clips.
From single sentences to entire exchanges, some of the exclusions are noteworthy. For
example, practically the whole of Putin's commentary on the Minsk agreements was not aired.
Nor were Putin's pointed comments on Libya and Syria, his observation that the U.S.'s actions
in those countries was a blatant violation of international law, and his suggestion that
"somebody wants to use either certain units of ISIS or ISIS in general in order to overthrow al-
Assad and only then think about how to get rid of ISIS." Other exchanges, such as Putin's views
on sanctions and gay rights, were broadcast online, but not in the final program.
You can view what CBS chose to broadcast on their website, and read the relevant transcript of
their translation, here.
* * *
CHARLIE ROSE: I want to thank you for inviting us to your home on what I would have
described as a lovely Russian Sunday afternoon. You call it Old Wives' summer.
We will do our interview, it will be broadcast on Sunday, and the next day you will speak to the
United Nations in a much-anticipated address. It will be the first time you have been there in a
number of years. What will you say to the UN, to America, to the world?
VLADIMIR PUTIN: Since this interview will be aired prior to my speech, I do not think it
reasonable to go into much detail about everything I am going to speak about, but, broadly, I will
certainly mention some facts from the history of the United Nations. Now I can already tell you
that the decision to establish the United Nations was taken in our country at the Yalta
Conference. It was in the Soviet Union that this decision was made. The Soviet Union, and
http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/transcripts/50380http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/transcripts/50380http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/transcripts/50380http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/transcripts/50380http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/transcripts/50380http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/transcripts/50380http://www.sott.net/article/302788-60-Minutes-Charlie-Rose-interviews-Vladimir-Putinhttp://www.sott.net/article/302788-60-Minutes-Charlie-Rose-interviews-Vladimir-Putinhttp://www.sott.net/article/302788-60-Minutes-Charlie-Rose-interviews-Vladimir-Putinhttp://www.sott.net/article/302788-60-Minutes-Charlie-Rose-interviews-Vladimir-Putinhttp://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/transcripts/50380http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/transcripts/50380http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/transcripts/50380http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/transcripts/50380
-
8/20/2019 Putin Interview on Charlie Rose_20150929.Docx
2/28
Russia as the successor state to the Soviet Union, is a founding member state of the United
Nations and a permanent member of its Security Council.
Of course, I will have to say a few words about the present day, about the evolving international
situation, about the fact that the United Nations remains the sole universal internationalorganisation designed to maintain global peace. And in this sense it has no alternative
today. It is also apparent that it should adapt to the ever-changing world, which we discuss all
the time: how it should evolve and at what rate, which components should undergo qualitative
changes. Of course, I will have to or rather should use this international platform to explain
Russia's vision of today's international relations, as well as the future of this organisation and
the global community.
CHARLIE ROSE: We are expecting you to speak about the threat of the Islamic State and your
presence in Syria that is related to that. What is the purpose of your presence in Syria and how
does that relate to the challenge of ISIS?VLADIMIR PUTIN: I am pretty certain that virtually everyone speaking from the United Nations
platform is going to talk about the fight, about the need to fight terrorism, and I cannot avoid this
issue, either. This is quite understandable because it is a serious common threat to all of us; it is
a common challenge to all of us. Today, terrorism threatens a great number of states, a great
number of people - hundreds of thousands, millions of people suffer from its criminal activity.
And we all face the task of joining our efforts in the fight against this common evil.
Concerning our, as you put it, presence in Syria, as of today it has taken the form of
weapons supplies to the Syrian government, personnel training and humanitarian aid to
the Syrian people. We act based on the United Nations Charter, i.e. the fundamental principles
of modern international law, according to which this or that type of aid, including military
assistance, can and must be provided exclusively to legitimate government of one country
or another, upon its consent or request, or upon the decision of the United Nations
Security Council. In this particular case, we act based on the request from the Syrian
government to provide military and technical assistance, which we deliver under entirely legal
international contracts.
CHARLIE ROSE: The Secretary of State John Kerry said that the United States welcomed your
assistance in the fight against the Islamic State. Others have taken note of the fact that these
are combat planes and manpad systems that are being used against the conventional army, not
extremists.
VLADIMIR PUTIN: There is only one regular army there. That is the army of Syrian President
al-Assad. And he is confronted with what some of our international partners interpret as an
opposition. In reality, al-Assad's army is fighting against terrorist organisations. You
should know better than me about the hearings that have just taken place in the United States
-
8/20/2019 Putin Interview on Charlie Rose_20150929.Docx
3/28
Senate, where the military and Pentagon representatives, if I am not mistaken, reported to the
senators about what the United States had done to train the combat part of the opposition
forces. The initial aim was to train between 5,000 and 6,000 fighters, and then 12,000 more. It
turns out that only 60 of these fighters have been properly trained, and as few as 4 or 5
people actually carry weapons, while the rest of them have deserted with the Americanweapons to join ISIS. That is the first point.
Secondly, in my opinion, provision of military support to illegal structures runs counter to
the principles of modern international law and the United Nations Charter. We have been
providing assistance to legitimate government entities only.
In this connection, we have proposed cooperation to the countries in the region, we are trying to
establish some kind of coordination framework. I personally informed the President of Turkey,
the King of Jordan, as well as Saudi Arabia of that, we informed the United States too, and MrKerry, whom you have mentioned, had an in-depth conversation with our Foreign Minister
Sergei Lavrov on this matter; besides, our militaries stay in touch and discuss this issue. We
would welcome a common platform for collective action against the terrorists.
Comment: None of the above made it into the final cut of the CBS broadcast.
CHARLIE ROSE: Are you ready to join forces with the United States against ISIS and is it why
you are in Syria? Others believe that it might be part of your goal, that you are trying to save
President al-Assad's administration because they have been losing ground and the war has notbeen going well for them, and you are there to rescue them.
VLADIMIR PUTIN: That's right, that's how it is. We provide, as I have said twice during our
interview and can repeat again, we provide assistance to legitimate Syrian authorities.
Moreover, I strongly believe that by acting otherwise, acting to destroy the legitimate bodies of
power we would create a situation that we are witnessing today in other countries of the region
or in other regions of the world, for instance, in Libya, where all state institutions have
completely disintegrated.
Unfortunately, we are witnessing a similar situation in Iraq. There is no other way to settle the
Syrian conflict other than by strengthening the existing legitimate government agencies,
support them in their fight against terrorism and, of course, at the same time encourage
them to start a positive dialogue with the "healthy" part of the opposition and launch
political transformations.
-
8/20/2019 Putin Interview on Charlie Rose_20150929.Docx
4/28
CHARLIE ROSE: As you know, some coalition partners want al-Assad to go before they can
support the government.
VLADIMIR PUTIN: I would like to advise or recommend them to forward this suggestion not to
al-Assad himself, but rather to the Syrian people. It is only up to the Syrian people living in
Syria to determine who, how and based on what principles should rule their country, andany external advice of such kind would be absolutely inappropriate, harmful and against
international law.
Comment: This last clause, in red bolding, was cut from CBS's version.
CHARLIE ROSE: We have already discussed this earlier, but do you think that President al-
Assad, who you support... Do you support what he is doing in Syria and what is happening to
those Syrians, to those millions of refugees, to hundreds of thousands of people who have been
killed and many - by his own force?
VLADIMIR PUTIN: And do you think that those who support the armed opposition and,
mainly, terrorist organisations, just in order to overthrow al-Assad without thinking of
what awaits the country after the complete destruction of state institutions are doing the
right thing? We have already witnessed that, I have already mentioned Libya. That was not so
long ago. The United States actively contributed to the destruction of these state
institutions. Whether they were good or bad is a different question. But they were destroyed,
and the United States suffered grave losses after that including the death of its ambassador. Do
you understand what this leads to? That is why we provide assistance to the legal government
agencies precisely, but - and I would like to stress it again - we do it hoping that Syria will launch
political transformations necessary for the Syrian people.
Comment: CBS also cut out discussion of Libya.
Time and again, with perseverance worthy of a better cause, you are talking about the Syrian
army fighting against its people. But take a look at those who control 60 percent of Syrian
territory. Where is that civilised opposition? 60 percent of Syria is controlled either byISIS, Jabhat al-Nusra or other terrorist organisations, organisations that have been
recognised as terrorist organisations by the United States, as well as by other countries
and the UN. It is them and not anyone else who have control over 60 percent of Syrian territory.
CHARLIE ROSE: You are worried about what might happen after al-Assad. You are worried
about anarchy; you look at the threat of ISIS. Are they different? Are they unique as a terrorist
organisation?
-
8/20/2019 Putin Interview on Charlie Rose_20150929.Docx
5/28
VLADIMIR PUTIN: It has become unique because it is going global. They have set a goal,
which is to establish a caliphate on the territory stretching from Portugal to Pakistan. They
already lay claims to the sacred Islamic sites like Mecca and Medina. Their actions and their
activities reach far beyond the boundaries of the territories under their control.
As for the refugees, Syria is not their only country of origin. Who is fleeing Libya? Who is
fleeing the countries of Central Africa where Islamists are in charge today? Who is fleeing
Afghanistan and Iraq? Do the refugees come from Syria only? And why do you think that the
Syrian refugees flee only as a result of President al-Assad's actions to protect his
country? Why don't you think that the refugees flee from the atrocities of terrorists, from ISIS,
who decapitate people, burn them alive, drown them alive and destroy cultural monuments?
People flee from them too; they flee mainly from them. And from the war - this is clear. But
there would be no war if these terrorist groups were not supplied with arms and money
from the outside. It seems to me that somebody wants to use either certain units of ISISor ISIS in general in order to overthrow al-Assad and only then think about how to get rid
of ISIS. This task is difficult and, in my opinion, practically impossible.
Comment: The above question and answer were, predictably, cut out in their entirety.
Same with the following three questions and answers.
CHARLIE ROSE: Do you fear that they may come to Russia? Do you fear that if it does not
stop now they may come to Russia from Europe, or even to the United States, and that is why
you have to step in because no one else is doing what's necessary to lead the charge againstISIS?
VLADIMIR PUTIN: Indeed, few actors take serious steps to combat this threat. Few actors take
serious effective measures. We learned about the effectiveness of the actions of our
American partners during the Pentagon report to the US Senate. To tell the truth, their
effectiveness is low. You know, I am not going to speak ironically here, or pick or point at
anyone. We propose cooperation, we propose to join efforts.
Are we afraid or not? We have nothing to be afraid of. We are in our country and we are in
control of the situation. But we have undergone a very difficult path of combating terrorism,
international terrorism in the North Caucasus. That is point number one.
Point number two is that we know for certain that today there are at least 2,000 - and maybe
even more than 2,000 - militants in Syria who are from Russia or other former Soviet republics
-
8/20/2019 Putin Interview on Charlie Rose_20150929.Docx
6/28
and, of course, there is the threat of their return to Russia. And this is why it is better to help al-
Assad do away with them there than to wait until they come back here.
CHARLIE ROSE: Yes, but you say that you stepped in because you did not think that the job
was being done well and you listen to what is going on in the American Senate, you heard the
results and you said that Russia must act.VLADIMIR PUTIN: We are already acting and we have always acted this way. We have
cooperated with many countries and we continue to cooperate, including with the United States.
We constantly send to our colleagues through special services' channels the information
necessary for the American special forces in order to make our contribution to ensuring security
and safety, including safety of American citizens, both in the United States and beyond. But I
think that this level of coordination is insufficient today; we need to work more closely with each
other.
CHARLIE ROSE: In your opinion, what is the strategy that you are recommending, other than
supporting the al-Assad regime?VLADIMIR PUTIN: I have already said, we should help President al-Assad's army. And there is
no one else at all who is fighting ISIS on the ground, except for President al-Assad's
army. So, I want you, your audience to finally realise that no one except al-Assad's army is
fighting against ISIS or other terrorist organisations in Syria, no one else is fighting them on
Syrian territory. Minor airstrikes, including those by United States aircraft, do not resolve
the issue in essence; in fact, they do not resolve it at all. The work should be conducted on
the spot after these strikes and it should all be strictly coordinated. We need to understand what
strikes are needed, where we need to strike and who will advance on the ground after these
strikes. In Syria, there is no other force [which can do that] except for al-Assad's army.
CHARLIE ROSE: Would Russia deploy its combat troops in Syria if it is necessary to defeat
ISIS?
VLADIMIR PUTIN: Russia will not take part in any field operations on the territory of Syria or in
other states; at least, we do not plan it for now . But we are thinking of how to intensify our
work both with President al-Assad and our partners in other countries.
CHARLIE ROSE: What does it mean?
VLADIMIR PUTIN: It means that our armed forces will not take part in hostilities directly
and they will not fight. We will support al-Assad's army...
CHARLIE ROSE: Do you mean airstrikes?
VLADIMIR PUTIN: I mean war, combat operations on the territory, the infantry and
motorised units.
CHARLIE ROSE: What else will be required? As we come back to the problem of many people
considering that al-Assad is helping ISIS, that his terrible attitude towards the Syrian people and
the use of barrel bombs and other actions are helping ISIS, and if he is removed, the transition
period would be better at some point for the purposes of fighting ISIS.
-
8/20/2019 Putin Interview on Charlie Rose_20150929.Docx
7/28
VLADIMIR PUTIN: In secret services' parlance, I can say that such an assessment is a
blatant act by al-Assad's enemies. It is anti-Syrian propaganda, there is nothing in
common between al-Assad and ISIS, they fight against each other. And I repeat once again
that President al-Assad and his army are the only force that actually fights ISIS.
Comment: The second half of the above answer was cut (from after "anti-Syrian
propaganda"). The following four exchanges were also cut.
CHARLIE ROSE: But there were reports earlier saying that you were getting ready to provide
support to them, and that what you wanted to see was a negotiated political transition.
VLADIMIR PUTIN: We think that the issues of a political nature should be solved in any
country, including in Syria, primarily by its people - in this case by the Syrian people
themselves. But we are ready to provide assistance both to the Syrian authorities and the
healthy opposition for them to find some points of contact and agree on the political future of
their country. It is for this purpose that we have organised a series of meetings between the
representatives of the opposition and al-Assad's government in Moscow. We took part in the
Geneva Conference on this issue. We are ready to further act in this direction, urging sides, the
official authorities and the opposition leaders, to agree with each other exclusively through
peaceful means.
CHARLIE ROSE: The Washington Post wrote today: "Into the vacuum of American leadership
has stepped Russian President Vladimir Putin, who has dispatched troops and equipment to
Syria in an effort to force the world to accept his solution to the war, which is the creation of
a new coalition to fight the Islamic State that includes the Assad government". It is interesting
that they say you have stepped into a certain vacuum of American leadership. This is what The
Washington Post writes.
VLADIMIR PUTIN: We are not stepping into the vacuum of American leadership, we are trying
to prevent the creation of a power vacuum in Syria in general because as soon as the
government agencies in a state, in a country, are destroyed, a power vacuum sets in, and
that vacuum is quickly filled with terrorists. This was the case in Libya and Iraq; this was the
case in some other countries. The same is underway in Somalia, the same happened in
Afghanistan. Challenging American leadership is not at stake.
Comment: No surprise the above was cut!
CHARLIE ROSE: Well, a vacuum is an issue. It seems that you are a little irritated by one point:
you are talking about a strong centralised government being Russia's DNA and you have a
-
8/20/2019 Putin Interview on Charlie Rose_20150929.Docx
8/28
huge fear that there is no strong government in Syria and in other countries, that there is some
sort of anarchy.
VLADIMIR PUTIN: I am not saying that there is no strong government there. I mean that if
there was no government at all, there would be anarchy and a vacuum, and the vacuum and the
anarchy would soon evolve into terrorism.
For instance, in Iraq, there was a famous person, Saddam Hussein, who was either good or
bad. It was at a certain stage (you might have forgotten, have you?) that the United States
actively collaborated with Saddam when he was at war with Iran: weapons were supplied,
diplomatic and political support was provided, and so on. Then the US fell out with him for some
reason and decided to do away with him. But when Saddam Hussein was eliminated, the Iraqi
statehood and thousands of people from the former Baath party were also eliminated.
Thousands of Iraqi servicemen, who were part of the state's Sunni elite, found themselves
thrown out into the street. No one gave a thought about them, and today they end up in the ISISarmy. That is what we stand against.
We are not against a country exercising leadership of any kind anywhere, we are against
thoughtless actions that lead to such negative situations that are difficult to rectify.
CHARLIE ROSE: As you know, Iran's representative General Soleimani has recently visited
Moscow. What role will he as well as the Kurdish forces play in Syria? And what needs to be
done in this respect?
VLADIMIR PUTIN: As I have already said, I think that all countries of the region should join their
efforts in the fight against a common threat - terrorism in general and ISIS in particular. Itconcerns Iran as well, it concerns Saudi Arabia (although the two countries do not get along
very well, ISIS threatens both of them), it concerns Jordan, it concerns Turkey (in spite of
certain problems regarding the Kurdish issue), and, in my opinion, everybody is interested in
resolving the situation. Our task is to join these efforts to fight against a common enemy.
CHARLIE ROSE: This wording is very broad, among other things, it can mean new efforts by
Russia to take up the leadership role in the Middle East and it can mean that it represents your
new strategy. Is it really a new strategy?
VLADIMIR PUTIN: No, we have already mentioned why we increasingly support al-Assad's
government and think about the prospects of the situation in the region.
I have already said it, you asked about it yourself and I replied. There are more than 2,000
militants in Syria from the former Soviet Union. So instead of waiting for them to return back
home, we should help President al-Assad fight them there, in Syria . This is the main
incentive that impels us to help President al-Assad.
-
8/20/2019 Putin Interview on Charlie Rose_20150929.Docx
9/28
In general, we, of course, do not want the situation in the region to somaliarize, we do not
want any new Somalias there because this is all in close vicinity of our borders; we want
to develop normal relationships with these countries. We have traditionally, and I want to stress
it, traditionally been on very friendly terms with the Middle East. We expect it to stay this way
in the future.
Comment: The second half of this last response was cut.
CHARLIE ROSE: You are proud of Russia and it means that you want Russia to play a more
significant role in the world. This is just one of the examples.
VLADIMIR PUTIN: This is not an end in itself. I am proud of Russia and I am sure that the
vast majority of Russian citizens have great love and respect for their Motherland. We
have much to be proud of: Russian culture and Russian history. We have every reason to
believe in the future of our country. But we have no obsession that Russia must be a
superpower in the international arena. The only thing we do is protect our vital interests.
Comment: The bolded parts above were cut. Same with the next response.
CHARLIE ROSE: But you are a major power because of the nuclear weapons you possess.
You are a force to be reckoned with.
VLADIMIR PUTIN: I hope so (laughing), otherwise what are these weapons for? We proceed
from the assumption that nuclear weapons and other weapons are the means to protect
our sovereignty and legitimate interests, not the means to behave aggressively or to fulfil
some non-existent imperial ambitions.
Comment: The following 6 questions and answers (up to the question about Putin's
thoughts on Obama) were not included in the final cut.
CHARLIE ROSE: When in New York, will you request a meeting with President Obama?
VLADIMIR PUTIN: Meetings of this kind are arranged in advance. I know that during suchevents every second, let alone minutes, of President Obama's day are scheduled, there are
many delegations from all over the world, so...
CHARLIE ROSE: You think he will not have a spare minute for the President of Russia?
VLADIMIR PUTIN: Well, it is up to him. We are always open for contacts of any kind: at the
highest level, at the level of ministries and agencies, at the level of special services, if
necessary. But I would be happy if President Obama finds a few minutes for a meeting and
-
8/20/2019 Putin Interview on Charlie Rose_20150929.Docx
10/28
then, of course, I would appreciate such a meeting. If for some reason it would not be possible
for him, never mind, we will have an opportunity to talk at the G20, or at other events.
CHARLIE ROSE: You know, if you'd like to see the President, you can say: "I have a plan for
Syria, let's work together. Let's see what we can do. Not only let's work together on Syria, let's
see what we can do on other things."VLADIMIR PUTIN: You know, the thing is that these are difficult issues; they can be finalised
only at the top level between the presidents, but before that preparations are needed with
preliminary consultations between foreign ministers, defence ministries, and special services.
This means a lot of work and if this work is ready to be completed, then it makes sense to meet
and complete it. If our colleagues have not approached the final stage, President Obama and I
can meet, shake hands and discuss current issues, we - and I personally - are always ready for
such contacts.
CHARLIE ROSE: But we are talking about leadership and if you are going there to make a big
speech you want the President of the United States to fully be on board as much as he can.Once you pick up the phone and call him and say... Same as you did after our conversation in
St Petersburg, you called the President. You said, "Let's make sure we meet and discuss some
issues. The issues that are too critical and the two of us can do better than one of us."
VLADIMIR PUTIN: Yes, I have done so, I have called President Obama, and President Obama
called me on various issues. This is part of our regular contacts, there is nothing unusual or
extraordinary about it. Let me repeat once again: any personal meetings are usually prepared
by our staff. I tell you for the third time that we are ready, but it is not just for us to decide. If the
Americans want to meet, we will meet.
CHARLIE ROSE: Your need to prepare is none because you deal with these issues every day.
You need no preparation to see the President of the United States, nor does he. This is a
diplomatic nicety you are suggesting. But I hear you; you are prepared to meet him.
VLADIMIR PUTIN: For how long have you been a journalist?
CHARLIE ROSE: For more years than I want to remember.
VLADIMIR PUTIN: It is difficult for me to advise you on what you are ready or not ready for.
Why do you think that you can advise me on what I am ready or not ready for, as this is not my
first term as President? But this is not the most important thing. What is most important is that
Russia - the President of Russia, its Government and all my colleagues - we are ready for these
contacts at the highest level, at the level of governments, ministries, agencies. We are ready to
go as far as our American partners. Incidentally, the UN platform was created precisely for
this, to seek compromise, to communicate with one another. So it will definitely be nice if we
make use of this platform.
CHARLIE ROSE: What do you think of President Obama? What is your evaluation of him?
-
8/20/2019 Putin Interview on Charlie Rose_20150929.Docx
11/28
VLADIMIR PUTIN: I do not think I am entitled to assess the President of the United States. This
is up to the American people. We have a good personal relationship with President Obama,
our relations are quite frank and business-like. And this is quite enough to do our job.
Comment: The bolded parts above, and in the following three answers, were cut.
CHARLIE ROSE: Do you think his activities in foreign affairs reflect a weakness?
VLADIMIR PUTIN: Why? I do not think so at all. The point is that in any country, including the
United States, maybe in the United States even more often than in any other country, foreign
policy is used for internal political struggle. An election campaign will soon start in the United
States. They always play either Russian card or any other, political opponents bring
accusations against the current head of state, and here there are a lot of lines of attack,
including accusations of incompetence, weakness, of anything else. I do not think so,
and I will not meddle in America's internal political squabbles.
CHARLIE ROSE: Let me ask you this question: Do you think he listens to you?
VLADIMIR PUTIN: I think that we all listen to each other when it does not contradict our own
ideas of what we should and should not do. But, in any case, there is a dialogue and we hear
each other.
CHARLIE ROSE: You said Russia is not a superpower. Do you think he considers Russia an
equal? Considers you an equal? Which is the way you want to be treated?
VLADIMIR PUTIN: (Laughing) Ask him, he is your President! How can I know what he thinks? I
repeat we have peer-to-peer interpersonal relationships, we respect each other in any
case and we have business contacts at quite a good working level. And what do the
American President, the French President, the German Chancellor, the Japanese Prime
Minister or the Chinese Premier of the State Council or the Chinese President think, how
do I know? We judge not by what seems to us, but by what people do.
CHARLIE ROSE: Of course. You enjoy the work, you enjoy representing Russia, and I know
you have been an intelligence officer. Intelligence officer knows how to read other people; that's
part of the job, right?
VLADIMIR PUTIN: It used to be my job. Now I have a different job and for quite a while already.
CHARLIE ROSE: Someone in Russia told me, "There is no such thing as a former KGB man.
Once a KGB man, always a KGB man."
VLADIMIR PUTIN: You know every stage of your life has an impact on you. Whatever we do,
all the knowledge, the experience, they stay with us, we carry them on, use them in one
way or another. In this sense, yes, you are right.
CHARLIE ROSE: Once, somebody from the CIA told me that the training you have is important,
that you learn to be liked as well. Because you have to charm people, you have to seduce them.
-
8/20/2019 Putin Interview on Charlie Rose_20150929.Docx
12/28
VLADIMIR PUTIN: Well, if the CIA told you so, then it must be true. They are experts on that.
(Laughing)
Comment: The following 4 questions and answers were cut.
CHARLIE ROSE: Think out loud for me though, because this is important. How can the United
States and Russia cooperate in the interest of a better world? Think out loud.
VLADIMIR PUTIN: We think about it all the time. One of our objectives today is very important
for many people, for millions of people on our planet - it is joining efforts in the fight against
terrorism and other similar challenges: countering drug-trafficking and the proliferation of
weapons of mass destruction, fighting famine, preserving the environment and biodiversity,
taking efforts to make the world more predictable, more stable. And, finally, Russia...
CHARLIE ROSE: Stable where?
VLADIMIR PUTIN: Everywhere, in all parts of the world. You mentioned yourself that Russia
and the United States are the biggest nuclear powers, this leaves us with an extra special
responsibility. By the way, we manage to deal with it and work together in certain fields,
particularly in resolving the issue of the Iranian nuclear programme. We worked together and we
achieved positive results, on the whole.
CHARLIE ROSE: How did it work? President Obama has often thanked you for the assistance
that you gave in reaching the final accord. What did you do? What did your negotiators
contribute, your Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov?
VLADIMIR PUTIN: The thing is, however strange it may seem, that the interests of the United
States and of the Russian Federation do coincide sometimes. And in this case - I just told
you that we have a special responsibility for the non-proliferation of weapons of mass
destruction - our interests certainly coincide. That is why, together with the United States, we
worked hard and consistently on resolving this problem. Russia was guided not only by these
reasons but also by the fact that Iran is our neighbour, our traditional partner, and we wanted
to bring the situation back on track. We believed that this settlement will help to improve
the security situation in the Middle East. In this respect, our assessments of what happened
on Iran's nuclear programme almost fully coincide with the assessments of our American
colleagues.
CHARLIE ROSE: As you know, the Republicans are likely to win the elections. As for Iran's
nuclear deal, there is a big debate. What would you tell them?
VLADIMIR PUTIN: I have just said it. If you need me to repeat it, I can. I am confident that the
agreement we have achieved meets the interests of international security, strengthens the
situation in the region, puts serious obstacles to the proliferation of nuclear weapons because
this situation is under full and all-round control of the IAEA, and improves the situation in the
-
8/20/2019 Putin Interview on Charlie Rose_20150929.Docx
13/28
Middle East on the whole, because it allows for building normal commercial business,
partnerships and political relations with all countries in the region.
CHARLIE ROSE: The popularity rating you have in Russia, I believe, makes every politician in
the world envious. Why are you so popular?
VLADIMIR PUTIN: There is something that unites me and other citizens of Russia . It is lovefor our Motherland.
CHARLIE ROSE: It was an emotional moment at the time of the [May 9th 70th anniversary
commemoration of the defeat of the Nazis], because of the sacrifices Russia had made. And
you were there with a picture of your father with tears in your eyes.
VLADIMIR PUTIN: Yes, my family and my relatives as a whole suffered heavy losses during the
Second World War. That is true. In my father's family there were five brothers and four of them
were killed, I believe. On my mother's side the situation is much the same. In general, Russia
suffered heavily. No doubt, we cannot forget that and we must not forget, not to accuse
anyone but to ensure that nothing of the kind ever happens again. As a matter of fact, wetreat veterans with much respect, and that includes the American veterans. They were at
our Victory Parade on May 9th this year. We remember the sacrifices that other allied nations
suffered, Great Britain, China. We do remember that. I believe that this is our common positive
memory. Our joint struggle against Nazism will still be a good basis to cope with the challenges
we are facing today.
Comment: Putin's above remarks on veterans were cut. This is fitting, given the U.S.'s
atrocious treatment of its own vets.
The next short question and answer were also cut.
CHARLIE ROSE: Is that what you would like to rekindle, the sense of partnership with America
against common enemies?
VLADIMIR PUTIN: Not against common enemies, but in each other's interests.
CHARLIE ROSE: As far as we know, you are very popular, but, forgive me, there are many
people who are very critical towards you in Russia. As you know, they say it is more autocratic
than democratic. They say that political opponents and journalists had been killed and
imprisoned in Russia. They say your power is unchallenged. And they say that power corrupts,
but absolute power corrupts absolutely. What would you say to those people who worry about
the climate, the atmosphere in Russia?
VLADIMIR PUTIN: There can be no democracy without observing the law and everyone must
observe it - that is the most basic and important thing that we all should remember.
-
8/20/2019 Putin Interview on Charlie Rose_20150929.Docx
14/28
As for those tragic incidents, such as losses of lives, including those of the journalists,
unfortunately, it happens in all countries around the world. But if it occurs in Russia, we take
every step possible to ensure that the perpetrators are found, identified and punished.
We will work on all issues in the same way. But the most important thing is that we will
continue improving our political system so that people and every citizen will feel thatthey can influence the life of state and society, they can influence the authorities, and so
that the authorities will be aware of their responsibility before those people who gave
their confidence to the representatives of the authorities in the elections.
CHARLIE ROSE: If you as the leader of this country insist that the rule of law be observed, if
you insist that justice be done, if you, because of your power, do that, then it could go a long
way eliminating that perception.
VLADIMIR PUTIN: A lot can be done, but not everyone immediately succeeds in
everything. How long has it taken the democratic process to develop in the United
States? Ever since it was founded. So, do you think that, as regards democracy, everything issettled now in America? If this were so, there would be no Ferguson issue, right? There would
be no other issues of a similar kind, there would be no police abuse. Our goal is to see all
these issues and respond to them timely and properly. The same applies to Russia. We also
have a lot of problems.
Comment: Also cut were Putin's remarks above that "The same applies to Russia. We also
have a lot of problems."
CHARLIE ROSE: The people who killed Nemtsov will be prosecuted to the fullest?
VLADIMIR PUTIN: I said it at once that this is a disgraceful chapter of our contemporary history
and that the criminals must be found, identified and punished. And despite the fact that the
investigation has been underway for a long time, it will eventually be concluded.
Comment: The following two questions and answers were cut.
CHARLIE ROSE: You know that I admire Russia and the Russian culture very much; its
literature, its music. It is a large country, a big country. Many people, including Stalin, have saidRussia needs a strong, authoritative figure. They worship what Stalin said was that kind of
figure. Was Stalin right?
VLADIMIR PUTIN: No. I don't remember him saying that so I cannot confirm these quotes.
Russia, as well as any other country, does not need dictators, but it needs equitable
principles of organizing the state and society: just, effective, flexibly responding to changes
inside and outside the country - that is what Russia needs.
-
8/20/2019 Putin Interview on Charlie Rose_20150929.Docx
15/28
CHARLIE ROSE: But there is a tradition of strong leadership here.
VLADIMIR PUTIN: Look, there is parliamentary democracy in most European countries, there is
parliamentary democracy in Japan, there is parliamentary democracy in many countries, but in
the United States, for some reason, the State is organized differently, there is quite a
stringent presidential republic. Each country has its own particular features, its own traditionsthat find their reflection today and will find it in future. There are such traditions in Russia but it is
not a question of a strong figure, although a strong figure is needed in power, it is a question of
what is implied by this term. It is one thing if it is a person with dictatorial tendencies. But if
it is a fair leader, who acts within the law and in the interests of a vast majority of society,
who acts coherently and is guided by principles, it is a completely different matter.
CHARLIE ROSE: As you know, some have called you a tsar.
VLADIMIR PUTIN: So what? You know, they call me different things, you know what they say in
Russia...
CHARLIE ROSE: Does this title fit you?VLADIMIR PUTIN: No, it doesn't. You know what they say in Russia: "Hard words break no
bones". It is not what your supporters, friends or your political adversaries call you that
matters. What is important is what you think you must do in the interests of the country,
which put you in such position, such post as the Head of the Russian State.
CHARLIE ROSE: Are there people in Russia who are fearful of you?
VLADIMIR PUTIN: I do not think so. I assume most people trust me, if they vote for me in
elections. And it is the most important thing. It places great responsibility on me, immense
responsibility. I am grateful to the people for that trust, but I surely feel great responsibility for
what I do and for the result of my work.CHARLIE ROSE: As you know, you are very much talked about in America.
VLADIMIR PUTIN: Do they not have anything else to do? (Laughs.)
CHARLIE ROSE: Or maybe they are curious people? Or maybe you are an interesting
character, maybe that is what it is? They see you, first of all, as a strong leader who presents
himself in a strong way. They know that you were the KGB agent, who retired and got into
politics. In St. Petersburg you became deputy mayor, then moved to Moscow. And the
interesting thing is that they see these images of you, bare-chested man on horseback, and
they say there is a man who carefully cultivates his image of strength. I am asking is this image
important to you?
VLADIMIR PUTIN: I am sure that, after all, any man in my place should set a positive
example for other people. In those areas where he can do so, he must do so. In the 1990s
and early 2000s, there was a grave social situation in Russia; our social protection system was
destroyed; numerous problems emerged which we have not been able to cope with effectively
yet, to get rid of them, in health, sports development. I believe a healthy lifestyle is an
extremely important thing which underpins solutions to numerous important problems,
-
8/20/2019 Putin Interview on Charlie Rose_20150929.Docx
16/28
including the health of the nation. It is impossible to solve health problems of millions of
people with the help of pills. People need to put it into practice, have passion for it; healthy
lifestyle, fitness and sports should become fashionable.
That is why I believe it is right when not only me, but also my colleagues - the primeminister, ministers, deputies of the State Duma - when they, like today, for example, participate
in two marathons, when they visit football matches, when they themselves take part in sport
competitions. That is how, inter alia, millions of people start feeling interest in and love
for fitness and sports. I believe it is extremely important.
Comment: Only Putin's first and second sentences above were included. The following
question/answer were cut.
CHARLIE ROSE: I hear you and it is important. But may I suggest that you do like the image
that you present bare-chested, on a horseback. The image of a strong leader. That's who you
want to be seen as, for your people and for the world?
VLADIMIR PUTIN: I want everyone to know that Russia in general and the Russian leadership,
it is something effective and properly functioning. That the country itself, its institutions, leaders
are represented by healthy, capable people who are ready for cooperation with our partners in
every single area: sports, politics, fight against modern threats. I have nothing but a positive
feeling about it.
Comment: The following was broken up into a few short questions and answers, and the
question on Trump was cut.
CHARLIE ROSE: Yes, people believe that you are a strong leader, because you have a strong
central government and you can suggest what will happen if you do not have that. Are you
curious about America more than simply another nation that you have to deal with? Because
they are curious about you, as I suggested. Are you curious? Are you watching the republican
political debates?
VLADIMIR PUTIN: If you ask me whether I watch them on a daily basis - I would say no. But itis interesting for us to know what is happening in the US. It is a major world power, and today it
is an economic and military leader - no doubt about it. That is why America has a strong
influence on the situation in the world in general. Of course, it is interesting for us to know what
is happening there. We closely follow the developments in the US, but if you wonder whether
we follow the ups and downs of their political life on a daily basis - I would rather say no than
yes.
-
8/20/2019 Putin Interview on Charlie Rose_20150929.Docx
17/28
CHARLIE ROSE: Well, Donald Trump, you know who he is, said he would like to meet you,
because, he said, you would get along.
VLADIMIR PUTIN: Oh, yes, I have heard about it. We welcome any contacts with the future US
president, whoever he or she will be. Any person who gains the trust of the American people
may rest assured of our cooperation.CHARLIE ROSE: Marco Rubio is running for a Republican nomination and he says terrible
things about you. This is a political debate, a political campaign, of course, I understand that.
But he said you were a gangster, he was attacking you and he was attacking Russia.
VLADIMIR PUTIN: How can I be a gangster, if I worked for the KGB? It is absolutely ridiculous.
CHARLIE ROSE: What do you like most about America?
VLADIMIR PUTIN: America's creative approach to solving the problems the country is faced
with, its openness and open-mindedness, which make it possible to unleash the potential of the
people. I believe that largely due to these qualities America has made such tremendous strides
in its development.
Comment: The next question was cut, and the following exchanges on gay rights were
posted online, but not included in the final broadcast.
CHARLIE ROSE: Russia had Sputnik, your country got to space before the United States.
Russia has extraordinary astrophysicists. Russia has extraordinary achievements in medicine,
in science, and in physics. Do you hope that what you can do is restore Russia's leadership and
create the same kind of innovation, that you just admired America for? And will you do that?
VLADIMIR PUTIN: We should not lose what has been created over the previous decades, and
provide precisely those conditions that I have mentioned to unlock the potential, the full
potential, of our citizens. Our people are very talented, we have a very good basis, as you have
mentioned. You said you love Russian culture, which is also a great basis for the inner
development.
You have just mentioned Russian scientific achievements. We need to maintain them and
create opportunities for people to develop freely and fulfil their potential. I am sure, I am totally
convinced, that it will ensure sustainable development of science, high technology, and the
entire economy of the country.
CHARLIE ROSE: In America, as you know, the Supreme Court discussed the issue of
homosexuality. In America the Supreme Court discussed a constitutional right for same sex
marriage. Do you applaud America for that? Do you think it is a good idea to make it a
constitutional right for same-sex marriage?
-
8/20/2019 Putin Interview on Charlie Rose_20150929.Docx
18/28
VLADIMIR PUTIN: You know that it is a diverse group of people. For example, some
homosexuals oppose adoption of children by these couples, oppose themselves. Are they less
democratic than other members of this community, gay-community? No, probably not. This is
simply a point of view of some people. The problem of sexual minorities in Russia has
been deliberately made controversial in Russia. There is no such problem in Russia. CHARLES ROSE: Please, explain it to us.
VLADIMIR PUTIN: Let me explain. It is well known that homosexuality is a criminal offense in
the United States, in four US states. If it is good or bad, we know the decision of the
Constitutional Court, but this problem has not been dealt with yet, it is still being addressed by
the legislation of the United States. This is not the case in Russia. In the post-Soviet Russia...
CHARLES ROSE: Do you condemn it?
VLADIMIR PUTIN: Yes, I do. I think that a person cannot be criminally or otherwise
prosecuted, his or her rights cannot be infringed upon the grounds of nationality,
ethnicity or sexual orientation in the modern world. It is absolutely unacceptable. And itis not the case in Russia. If I am not mistaken there was Article 120 in the Penal Code of the
former RSFSR that prosecuted homosexuality. We have abolished this provision; people
aren't prosecuted for it anymore. Homosexuals in Russia live in peace, work, are promoted,
receive national awards for their achievements in science, art or any other sphere. Medals are
awarded to them, I have awarded them myself.
What was the question? The question concerned the ban on promoting homosexuality among
minors. To my mind, there is nothing undemocratic about this legal act. Personally, I think that
children should be left alone, they should be given an opportunity to grow up, to become
aware of themselves and decide themselves who they are: men or women, if they want to
have a traditional or homosexual marriage. I do not see here any infringement on gay rights.
I think that some people intentionally speculate about this issue to represent Russia as an
enemy. It is one of the political instruments used to attack Russia.
CHARLES ROSE: Who commits those attacks on Russia?
VLADIMIR PUTIN: Those who do this. You just look who does this.
CHARLES ROSE: There is as much recognition of gay rights and gay marriages as they have
in the US? Is that your position?
VLADIMIR PUTIN: We do not only recognise, but ensure their rights. In Russia all people enjoy
equal rights, including homosexuals.
Comment: Rose's question below was not included, being replaced by a voice-over
recorded after the interview, removing the references to Syria. The first part of Putin's
-
8/20/2019 Putin Interview on Charlie Rose_20150929.Docx
19/28
answer, also referencing Syria as a 'distraction', were also cut. Also, the last bit, referencing
the 'billions of dollars' spent towards ousting Yanukovych.
CHARLES ROSE: Ukraine, we have already discussed it. Many people believe that as a result
of what happened in Crimea the United States and the West imposed sanctions. And those
sanctions have hurt Russia. And that you believe [that by re-emerging and] that by trying to be a
positive force around the world and in Syria you might somehow lessen the focus on Ukraine.
VLADIMIR PUTIN: You mean to divert attention from the Ukrainian issue? That our actions in
Syria are aimed at diverting attention from Ukraine?
No, it is false. The Ukrainian issue is a separate, huge issue for us, I will tell you why. Syria is
another issue; I have already told you that we are against disintegration, the terrorists coming to
the country, the return of people, who are fighting there for terrorists, to Russia. There is a
whole range of problems there. As for Ukraine, it is a special issue. Ukraine is the closestcountry to us. We have always said that Ukraine is our sister country and it is true. It is not just
a Slavic people, it is the closest people to Russia: we have similar languages, culture,
common history, religion, etc.
Here is what I believe is completely unacceptable for us. Addressing issues, including
controversial ones, as well as domestic issues of the former Soviet Republics through the so-
called 'colour revolutions', through coups and unconstitutional means of toppling the
current governments. That is absolutely unacceptable. Our partners in the United States
are not trying to hide the fact that they supported those opposed to President Yanukovych.Some claimed to have spent several billion dollars.
CHARLIE ROSE: You believe the United States had something to do with the ousting of
Yanukovych, when he had to flee to Russia?
VLADIMIR PUTIN: I know this for sure.
CHARLIE ROSE: How can you know for sure?
VLADIMIR PUTIN: It is very simple. We have thousands of contacts and thousands of
connections with people who live in Ukraine. And we know who had meetings, and worked
with people who overthrew Viktor Yanukovych, as well as when and where they did it; we
know the ways the assistance was provided, we know how much they paid them, we
know which territories and countries hosted trainings and how it was done, we know
who the instructors were. We know everything. Well, actually, our US partners are not
keeping it a secret. They openly admit to providing assistance, training people, and spending a
specific amount of money on it. They are naming large sums of money: up to $5 billion; we are
talking about billions of dollars here. This is why it is no longer a secret; no one is trying to argue
about that.
-
8/20/2019 Putin Interview on Charlie Rose_20150929.Docx
20/28
Comment: The sentences following "We know everything" were cut, with a voice-over
added, saying, "For the record, the U.S. government has denied any involvement in the
removal of the Ukrainian leader."
CHARLIE ROSE: Do you respect the sovereignty of Ukraine?
VLADIMIR PUTIN: Certainly. However, we would like other countries to respect the sovereignty
of other states, including Ukraine, too. Respecting sovereignty means preventing coups,
unconstitutional actions and illegitimate overthrowing of the legitimate government. All
these things should be totally prevented.
CHARLIE ROSE: How does the renewal of the legitimate power take place, in your judgment?
How will that come about? And what role will Russia play?
VLADIMIR PUTIN: At no time in the past, now or in the future, has or will Russia take any part
in actions aimed at overthrowing the legitimate government. I'm talking about something elseright now - when someone does this, the outcome is very negative. Libya's state is
disintegrated, Iraq's territory is flooded with terrorists, it looks like the scenario will be
the same for Syria, and you know what the situation is in Afghanistan. What happened in
Ukraine? The coup d'état in Ukraine has led to a civil war, because, yes, let's say, many
Ukrainians no longer trusted President Yanukovych. However, they should have legitimately
come to the polls and voted for another head of state instead of staging a coup d'état.
And after the coup d'état took place, some supported it, some were satisfied with it, while
others were not. And those who did not like it were treated from the position of force.
And that led to a civil war.
Comment: All except the first sentence above was cut from Putin's response. All of the
following, until the next comment, were also cut, despite Putin's specific request that it be
included.
CHARLIE ROSE: I repeat, what are you prepared to do regarding Ukraine?
VLADIMIR PUTIN: Let me tell you. If that is your question, then I think that both Russia and
other international actors, including those who are more actively engaged in the resolution of the
Ukrainian crisis (that is the Federal Republic of Germany and France, the so-called Normandy
Quartet, certainly, with close involvement of the United States, and we have intensified our
dialogue on this issue), we should all be committed to the full and unconditional implementation
of the agreements that were achieved in Minsk. The Minsk Agreements have to be
implemented.
-
8/20/2019 Putin Interview on Charlie Rose_20150929.Docx
21/28
CHARLIE ROSE: That is what John Kerry said yesterday after his meeting with the British
Foreign Minister. He mentioned Ukraine after Syria. He said: "We have to have a full
implementation of the Minsk Agreements". Does it mean that you and John Kerry agree on this
issue: to implement the Minsk Agreements?
VLADIMIR PUTIN: Yes, we fully agree. Would you now exercise your patience and listen to mefor two minutes without interruptions? I ask you not to censor this information. Can you do
that? Do you have enough authority for that?
CHARLIE ROSE: Yes, I do.
VLADIMIR PUTIN: The implementation of the Minsk Agreements involves several issues, but I
will get to the core points. Nothing matters for a drastic change in Ukraine more than
political transformations.
Firstly, the Constitution should be amended as stipulated in the Minsk Agreements. And the
most important thing, Minsk Agreements say that it must be done in coordination withDonetsk and Lugansk. It is a matter of principle. Right now Ukraine is in the process of
amending its Constitution, the first reading is over, yet no one had discussed a single point
with Donetsk and Lugansk, and nobody intends to either. That is the first point.
Secondly, and it is clearly stated in the Minsk Agreements, the law on the special order for
local self-government in these regions, which has already been adopted in Ukraine, has to
be implemented. The law has been adopted, but its implementation was postponed. It means
that the Minsk Agreements have not been implemented.
Thirdly, an amnesty law needs to be adopted. Do you think that it is possible to have a
dialogue with the representatives of Lugansk and Donetsk if they all are being prosecuted and
subject to criminal proceedings? That is exactly why the Minsk Agreements establish to adopt
an amnesty law. However, it has not been adopted.
There are a number of other points. I mean conducting local elections, for instance, the
Agreements say clearly to adopt a law on local elections in coordination with Donetsk and
Lugansk. The law on local elections was adopted in Ukraine, the representatives of Donetsk
and Lugansk forwarded their proposals on this law three times, but no one ever responded,
though the Minsk Agreements say clearly: "by agreement with Donetsk and Lugansk." You
know, I respect and even like John Kerry, he is an experienced diplomat. He told me once that
he opposed Star Wars [the Pentagon's space-based missile program] at some point, and he
was right. Perhaps, if it was he who had to decide on the ABM, now we might have had no
conflict regarding ballistic missile defense. However, he slants as far as the situation in
Ukraine is concerned. The one side, Kiev, says that it has done a lot and implemented the
-
8/20/2019 Putin Interview on Charlie Rose_20150929.Docx
22/28
Minsk Agreements, but it is not the case, since these actions should be agreed upon with
Donetsk and Lugansk. However, there is no coordination at all.
As to the implementation of the already adopted law on the special order for local self-
government in these regions, the Minsk Agreements state that it should be done "within 30days". Nothing has been done, the implementation has been postponed. That is exactly
why we stand for the full and unconditional implementation of the Minsk Agreements by both
sides, in strict accordance with the Agreements' language, rather than its biased interpretations.
CHARLIE ROSE: I gave you four minutes and I did not interrupt, did I?
VLADIMIR PUTIN: I could see that you tried hard not to interrupt. I am very grateful to you for
that.
CHARLIE ROSE: You are right, I enjoyed your speech.
VLADIMIR PUTIN: In fact, I am telling you the truth.
CHARLIE ROSE: Americans are going to see you the way they have never seen you. You aremore conversational and expressive. It is good, indeed.
VLADIMIR PUTIN: Thank you. In fact, everything that I have said is absolutely true. Do you
understand it? The Minsk Agreements will not help to solve the issues if Kiev acts
unilaterally all the time, though the Minsk Agreements state "by agreement with
Donbass". [There is no coordination.] It is a matter of principle.
CHARLIE ROSE: Do you really think so?
VLADIMIR PUTIN: There is not much to think about, everything is written, the only thing to
do is to read it. It is stated "by agreement with Donetsk and Lugansk" - just read the document.
I am telling you, there is no coordination there, that's it. It is stipulated: "to introduce a law on thespecial status within 30 days". But it has not been introduced. The question is: who does not
implement the Minsk Agreements?
CHARLIE ROSE: You have mentioned the Secretary of State; he also said that it is important
not only to implement the Minsk Agreements but also for separatists to give up the idea of
independent elections. John Kerry said that yesterday.
VLADIMIR PUTIN: I am familiar with the position of our American friends, and this is what I
have to say. I have just said it, but it seems that I have to repeat myself. This is what the Minsk
Agreements say about local elections: "To pass a law on local elections by agreement with
Donetsk and Lugansk". What happened instead? Kiev passed the law on its own without any
kind of discussion with Donetsk and Lugansk whatsoever, and completely disregarded their
draft proposal they had sent three times. There was no dialogue at all; Kiev just passed the
law without consultations. Moreover, the law adopted by Kiev states that no elections are to
be held in Donbass. Now, [given the explicit terms of the Minsk Agreements] what kind of
law is that? In fact, they have prompted the representatives of Donetsk and Lugansk to hold
elections of their own. That's it. We are ready to discuss these issues with Mr. Kerry, but, first of
-
8/20/2019 Putin Interview on Charlie Rose_20150929.Docx
23/28
all, we have to ensure that both sides implement their written commitments, instead of [Kiev]
trying to pass its own initiatives off as something good [enough to meet the Minsk criteria].
CHARLIE ROSE: I hear you, but I wanted to repeat this, because Secretary Kerry emphasized
separatists' elections. Yes, I really hear you.
VLADIMIR PUTIN: In this case, the Secretary of State Kerry is dodging as a diplomat, butthat is fine, this is his job. All diplomats dodge, and he is doing the same.
CHARLIE ROSE: You would never act like that, would you?
VLADIMIR PUTIN: I would not do that. I am not a diplomat.
CHARLIE ROSE: Who are you? How do you see yourself?
VLADIMIR PUTIN: I am a human being, a citizen of the Russian Federation, a Russian.
Comment: The broadcast material resumes here.
CHARLIE ROSE: You also said that the worst thing that happened in the last century was the
disintegration of the Soviet Union, the Soviet empire. There are those who look at Ukraine and
Georgia [2008 war] and think that you do not want to recreate the Soviet empire, but you do
want to recreate a sphere of influence, which, you think, Russia deserves because of the
relationship that has existed. Why are you smiling?
VLADIMIR PUTIN: (Laughing) Your questions make me happy. Somebody is always
suspecting Russia of having some ambitions, there are always those who are trying to
misinterpret us or keep something back. I did say that I see the collapse of the Soviet Union
as a great tragedy of the 20th century. Do you know why? First of all, because 25 million of
Russian people suddenly turned out to be outside the borders of the Russian Federation.
They used to live in one state; the Soviet Union has traditionally been called Russia, the Soviet
Russia, and it was the 'greater Russia'. Then the Soviet Union suddenly fell apart, in fact,
overnight, and it turned out that in the former Soviet Union republics there were 25 million
Russians. They used to live in one country and suddenly found themselves abroad. Can you
imagine how many problems came out?
First, there were everyday issues, the separation of families, the economic and social
problems. The list is endless. Do you think it is normal that 25 million people, Russian people,
suddenly found themselves abroad? The Russians have turned out to be the largest divided
nation in the world nowadays. Is that not a problem? It is not a problem for you as it is for me.
Comment: The follow-up below was not included.
CHARLIE ROSE: How do you want to solve this problem?
-
8/20/2019 Putin Interview on Charlie Rose_20150929.Docx
24/28
VLADIMIR PUTIN: We want to, at least, preserve the common humanitarian space within the
modern civilized framework, we want to ensure that national boundaries do not prevent people
from freely communicating with each other, and we want the joint economy to develop using the
advantages that we inherited from the Soviet Union. What are they? They include the common
infrastructure, railway transport, road network, power system and finally, I dare say, the greatRussian language, which unites all former republics of the Soviet Union and gives us clear
competitive advantages in promoting various integration projects in the former Soviet Union
area.
You have probably heard that we had established the Customs Union first and then transformed
it into the Eurasian Economic Union. When people communicate freely, when labour force,
goods, services and funds move freely as well, when there are no state dividing lines and when
we have common legal regulation, for example, in the social sphere— all that is good enough,
people should feel free.CHARLIE ROSE: Did you have to use the military force to accomplish that objective?
VLADIMIR PUTIN: Of course not.
CHARLIE ROSE: Russia has military presence on the borders with Ukraine, and some argue
that there have been Russian troops in Ukraine itself.
VLADIMIR PUTIN: Do you have a military presence in Europe?
CHARLIE ROSE: Yes.
VLADIMIR PUTIN: The US tactical nuclear weapons are in Europe, let us not forget this. Does
it mean that the US has occupied Germany or that the US never stopped the occupation
after World War II and only transformed the occupation troops into the NATO forces?
That is one way of seeing it, but we do not say that. And yet, if we keep our troops on our
territory but near the border with some state, you see it is a crime?
Comment: "That is one way of seeing it, but we do not say that" was cut. As were all of the
following exchanges. (The discussion of sanctions was broadcast as an online clip.)
CHARLIE ROSE: I did not say it was a crime.
VLADIMIR PUTIN: All the processes that I mentioned, the natural economic, humanitarian
and social integration, do not require any armed forces. We have established the
Customs Union and the Eurasian Economic Union not by force, but through a
compromise. It was a challenging, complicated, multi-year process based on agreement,
compromise and mutually acceptable conditions in the hope of creating for our economies and
for our people better competitive advantages in the world markets and in the world as a whole.
-
8/20/2019 Putin Interview on Charlie Rose_20150929.Docx
25/28
Comment: While what Putin is saying here may not sound like it amounts to much, few
people realize just how radical this notion of working with - and not against - Nature really is
to those who have shaped 'civilization' thus far. The above is the essential reason why 'the
West' considers him a demented madman.
Does the idea of people just basically getting along sound crazy to you? It's certainly
anathema to psychopaths in positions of power...
CHARLIE ROSE: So, why are we talking about this? Tell me about the Baltic states and your
intentions towards the Baltic states.
VLADIMIR PUTIN: We would like to build friendly, partnership-based relations with them. Many
Russians have been living there since the collapse of the Soviet Union. They are being
discriminated there, their rights are being violated. Do you know that many Baltic stateshave invented something new in the international law? What citizenship-related notions did
international law have before? The answer is: a citizen, a foreigner, a stateless person and dual
nationals, or people with dual citizenship. The Baltic republics have invented something totally
new. Do you know what? They use the word 'non-citizens' for people who have been living
for decades in the territory of Baltic states and have been deprived of a number of
political rights. They cannot participate in the election campaigns; they have limited
political and social rights. Everybody keeps quiet about it, as if this is the way it should be. Of
course, this cannot but cause a certain reaction. I assume that our colleagues from both the
United States and the European Union will proceed from current humanitarian law and ensurepolitical freedoms and rights of all people, including those who are living in the territory of Baltic
states after the disintegration of the Soviet Union. As for economic relations, we have
sustainable and highly developed contacts with these countries.
But, you know, there are some things that confuse me (to put it mildly).
CHARLIE ROSE: Confuse you?
VLADIMIR PUTIN: They perplex me and disappoint me. We all say that we need to bring
together our views, to pursue economic and political integration.
For example, the Baltic countries (I have already mentioned that since Soviet times we have
common power supplies and power systems) were, naturally, a part of the common energy grid
of the Soviet Union. What are they doing now? Everyone seems to be talking about the
convergence of Russia and the European Union. But what is really happening? Nowadays,
there are plans to separate the Baltic states from the common power system of the
former Soviet Union and to integrate them into the European system. What does it mean
-
8/20/2019 Putin Interview on Charlie Rose_20150929.Docx
26/28
for us in practice? In practice, it means that a number of zones will emerge between several
regions of the Russian Federation, where we will have no power transmission lines, since
previously we used to have a loop transition through the Baltic countries. And it means that we
will have to reform the system, spending billions of dollars, as well as our European
partners who will also have to spend billions of dollars to integrate the Baltic countriesinto their power grid. What for? If we really seek some kind of joint work and integration, not
just by words but also by deeds, what is the use of all this? And this is the case in many areas:
they do the opposite of what they say.
In my opinion, these all are growth-related problems and I believe that common sense - in this
or another area - will prevail in the end. We all are interested in an open development, without
any prejudice; this refers particularly and, perhaps, primarily to the Baltic countries, for them it is
more important than for Russia. Take, for example, Lithuania. Do you know, what was its
population in Soviet times? It was 3.4 million people. It was a small country, a small republic.And what is it now? I have looked though recent statistics; today the population of this country is
1.4 million people. Where are the people? More than half of the citizens have left the country.
Can you imagine a situation where more than half of Americans left the territory of the United
States? It would be a catastrophe! What does it mean? It means that the broken ties, first of all,
in the economy, adversely affect all of us, including Russia. So, I am deeply convinced that we
should abandon the phobias of the past, look forward into the future and, while acting on the
basis of international law, establish good neighbourly and equal relations.
CHARLIE ROSE: And, of course, we have to lift sanctions.
VLADIMIR PUTIN: If somebody prefers to work by means of sanctions, he is welcome to do so.
But sanctions are a temporary measure. Firstly, they contradict international law. Secondly,
tell me where this policy of sanctions proved to be effective. The answer is nowhere ; and
sanctions against such a country as Russia are unlikely to be effective.
CHARLIE ROSE: Since the sanctions were imposed, even your friends are worried about the
Russian economy, because of the sanctions first, but also because of declining oil prices. Is that
a huge challenge for you? Is that a troubling global economic reality?
VLADIMIR PUTIN: You know, the sanctions, as I said, are illegal actions, destroying the
principles of the international global economy, the principles of the WTO and the UN. The
sanctions may be imposed only by a decision of the UN Security Council. A unilateral
imposition of sanctions is a violation of international law. Well, whatever, let's put aside the
legal aspect of the matter. Of course, they do damage, but they are not the main reason for the
slowdown in the growth rates of the Russian economy or other problems related to inflation. For
us, the main reason is, of course, the decrease in prices in the world markets of our traditional
export goods, first, of oil and, consequently, of gas, and some other products. This is the core
-
8/20/2019 Putin Interview on Charlie Rose_20150929.Docx
27/28
factor. Sanctions, of course, have a certain impact, but they are not of crucial and fundamental
importance to our economy.
CHARLIE ROSE: Will you survive sanctions?
VLADIMIR PUTIN: Naturally, beyond any doubts. Sanctions even have a certain advantage. Do
you know what is it? The advantage is that previously we used to buy many goods,especially in the area of high technology, with petrodollars. Today, amid the sanctions, we
cannot buy or we are afraid that we will be denied access to hi-tech goods, and we had to
deploy large-scale programs to develop our own high-tech economy, industry, manufacturing
and science. In fact, we would have to do this anyway, but we found it difficult as our own
domestic markets were filled with foreign products, and we found it very difficult to support our
local manufacturers within the WTO regulations. Now, with the sanctions imposed and our
partners having left our market voluntarily, we have an opportunity to develop.
CHARLIE ROSE: There are two more questions. You were President, Prime Minister and once
again President. How long do you want to serve and what do you want to be your legacy? Thisis one question.
VLADIMIR PUTIN: The period of my service will depend on two conditions. Firstly, of course,
there are rules stipulated by the Constitution, and I surely will not infringe them. But I am
not sure whether I should take full advantage of these constitutional rights. It will depend on
the specific situation in the country, in the world and my own feelings about it .
CHARLIE ROSE: And what do you want your legacy to be?
VLADIMIR PUTIN: Russia should be an effective and competitive state with a sustainable
economy, a developed social and political system, and flexible to changes domestically and
globally.CHARLIE ROSE: Should it play the main role in the world?
VLADIMIR PUTIN: As I said, it should be competitive, be able to protect its own interests and
influence the processes that are important to it.
CHARLIE ROSE: Many say that you are all-powerful and they believe you can have anything
you want. What do you want? Tell America, tell the world what Vladimir Putin wants.
VLADIMIR PUTIN: I want Russia to be the way I just described it. It is my greatest desire, I
want the people here to be happy, and I want our partners around the world to seek to
develop relations with Russia.
CHARLIE ROSE: Thank you. Thank you, it was a pleasure.
VLADIMIR PUTIN: Thank you
http://www.sott.net/article/302911-Full-unedited-text-of-Vladimir-Putins-interview-with-Charlie-Rose-What-CBS-left-out#searching
-
8/20/2019 Putin Interview on Charlie Rose_20150929.Docx
28/28
Harrison Koehli
Harrison Koehli hails from Edmonton, Alberta. A graduate of studies in music performance, Harrison is also an
editor for Red Pill Press and has been interviewed on several North American radio shows in recognition of his
contributions to advancing the study of ponerology. In addition to music and books, Harrison enjoys tobacco
and bacon (often at the same time) and dislikes cell phones, vegetables, and fascists.
http://www.sott.net/article/302911-Full-unedited-text-of-Vladimir-Putins-interview-with-Charlie-Rose-What-CBS-left-out#searchinghttp://www.sott.net/article/302911-Full-unedited-text-of-Vladimir-Putins-interview-with-Charlie-Rose-What-CBS-left-out#searchinghttp://www.redpillpress.com/http://www.redpillpress.com/http://www.redpillpress.com/http://www.sott.net/user/11-hkoehlihttp://www.redpillpress.com/http://www.sott.net/article/302911-Full-unedited-text-of-Vladimir-Putins-interview-with-Charlie-Rose-What-CBS-left-out#searching
top related