WEBVTT 1 00:00:12.734 --> 00:00:15.167 Tonight Vladimir Putin. 2 00:00:15.167 --> 00:00:17.267 I went to Moscow on the weekend of September 18 for an exclusive 3 00:00:17.267 --> 00:00:19.501 interview with the President of Russia. 4 00:00:19.501 --> 00:00:21.834 The interview took place at the state 5 00:00:21.834 --> 00:00:24.334 residence outside of Moscow. 6 00:00:24.334 --> 00:00:26.667 It lasted for an hour and 40 minutes. 7 00:00:26.667 --> 00:00:28.634 It was shot by our crews at "60 Minutes". 8 00:00:28.634 --> 00:00:30.601 The President was conversational, responsive and 9 00:00:30.601 --> 00:00:32.868 he was expansive. 10 00:00:32.868 --> 00:00:35.501 We 11 00:00:35.501 --> 00:00:38.267 support the legitimate government of Syria. 12 00:00:38.267 --> 00:00:41.234 Furthermore it's my deep conviction that any actions to 13 00:00:41.234 --> 00:00:44.167 the contrary in order to destroy the legitimate government will 14 00:00:44.167 --> 00:00:46.901 create a situation which you can witness now in the other 15 00:00:46.901 --> 00:00:49.934 countries of the region or in other regions of the world, for 16 00:00:49.934 --> 00:00:53.100 instance in Libya where all the state 17 00:00:53.100 --> 00:00:56.300 institutions are disintegrated. 18 00:00:56.300 --> 00:00:59.267 We see a similar situation regrettably in Iraq and there's 19 00:00:59.267 --> 00:01:02.100 no other solution whatsoever to the Syrian crisis than the 20 00:01:02.100 --> 00:01:04.801 strengthening the existing legal government structures and 21 00:01:04.801 --> 00:01:07.567 rendering them help in fighting terrorism. 22 00:01:07.567 --> 00:01:10.300 There were no ground rules or requests from 23 00:01:10.300 --> 00:01:13.000 President Putin or his staff. 24 00:01:13.000 --> 00:01:15.567 They only asked the interview be run on "60 Minutes" and then in 25 00:01:15.567 --> 00:01:18.367 its entirety on this program. 26 00:01:18.367 --> 00:01:21.334 After the interview concluded President Putin invited me and 27 00:01:21.334 --> 00:01:24.000 my "60 Minutes" colleagues for tea. 28 00:01:24.000 --> 00:01:26.601 Tea turned into appetizers and appetizers turned into dinner. 29 00:01:26.601 --> 00:01:29.667 During the next 90 minutes, we talk of many things about 30 00:01:29.667 --> 00:01:32.667 politics and life. 31 00:01:32.667 --> 00:01:35.801 Accompanying me on this trip to Moscow were my "60 Minutes" 32 00:01:35.801 --> 00:01:38.801 colleagues: executive producer Jeff Fager, producer Andy Court 33 00:01:38.801 --> 00:01:41.834 and associate producer Sarah Fitzpatrick. 34 00:01:41.834 --> 00:01:44.434 The "60 Minutes" interview aired last night on the 48th season 35 00:01:44.434 --> 00:01:46.834 premiere of "60 Minutes". 36 00:01:46.834 --> 00:01:49.100 Earlier today both President Obama and President Putin spoke 37 00:01:49.100 --> 00:01:52.000 at the United Nations. 38 00:01:52.000 --> 00:01:55.167 President Obama was first. 39 00:01:55.167 --> 00:01:58.300 When a dictator 40 00:01:58.300 --> 00:02:00.901 slaughters tens or thousands of his own people that's not just a 41 00:02:00.901 --> 00:02:03.667 matter of one nation's internal affairs. 42 00:02:03.667 --> 00:02:06.767 It breeds human suffering on an order of magnitude that affects 43 00:02:06.767 --> 00:02:10.200 us all. 44 00:02:10.200 --> 00:02:13.067 Yes, realism dictates a compromise will be required to 45 00:02:13.067 --> 00:02:15.334 end the fighting and ultimately stamp out ISIS. 46 00:02:15.334 --> 00:02:17.634 But realism also requires a managed transition, away from 47 00:02:17.634 --> 00:02:19.901 Assad and to a new leader. 48 00:02:19.901 --> 00:02:22.234 President Obama's speech was 49 00:02:22.234 --> 00:02:24.534 followed later by the 50 00:02:24.534 --> 00:02:26.834 speech of President Putin. 51 00:02:26.834 --> 00:02:29.167 We think it is an enormous 52 00:02:29.167 --> 00:02:31.467 mistake to refuse to 53 00:02:31.467 --> 00:02:35.501 cooperate with the Syrian government and its armed forces 54 00:02:35.501 --> 00:02:39.267 valiantly fighting terrorism face to face. 55 00:02:39.267 --> 00:02:42.968 We should find a way that no one but President Assad armed 56 00:02:42.968 --> 00:02:47.033 forces and (INAUDIBLE) are truly fighting the Islamic state and 57 00:02:47.033 --> 00:02:50.334 other terrorists organizations in Syria. 58 00:02:50.334 --> 00:02:53.400 This afternoon the two men met at the United 59 00:02:53.400 --> 00:02:56.567 Nations to talk about their differences and 60 00:02:56.567 --> 00:02:59.801 their common purpose. 61 00:02:59.801 --> 00:03:02.501 Russia's expanding military intervention 62 00:03:02.501 --> 00:03:04.734 in Syria left President Obama little choice but to sit down 63 00:03:04.734 --> 00:03:06.968 with Vladimir Putin for the first time in 64 00:03:06.968 --> 00:03:09.200 more than two years. 65 00:03:09.200 --> 00:03:11.434 As I mentioned the interview 66 00:03:11.434 --> 00:03:13.701 with President Putin 67 00:03:13.701 --> 00:03:16.968 was for one hour and 40 minutes, a remarkable amount of 68 00:03:16.968 --> 00:03:19.767 time for a conversation with a head of state. 69 00:03:19.767 --> 00:03:22.667 Here is part one of the unedited conversation recorded on Sunday 70 00:03:22.667 --> 00:03:25.200 afternoon September 20th at a building near his residence 71 00:03:25.200 --> 00:03:28.033 outside Moscow. 72 00:03:28.033 --> 00:03:31.267 Part two will air tomorrow night. 73 00:03:31.267 --> 00:03:34.501 Our conversation with "60 Minutes" will be 74 00:03:34.501 --> 00:03:37.334 recorded and broadcast on Sunday. 75 00:03:37.334 --> 00:03:50.434 The next day you'll speak to the United Nations with a much 76 00:03:50.434 --> 00:04:00.767 anticipated address, the first time you've been there in a 77 00:04:00.767 --> 00:04:09.267 number of years. 78 00:04:09.267 --> 00:04:16.634 What will you say to the U.N., to America, to the world? 79 00:04:16.634 --> 00:04:22.901 As our interview will be broadcast before my 80 00:04:22.901 --> 00:04:28.234 address, I believe it's not wise to speak about everything 81 00:04:28.234 --> 00:04:33.000 that I am going to say but I'll give you the general outline. 82 00:04:33.000 --> 00:04:37.167 I'll recall the history of the United Nations. 83 00:04:37.167 --> 00:04:41.334 And what I can say is that the decision to create this 84 00:04:41.334 --> 00:04:45.300 organization was made here in our country. 85 00:04:45.300 --> 00:04:49.133 In fact at the Yalta Conference, the decision was 86 00:04:49.133 --> 00:04:52.767 made in the Soviet Union, Russia the Soviet Union. 87 00:04:52.767 --> 00:04:56.167 And Russia as the legal successor of the USSR is one of 88 00:04:56.167 --> 00:04:59.100 the founding nations of the United Nations and a permanent 89 00:04:59.100 --> 00:05:01.734 security council member. 90 00:05:01.734 --> 00:05:04.467 Sure I'll have to say a few words about how the current 91 00:05:04.467 --> 00:05:07.367 situation and about how international relations are 92 00:05:07.367 --> 00:05:09.901 shaping up today. 93 00:05:09.901 --> 00:05:13.000 The United Nations remains the only universal international 94 00:05:13.000 --> 00:05:16.434 organization which is charged with maintaining international 95 00:05:16.434 --> 00:05:20.067 peace and security. 96 00:05:20.067 --> 00:05:23.701 In that sense there's absolutely no alternative to it. 97 00:05:23.701 --> 00:05:27.334 Clearly it has to adapt to a changing world and we've all 98 00:05:27.334 --> 00:05:31.067 been constantly debating how it should change at what pace and 99 00:05:31.067 --> 00:05:34.801 what should be changed exactly. 100 00:05:34.801 --> 00:05:38.501 And of course I'll have to -- not just that I'll have to -- 101 00:05:38.501 --> 00:05:41.901 but I'll definitely avail myself of the opportunity to 102 00:05:41.901 --> 00:05:44.934 speak from this international rostrum to give the Russian 103 00:05:44.934 --> 00:05:48.033 vision of the future of this organization and the 104 00:05:48.033 --> 00:05:52.167 international community. 105 00:05:52.167 --> 00:05:56.300 There is much anticipation that you will speak 106 00:05:56.300 --> 00:06:02.701 about the threat of ISIS. 107 00:06:02.701 --> 00:06:08.067 And that your presence in Syria is related to that. 108 00:06:08.067 --> 00:06:12.834 What is the purpose of the presence in Syria and how does 109 00:06:12.834 --> 00:06:17.367 that relate to the challenge of ISIS? 110 00:06:17.367 --> 00:06:21.834 I believe I'm pretty certain that virtually 111 00:06:21.834 --> 00:06:26.000 everyone speaking from the United Nations platform is going 112 00:06:26.000 --> 00:06:29.868 to talk about the fight, about the need to fight terrorism. 113 00:06:29.868 --> 00:06:33.501 And I can't avoid this issue either regarding our, as you 114 00:06:33.501 --> 00:06:36.868 put it, presence in Syria. 115 00:06:36.868 --> 00:06:40.467 As of today, it's taken th form of supplying weapons to the 116 00:06:40.467 --> 00:06:43.934 Syrian government, training personnel and providing 117 00:06:43.934 --> 00:06:47.300 humanitarian assistance to the Syrian people. 118 00:06:47.300 --> 00:06:50.334 Today terrorism is a threat for many states in the world. 119 00:06:50.334 --> 00:06:53.234 A large number of people suffer from their criminal activities. 120 00:06:53.234 --> 00:06:56.067 Hundreds and thousands, millions of people 121 00:06:56.067 --> 00:06:59.968 suffer from terrorism. 122 00:06:59.968 --> 00:07:04.634 And we're all tasked with joining efforts in order to 123 00:07:04.634 --> 00:07:08.968 overcome this common evil. 124 00:07:08.968 --> 00:07:13.267 In regards to our, as you said, presence in Syria today it's 125 00:07:13.267 --> 00:07:17.334 expressed in the form of supplying weapons to the Syrian 126 00:07:17.334 --> 00:07:21.767 government, training the personnel, rendering 127 00:07:21.767 --> 00:07:26.267 humanitarian assistance to the Syrian people. 128 00:07:26.267 --> 00:07:30.501 We proceed from the U.N. 129 00:07:30.501 --> 00:07:34.634 Charter which means from the fundamental principles of 130 00:07:34.634 --> 00:07:38.400 international law under which any assistance, including 131 00:07:38.400 --> 00:07:41.801 military, can and should be rendered exclusively to a 132 00:07:41.801 --> 00:07:45.234 legitimate government of a country with their consent or at 133 00:07:45.234 --> 00:07:48.501 their request or upon the decision of the U.N. 134 00:07:48.501 --> 00:07:51.767 Security Council. 135 00:07:51.767 --> 00:07:55.067 In this case we are dealing with a request from the Syrian 136 00:07:55.067 --> 00:07:58.601 government to render them military and technical 137 00:07:58.601 --> 00:08:02.467 assistance which we're doing within the framework of lawful 138 00:08:02.467 --> 00:08:06.434 international contract. 139 00:08:06.434 --> 00:08:10.267 Secretary of State John Kerry said the United 140 00:08:10.267 --> 00:08:14.200 States welcomes your assistance in the battle against ISIS. 141 00:08:14.200 --> 00:08:19.767 Others have taken note of the fact that these are fighter 142 00:08:19.767 --> 00:08:24.634 planes, anti-aircraft systems. 143 00:08:24.634 --> 00:08:28.901 And those are for use against a 144 00:08:28.901 --> 00:08:33.801 conventional army, not extremists. 145 00:08:33.801 --> 00:08:38.834 There is only one legitimate conventional army 146 00:08:38.834 --> 00:08:43.567 and that is the army of the President of Syria, Bashar 147 00:08:43.567 --> 00:08:48.634 al-Assad and he's facing according to the interpretation 148 00:08:48.634 --> 00:08:53.234 of some of our international partners the opposition. 149 00:08:53.234 --> 00:08:57.567 But in fact really in real life the army of Bashar al-Assad is 150 00:08:57.567 --> 00:09:01.467 dealing with terrorist organizations. 151 00:09:01.467 --> 00:09:05.200 But in fact, really, in real life the army of Bashar 152 00:09:05.200 --> 00:09:08.968 al-Assad is dealing with terrorist organizations. 153 00:09:08.968 --> 00:09:12.601 Surely you know better than I about the hearings which have 154 00:09:12.601 --> 00:09:16.167 just taken place in the Senate if I'm not mistaken where the 155 00:09:16.167 --> 00:09:19.934 military, the representatives from the Pentagon reported to 156 00:09:19.934 --> 00:09:23.434 the senators about what have been done by the United States 157 00:09:23.434 --> 00:09:26.734 in order to train the combat units of the opposition forces. 158 00:09:26.734 --> 00:09:30.100 They had first had the goal to train 5,000 or 6,000 troops, 159 00:09:30.100 --> 00:09:33.601 then 12,000. 160 00:09:33.601 --> 00:09:36.701 Then it turned out they have prepared and trained all of the 161 00:09:36.701 --> 00:09:40.100 troops but the only number that were fighting were four or five 162 00:09:40.100 --> 00:09:43.400 men and all the others with American weapons 163 00:09:43.400 --> 00:09:46.767 defected to ISIS. 164 00:09:46.767 --> 00:09:49.968 That's the first point. 165 00:09:49.968 --> 00:09:53.200 Secondly, I believe that providing aid to illegitimate 166 00:09:53.200 --> 00:09:57.100 organizations is not in line with international law and the 167 00:09:57.100 --> 00:10:01.467 charter of the United Nations. 168 00:10:01.467 --> 00:10:05.501 We support only legitimate government organizations. 169 00:10:05.501 --> 00:10:09.567 In this regard, we propose to coordinate with the countries in 170 00:10:09.567 --> 00:10:13.300 the region to create a certain coordinated framework. 171 00:10:13.300 --> 00:10:16.667 I personally informed the President of Turkey, the king of 172 00:10:16.667 --> 00:10:20.200 Jordan, Saudi Arabia and also informed the United States and 173 00:10:20.200 --> 00:10:23.901 Mr. Kerry, whom you just mentioned, had a substantive 174 00:10:23.901 --> 00:10:30.534 talk with our foreign minister Lavrov. 175 00:10:30.534 --> 00:10:34.467 And our military people have been in contact and we would be 176 00:10:34.467 --> 00:10:38.434 glad if we could find a common platform for joint action 177 00:10:38.434 --> 00:10:42.367 against the terrorists. 178 00:10:42.367 --> 00:10:46.300 So you would like to join the 179 00:10:46.300 --> 00:10:50.267 United States in the 180 00:10:50.267 --> 00:10:55.033 fight against ISIS -- that's part of why you're there. 181 00:10:55.033 --> 00:11:02.968 Others think that while that may be part of your goal that 182 00:11:02.968 --> 00:11:09.400 you're trying to save the Assad administration because they've 183 00:11:09.400 --> 00:11:14.767 been losing ground and the war has not been going well for 184 00:11:14.767 --> 00:11:19.234 them and you're there to rescue them. 185 00:11:19.234 --> 00:11:23.334 Correct, that's the case. 186 00:11:23.334 --> 00:11:27.234 And I've already said it twice during our talk. 187 00:11:27.234 --> 00:11:31.000 I'll repeat it for the third time. 188 00:11:31.000 --> 00:11:34.667 We support the legitimate government of Syria. 189 00:11:34.667 --> 00:11:38.234 And furthermore, it's my deep conviction that any actions to 190 00:11:38.234 --> 00:11:41.701 the contrary, in order to destroy the legitimate 191 00:11:41.701 --> 00:11:44.968 government, will create a situation which you can witness 192 00:11:44.968 --> 00:11:48.200 now in the other countries of the region or in other regions 193 00:11:48.200 --> 00:11:51.501 of the world for instance in Libya where all the state 194 00:11:51.501 --> 00:11:54.834 institutions are disintegrated. 195 00:11:54.834 --> 00:11:58.133 We see a similar situation regrettably in Iraq and there's 196 00:11:58.133 --> 00:12:01.400 no other solution whatsoever to the Syrian crisis than 197 00:12:01.400 --> 00:12:04.701 strengthening the existing legal government structures and 198 00:12:04.701 --> 00:12:09.667 rendering them help in fighting terrorism but at the same time 199 00:12:09.667 --> 00:12:13.901 urging them to engage in positive dialogue with the 200 00:12:13.901 --> 00:12:20.400 rational part of the opposition and with 201 00:12:20.400 --> 00:12:25.667 conducting political reforms. 202 00:12:25.667 --> 00:12:29.934 As you know, some of the coalition partners want 203 00:12:29.934 --> 00:12:34.767 to see President Assad go first before they will support. 204 00:12:34.767 --> 00:12:38.868 I'd like to advise them and recommend to 205 00:12:38.868 --> 00:12:42.634 them the following. 206 00:12:42.634 --> 00:12:46.467 They should send this wish to the Syrian 207 00:12:46.467 --> 00:12:49.901 people and not to Assad. 208 00:12:49.901 --> 00:12:53.400 It's only the Syrian people inside the country who are 209 00:12:53.400 --> 00:12:56.701 entitled to decide who should govern their country and how and 210 00:12:56.701 --> 00:12:59.567 by what principles. 211 00:12:59.567 --> 00:13:03.300 I believe advice from the outside is inappropriate harmful 212 00:13:03.300 --> 00:13:07.367 and contrary to international law. 213 00:13:07.367 --> 00:13:11.767 We have talked about that before. 214 00:13:11.767 --> 00:13:16.067 Do you think that President Assad -- do you support him? 215 00:13:16.067 --> 00:13:22.234 Do you support what he is doing in Syria and what is happening 216 00:13:22.234 --> 00:13:26.100 to those Syrian people, those many millions of refugees and 217 00:13:26.100 --> 00:13:29.934 the hundreds of thousands of people that have been killed 218 00:13:29.934 --> 00:13:33.767 many by his own force. 219 00:13:33.767 --> 00:13:37.601 Well tell me, do you think those 220 00:13:37.601 --> 00:13:41.467 who support his 221 00:13:41.467 --> 00:13:45.367 armed opposition and mainly the terrorist organizations only in 222 00:13:45.367 --> 00:13:49.300 order to oust Assad are acting correctly without concern about 223 00:13:49.300 --> 00:13:52.801 what will happen from outside after all the government 224 00:13:52.801 --> 00:13:56.634 institutions have been totally demolished in that country? 225 00:13:56.634 --> 00:14:00.267 We've already been through that. 226 00:14:00.267 --> 00:14:03.567 I've already mentioned Libya. 227 00:14:03.567 --> 00:14:06.501 Just now it was quite recently the United States actively 228 00:14:06.501 --> 00:14:09.567 helped to destroy the state institutions whether they were 229 00:14:09.567 --> 00:14:12.934 good or bad. 230 00:14:12.934 --> 00:14:15.968 That's a separate issue. 231 00:14:15.968 --> 00:14:18.968 But now they're destroyed and now the United States has 232 00:14:18.968 --> 00:14:22.033 suffered great losses -- the death of their 233 00:14:22.033 --> 00:14:25.501 ambassador for instance. 234 00:14:25.501 --> 00:14:29.267 You see what it all leads us to. 235 00:14:29.267 --> 00:14:32.567 That's why we support the legitimate state structures. 236 00:14:32.567 --> 00:14:36.167 But I want to repeat this once again in the hope that the 237 00:14:36.167 --> 00:14:39.400 needed political reforms will be taken and 238 00:14:39.400 --> 00:14:43.000 introduced in Syria. 239 00:14:43.000 --> 00:14:46.200 You've said repeatedly that Assad is fighting against his 240 00:14:46.200 --> 00:14:49.300 own people. 241 00:14:49.300 --> 00:14:52.801 But look at those who control 60 percent of the 242 00:14:52.801 --> 00:14:56.601 territory in Syria. 243 00:14:56.601 --> 00:15:00.334 Where is the civilized opposition? 244 00:15:00.334 --> 00:15:04.133 60 percent of the territory is controlled either by ISIS or by 245 00:15:04.133 --> 00:15:07.901 others such as al Nusra and other terrorist organizations, 246 00:15:07.901 --> 00:15:11.567 they're recognized as terrorist organizations by the United 247 00:15:11.567 --> 00:15:14.534 States, by other states and by the United Nations. 248 00:15:14.534 --> 00:15:17.167 It's they and no one else that controls 60 percent of the 249 00:15:17.167 --> 00:15:20.000 Syrian territories. 250 00:15:20.000 --> 00:15:22.467 OK. 251 00:15:22.467 --> 00:15:25.501 But you're saying you stepped -- you are saying you stepped in 252 00:15:25.501 --> 00:15:30.334 because you did not think the job was being done and you 253 00:15:30.334 --> 00:15:33.634 listened to what happened in the U.S. 254 00:15:33.634 --> 00:15:36.934 senate and you heard the results and you said Russia must act 255 00:15:36.934 --> 00:15:40.234 and I Vladimir Putin must act. 256 00:15:40.234 --> 00:15:43.167 Well, we do act and we've always been acting 257 00:15:43.167 --> 00:15:46.100 in this direction. 258 00:15:46.100 --> 00:15:48.501 We've been cooperating with many countries. 259 00:15:48.501 --> 00:15:50.901 We continue this cooperation including with the 260 00:15:50.901 --> 00:15:52.934 United States of America. 261 00:15:52.934 --> 00:15:55.000 We constantly send to our colleagues through our mutual 262 00:15:55.000 --> 00:15:57.067 intelligence the information 263 00:15:57.067 --> 00:15:59.133 that's needed by the intelligence divisions of the U.S. to 264 00:15:59.133 --> 00:16:01.200 maintain security for U.S. 265 00:16:01.200 --> 00:16:03.767 citizens both in the U.S. 266 00:16:03.767 --> 00:16:07.033 and abroad. 267 00:16:07.033 --> 00:16:10.167 But I believe that today such a level of 268 00:16:10.167 --> 00:16:13.267 coordination is not enough. 269 00:16:13.267 --> 00:16:18.300 We need to work more closely together. 270 00:16:18.300 --> 00:16:22.467 But you believe that the way to do it is what? 271 00:16:22.467 --> 00:16:26.667 What's the strategy that you are recommending other than 272 00:16:26.667 --> 00:16:30.567 simply supporting the Assad regime? 273 00:16:30.567 --> 00:16:34.400 Well yes, I've already said this. 274 00:16:34.400 --> 00:16:38.133 We need to help Assad's army because besides his army no one 275 00:16:38.133 --> 00:16:41.801 is fighting ISIS in Syria. 276 00:16:41.801 --> 00:16:45.300 I want you and your audience to finally realize that no one 277 00:16:45.300 --> 00:16:48.601 except for Assad's army is fighting ISIS and other 278 00:16:48.601 --> 00:16:51.567 terrorist groups now in Syria. 279 00:16:51.567 --> 00:16:54.400 No one is fighting them in Syria. 280 00:16:54.400 --> 00:16:57.234 And these insignificant attacks from the air including the 281 00:16:57.234 --> 00:16:59.901 bombings by the U.S. 282 00:16:59.901 --> 00:17:02.501 don't bring any tangible solution to the issue. 283 00:17:02.501 --> 00:17:05.133 There must be work on th ground after the bombing. 284 00:17:05.133 --> 00:17:07.701 It must be coordinated. 285 00:17:07.701 --> 00:17:10.133 We need to understand which attacks and where they must be 286 00:17:10.133 --> 00:17:13.067 launched and who will come after these strikes are made on 287 00:17:13.067 --> 00:17:16.100 the territory. 288 00:17:16.100 --> 00:17:22.100 In Syria, there is no other force beside the 289 00:17:22.100 --> 00:17:27.067 army of Bashar al-Assad. 290 00:17:27.067 --> 00:17:31.834 Are you prepared to put Russian combat troops on 291 00:17:31.834 --> 00:17:36.100 the ground in Syria if it's necessary to defeat ISIS? 292 00:17:36.100 --> 00:17:40.067 Russia will not participate in any troop 293 00:17:40.067 --> 00:17:44.901 operations in the territory of Syria or in any other state. 294 00:17:44.901 --> 00:17:50.100 Well, at least we don't plan it as of today but we're 295 00:17:50.100 --> 00:17:54.400 considering the intensification of our work both with President 296 00:17:54.400 --> 00:17:58.501 Assad and with our partners in other countries. 297 00:17:58.501 --> 00:18:01.968 What does that mean? 298 00:18:01.968 --> 00:18:05.200 It means that our military service men will 299 00:18:05.200 --> 00:18:09.501 not participate in combat operations directly. 300 00:18:09.501 --> 00:18:13.033 They will not fight. 301 00:18:13.033 --> 00:18:17.601 We will support the army of Assad. 302 00:18:17.601 --> 00:18:22.167 air strikes? 303 00:18:22.167 --> 00:18:26.267 I mean war. 304 00:18:26.267 --> 00:18:29.701 Combat operations in Syria, the infantry, the motorized troops. 305 00:18:29.701 --> 00:18:33.434 What else is going to be required? 306 00:18:33.434 --> 00:18:37.501 Because I come back to the problem that many 307 00:18:37.501 --> 00:18:42.367 people look at. 308 00:18:42.367 --> 00:18:47.334 They believe that Assad helps ISIS. 309 00:18:47.334 --> 00:18:54.901 That his reprehensible conduct against the Syrian people using 310 00:18:54.901 --> 00:18:59.167 barrel bombs and worse, is a recruiting tool for ISIS. 311 00:18:59.167 --> 00:19:03.467 And that he was removed, transitioned at some point it 312 00:19:03.467 --> 00:19:07.767 would be better in the fight against 313 00:19:07.767 --> 00:19:12.067 Well, speaking in the professional language of 314 00:19:12.067 --> 00:19:16.334 intelligence services, I can tell you that this kind of 315 00:19:16.334 --> 00:19:20.033 assessment is clearly an active measure by enemies of Assad that 316 00:19:20.033 --> 00:19:23.267 is anti-Syrian propaganda. 317 00:19:23.267 --> 00:19:26.634 There's nothing in common between Assad and ISIL. 318 00:19:26.634 --> 00:19:30.334 They have nothing in common. 319 00:19:30.334 --> 00:19:33.968 They're fighting each other. 320 00:19:33.968 --> 00:19:37.634 And let me repeat Assad and his army is the only force which is 321 00:19:37.634 --> 00:19:41.033 indeed fighting ISIL. 322 00:19:41.033 --> 00:19:44.634 But there were reports earlier -- there were 323 00:19:44.634 --> 00:19:49.000 reports earlier in the year that you were prepared or you 324 00:19:49.000 --> 00:19:53.067 seem to be pulling back a degree from your support of him and 325 00:19:53.067 --> 00:19:56.834 that what you wanted to see was a 326 00:19:56.834 --> 00:20:00.067 negotiated political transition. 327 00:20:00.067 --> 00:20:03.534 Well, we think that issues of political nature 328 00:20:03.534 --> 00:20:07.367 in any country including Syria must be decided by the Syrian 329 00:20:07.367 --> 00:20:11.200 people, first of all. 330 00:20:11.200 --> 00:20:14.868 But we are ready to provide assistance to the official 331 00:20:14.868 --> 00:20:18.467 authorities in Syria and to the rational opposition so that they 332 00:20:18.467 --> 00:20:21.934 can find some common points and agree upon the political future 333 00:20:21.934 --> 00:20:25.400 of their country. 334 00:20:25.400 --> 00:20:28.834 That's why we've organized the series of meetings between the 335 00:20:28.834 --> 00:20:32.334 representatives of the opposition and the 336 00:20:32.334 --> 00:20:35.601 representatives of Assad's government. 337 00:20:35.601 --> 00:20:39.467 We participated in the Geneva conference and we're ready to 338 00:20:39.467 --> 00:20:43.033 act in this direction in the future pushing both sides, the 339 00:20:43.033 --> 00:20:46.434 official authorities and the opposition to negotiate through 340 00:20:46.434 --> 00:20:49.567 peaceful means. 341 00:20:49.567 --> 00:20:52.634 Here's what the "Washington Post" said in an 342 00:20:52.634 --> 00:20:56.000 editorial today. 343 00:20:56.000 --> 00:20:59.734 "Into the vacuum of American leadership -- the vacuum of 344 00:20:59.734 --> 00:21:03.534 American leadership -- has stepped Russian president 345 00:21:03.534 --> 00:21:07.400 Vladimir Putin who has dispatched troops and equipment 346 00:21:07.400 --> 00:21:11.033 to Syria in an effort to force the world to accept his 347 00:21:11.033 --> 00:21:15.367 solution to the war which is the creation of a new coalition to 348 00:21:15.367 --> 00:21:22.634 fight the Islamic state that include in the coalition the 349 00:21:22.634 --> 00:21:29.234 Assad government." The interesting thing they're saying 350 00:21:29.234 --> 00:21:35.167 is that you have moved into a vacuum of American leadership -- 351 00:21:35.167 --> 00:21:40.601 the "Washington Post". 352 00:21:40.601 --> 00:21:45.467 Well, we're not filling the vacuum of American 353 00:21:45.467 --> 00:21:49.834 leadership, we're trying to prevent the creation of the 354 00:21:49.834 --> 00:21:53.868 vacuum in the government of Syria in general because as soon 355 00:21:53.868 --> 00:21:57.667 as government agencies are destroyed in a given state or a 356 00:21:57.667 --> 00:22:01.234 given country, that's when a power vacuum occurs. 357 00:22:01.234 --> 00:22:04.667 And at that moment, it will be instantly 358 00:22:04.667 --> 00:22:08.167 filled with terrorists. 359 00:22:08.167 --> 00:22:11.334 That was the case in Libya and that was the case in Iraq. 360 00:22:11.334 --> 00:22:14.100 That was the case in some other countries -- in Somalia. 361 00:22:14.100 --> 00:22:16.601 And this was the case in Afghanistan as well. 362 00:22:16.601 --> 00:22:19.667 For us, there's no question of any fight with the American 363 00:22:19.667 --> 00:22:23.734 leadership at all. 364 00:22:23.734 --> 00:22:28.567 Well the vacuum for our leadership. 365 00:22:28.567 --> 00:22:33.067 It seems to be, knowing you -- you have said that a strong 366 00:22:33.067 --> 00:22:37.901 centralized government is in the DNA of Russia. 367 00:22:37.901 --> 00:22:42.167 And you have a huge fear, as you suggest, in anarchy maybe in 368 00:22:42.167 --> 00:22:45.601 Syria and in other places of no strong government. 369 00:22:45.601 --> 00:22:48.934 That's the fear that Vladimir Putin has. 370 00:22:48.934 --> 00:22:52.200 Well, I'm not saying that there's no strong 371 00:22:52.200 --> 00:22:55.400 government in the country. 372 00:22:55.400 --> 00:22:58.534 I'm saying that if there is no government at all, then there 373 00:22:58.534 --> 00:23:01.667 will be anarchy and a vacuum. 374 00:23:01.667 --> 00:23:04.734 And this vacuum and anarchy will rapidly 375 00:23:04.734 --> 00:23:07.801 transform into terrorism. 376 00:23:07.801 --> 00:23:10.868 Well, take Iraq for example. 377 00:23:10.868 --> 00:23:13.901 There was a well-known figure, Saddam Hussein. 378 00:23:13.901 --> 00:23:16.901 Whether he was good or bad, you've probably forgotten that. 379 00:23:16.901 --> 00:23:19.934 At some stage the U.S. 380 00:23:19.934 --> 00:23:22.968 was cooperating very actively with Saddam when he was 381 00:23:22.968 --> 00:23:26.200 fighting Iran. 382 00:23:26.200 --> 00:23:29.400 You helped him with arms. 383 00:23:29.400 --> 00:23:32.534 The diplomatic support was accorded. 384 00:23:32.534 --> 00:23:35.634 Political cover was provided, et cetera. 385 00:23:35.634 --> 00:23:38.734 Then for some reason you had a falling out and the U.S. 386 00:23:38.734 --> 00:23:41.801 decided to eliminate Saddam. 387 00:23:41.801 --> 00:23:44.834 But by eliminating Saddam Hussein the U.S. 388 00:23:44.834 --> 00:23:47.801 eliminated the Iraqi government and thousands of people from the 389 00:23:47.801 --> 00:23:50.334 Ba'ath Party. 390 00:23:50.334 --> 00:23:54.133 Thousands of Iraqi servicemen which were a part of the Sunni 391 00:23:54.133 --> 00:23:57.501 elite of the state were thrown out on the streets. 392 00:23:57.501 --> 00:24:00.701 Nobody thought about them. 393 00:24:00.701 --> 00:24:03.300 Now they're filling the ranks of ISIL. 394 00:24:03.300 --> 00:24:06.033 That's what we're fighting against. 395 00:24:06.033 --> 00:24:09.100 We're not against some country showing 396 00:24:09.100 --> 00:24:12.167 its leadership somewhere. 397 00:24:12.167 --> 00:24:15.701 We're against thoughtless actions that result in such 398 00:24:15.701 --> 00:24:18.767 negative situations that are hard to correct. 399 00:24:18.767 --> 00:24:22.467 As you know, a recent visitor to Moscow was the 400 00:24:22.467 --> 00:24:27.701 leader of the Quds forces from Iran -- Qassem Soleimani. 401 00:24:27.701 --> 00:24:32.267 General Soleimani. 402 00:24:32.267 --> 00:24:36.467 What role will he play and the Quds forces in Syria and what 403 00:24:36.467 --> 00:24:40.334 did you two decide is necessary? 404 00:24:40.334 --> 00:24:44.000 I've already said that all countries of the 405 00:24:44.000 --> 00:24:47.501 region must unite their efforts in the fight against a common 406 00:24:47.501 --> 00:24:50.868 threat against terrorism in general and ISIS in particular. 407 00:24:50.868 --> 00:24:54.133 This refers to Iran and Saudi Arabia despite the fact that 408 00:24:54.133 --> 00:24:57.367 relations between these two countries are 409 00:24:57.367 --> 00:25:00.501 not at their best. 410 00:25:00.501 --> 00:25:03.367 But ISIS poses a threat to both states. 411 00:25:03.367 --> 00:25:05.901 This refers to Jordan, Turkey -- in spite of the fact that 412 00:25:05.901 --> 00:25:08.501 there are some issues there with regards to the Kurds. 413 00:25:08.501 --> 00:25:12.734 But the settlement of the situation as I believe is of 414 00:25:12.734 --> 00:25:16.901 interest for all. 415 00:25:16.901 --> 00:25:21.534 Our task is to unite these efforts to 416 00:25:21.534 --> 00:25:27.234 fight the common enemy. 417 00:25:27.234 --> 00:25:32.100 Much is being read into this, including this. 418 00:25:32.100 --> 00:25:38.133 That this is a new effort for Russia to take a leadership role 419 00:25:38.133 --> 00:25:42.901 in the Middle East and that it represents a new 420 00:25:42.901 --> 00:25:46.767 strategy by you. 421 00:25:46.767 --> 00:25:50.501 Is it? 422 00:25:50.501 --> 00:25:54.234 No, no. 423 00:25:54.234 --> 00:25:57.934 Not really. 424 00:25:57.934 --> 00:26:01.501 We've already mentioned what makes us provide growing 425 00:26:01.501 --> 00:26:05.033 support to Assad's government and think about the prospects 426 00:26:05.033 --> 00:26:08.467 of the situation in the region. 427 00:26:08.467 --> 00:26:11.968 I've already told you. 428 00:26:11.968 --> 00:26:15.567 You've asked me. 429 00:26:15.567 --> 00:26:18.767 I've answered you about more than 2,000 fighters are in the 430 00:26:18.767 --> 00:26:21.667 territory of Syria from the former Soviet Republic. 431 00:26:21.667 --> 00:26:24.567 There's a threat that they'll return to us. 432 00:26:24.567 --> 00:26:27.267 So instead of waiting for their return we should help Assad 433 00:26:27.267 --> 00:26:29.834 fight them in the Syrian territory. 434 00:26:29.834 --> 00:26:32.501 So this is the most important motivation which pushes us to 435 00:26:32.501 --> 00:26:35.100 provide assistance to Assad. 436 00:26:35.100 --> 00:26:37.667 And in general we want the situation in 437 00:26:37.667 --> 00:26:40.234 the region to stabilize. 438 00:26:40.234 --> 00:26:42.734 So that there will be no new Somalia cases there because 439 00:26:42.734 --> 00:26:45.033 it's close to our borders. 440 00:26:45.033 --> 00:26:48.300 We want to develop normal relations with these countries. 441 00:26:48.300 --> 00:26:51.467 We've traditionally had good relations with the Middle 442 00:26:51.467 --> 00:26:54.601 Eastern countries and we hope that this will 443 00:26:54.601 --> 00:26:57.767 continue in the future. 444 00:26:57.767 --> 00:27:00.901 But your pride in Russia means 445 00:27:00.901 --> 00:27:04.067 that you would like 446 00:27:04.067 --> 00:27:07.901 to see Russia play a bigger role in the world and this is 447 00:27:07.901 --> 00:27:11.501 just one example. 448 00:27:11.501 --> 00:27:14.667 Well it's not an end in itself. 449 00:27:14.667 --> 00:27:17.534 I'm proud of Russia, that's true. 450 00:27:17.534 --> 00:27:20.200 And I believe that the overall majority in my country loves 451 00:27:20.200 --> 00:27:24.167 Russia and respects it. 452 00:27:24.167 --> 00:27:27.834 We have something to be proud of. 453 00:27:27.834 --> 00:27:31.067 We have Russian culture, Russian history. 454 00:27:31.067 --> 00:27:34.067 We have grounds to believe in the future of our country. 455 00:27:34.067 --> 00:27:37.601 But we don't have any obsession with being a super power in the 456 00:27:37.601 --> 00:27:40.834 international arena. 457 00:27:40.834 --> 00:27:44.534 We're involved in only one thing, defending our 458 00:27:44.534 --> 00:27:50.400 fundamental interests. 459 00:27:50.400 --> 00:27:55.200 But you are in part a major power because of 460 00:27:55.200 --> 00:27:59.267 the nuclear weapons you have. 461 00:27:59.267 --> 00:28:04.501 You are a force to be reckoned with. 462 00:28:04.501 --> 00:28:09.133 Well, I hope so. 463 00:28:09.133 --> 00:28:13.467 I definitely hope so. 464 00:28:13.467 --> 00:28:17.701 Otherwise why do we have those weapons at all? 465 00:28:17.701 --> 00:28:23.200 We've proceeded from the premise that nuclear weapons or other 466 00:28:23.200 --> 00:28:28.234 weapons are the means to defend our sovereignty and legitimate 467 00:28:28.234 --> 00:28:34.367 interests. It's not the means for aggressive behavior or for 468 00:28:34.367 --> 00:28:39.467 implementing some non-existent imperialist ambition. 469 00:28:39.467 --> 00:28:44.100 When you go to New York for the U.N., will you 470 00:28:44.100 --> 00:28:47.968 request a meeting with President Obama? 471 00:28:47.968 --> 00:28:51.534 Such meetings are planned beforehand. 472 00:28:51.534 --> 00:28:55.200 President Obama I believe during such events does not have 473 00:28:55.200 --> 00:29:00.367 a second to spare. 474 00:29:00.367 --> 00:29:04.634 There are an enormous number of delegations from 475 00:29:04.634 --> 00:29:08.567 all over the world. 476 00:29:08.567 --> 00:29:12.434 A second to spare for the President of Russia? 477 00:29:12.434 --> 00:29:15.934 Well, that's his choice. 478 00:29:15.934 --> 00:29:18.934 We're always open to any contact on the highest level at the 479 00:29:18.934 --> 00:29:21.601 highest levels of ministries, agencies, intelligent services. 480 00:29:21.601 --> 00:29:24.434 But if the President finds a few minutes to meet me, that will 481 00:29:24.434 --> 00:29:26.968 be great. 482 00:29:26.968 --> 00:29:29.901 I'll be happy to meet with him. 483 00:29:29.901 --> 00:29:32.434 But if due to circumstances he's not able to do that, well 484 00:29:32.434 --> 00:29:34.667 nothing to worry about. 485 00:29:34.667 --> 00:29:37.067 We'll have a chance to speak at the Group of 20 meeting. 486 00:29:37.067 --> 00:29:39.334 Oh, come on. 487 00:29:39.334 --> 00:29:41.300 Come on. 488 00:29:41.300 --> 00:29:43.000 You'd like to sit down with the President and say look I have a 489 00:29:43.000 --> 00:29:44.968 plan for Syria. 490 00:29:44.968 --> 00:29:48.067 Let's work together. 491 00:29:48.067 --> 00:29:50.701 Let's see what we can do. 492 00:29:50.701 --> 00:29:53.868 Not only let's work together on Syria, let's see what we can do 493 00:29:53.868 --> 00:29:57.200 on other things. 494 00:29:57.200 --> 00:30:00.267 Well, you know, the thing is such serious 495 00:30:00.267 --> 00:30:03.400 matters are discussed -- the eyes are finally -- well, you 496 00:30:03.400 --> 00:30:06.767 know the thing is such serious matters are discussed, the i's 497 00:30:06.767 --> 00:30:09.501 are finally dotted at the highest level between the 498 00:30:09.501 --> 00:30:11.801 presidents but they're prepared during consultations by 499 00:30:11.801 --> 00:30:14.300 ministries, by military agencies, by intelligence services 500 00:30:14.300 --> 00:30:16.834 if necessary. 501 00:30:16.834 --> 00:30:19.467 It's a lot of work. 502 00:30:19.467 --> 00:30:21.834 So if the work is ready to complete then there's a special 503 00:30:21.834 --> 00:30:25.033 point in meeting. 504 00:30:25.033 --> 00:30:27.968 But if they're not at the final stage yet then we can meet with 505 00:30:27.968 --> 00:30:31.033 President Obama, talk to each other and shake hands. 506 00:30:31.033 --> 00:30:34.434 But I believe I'm ready to engage in this contact always. 507 00:30:34.434 --> 00:30:37.801 Leadership comes from the top down and if you're 508 00:30:37.801 --> 00:30:41.734 going there to make a big speech, you want the President 509 00:30:41.734 --> 00:30:45.100 of the United States to fully be on board as much as he can. 510 00:30:45.100 --> 00:30:48.434 I mean why don't you to pick up the phone and call up and say 511 00:30:48.434 --> 00:30:51.133 -- as you did after our conversation in St. Petersburg. 512 00:30:51.133 --> 00:30:53.934 You telephoned the President. 513 00:30:53.934 --> 00:30:58.200 Telephone the President again and say let's make sure we spend 514 00:30:58.200 --> 00:31:02.000 some time. 515 00:31:02.000 --> 00:31:05.300 The issues are too critical and two of us can do better than 516 00:31:05.300 --> 00:31:07.901 one of us. 517 00:31:07.901 --> 00:31:10.567 Well, you're right. 518 00:31:10.567 --> 00:31:12.934 I did call President Obama about these very 519 00:31:12.934 --> 00:31:15.000 issues -- that's true. 520 00:31:15.000 --> 00:31:17.200 And that's the usual practice of our interaction. 521 00:31:17.200 --> 00:31:19.133 There's nothing extraordinary. 522 00:31:19.133 --> 00:31:20.767 Let me repeat. 523 00:31:20.767 --> 00:31:22.901 Any personal meetings are prepared as a 524 00:31:22.901 --> 00:31:24.734 rule by our staffs. 525 00:31:24.734 --> 00:31:26.634 We're ready. 526 00:31:26.634 --> 00:31:29.133 But I'm telling you for third time now that does 527 00:31:29.133 --> 00:31:32.167 not depend on us. 528 00:31:32.167 --> 00:31:35.334 That does not depend on us. 529 00:31:35.334 --> 00:31:38.200 If the Americans want a meeting, we'll have a meeting. 530 00:31:38.200 --> 00:31:40.968 You need no preparation, none, because you 531 00:31:40.968 --> 00:31:43.801 deal with these things every day. 532 00:31:43.801 --> 00:31:46.267 You need no preparation to see with the President of the 533 00:31:46.267 --> 00:31:49.267 United States nor does he. 534 00:31:49.267 --> 00:31:51.834 It's diplomatic nicety you're suggesting. 535 00:31:51.834 --> 00:31:54.100 But I hear you. 536 00:31:54.100 --> 00:31:56.767 You're prepared to meet him. 537 00:31:56.767 --> 00:31:59.234 How many years have you been 538 00:31:59.234 --> 00:32:01.767 working as a journalist? 539 00:32:01.767 --> 00:32:04.400 More years than I want to remember. 540 00:32:04.400 --> 00:32:07.868 It's difficult for me to give you advice as to 541 00:32:07.868 --> 00:32:11.167 what you're prepared for or not prepared for. 542 00:32:11.167 --> 00:32:14.400 Why do you think you can give me advice in regard to what I'm 543 00:32:14.400 --> 00:32:17.801 ready for or not when it's not my first term as president? 544 00:32:17.801 --> 00:32:21.133 But that's not what's most important. 545 00:32:21.133 --> 00:32:24.601 What's most important is that Russia, the President of Russia 546 00:32:24.601 --> 00:32:28.100 and all my colleagues are ready to engage in these contacts at 547 00:32:28.100 --> 00:32:31.501 the highest level, at the government level, at the level 548 00:32:31.501 --> 00:32:34.801 of the ministries. 549 00:32:34.801 --> 00:32:38.133 We're ready to go as far as our American colleagues are ready 550 00:32:38.133 --> 00:32:41.300 to go. 551 00:32:41.300 --> 00:32:44.734 So -- and by the way, the U.N. 552 00:32:44.734 --> 00:32:48.033 platform was created to seek compromise, 553 00:32:48.033 --> 00:32:51.367 to engage in negotiations. 554 00:32:51.367 --> 00:32:55.300 Definitely, if we use this platform, that will be good. 555 00:32:55.300 --> 00:32:58.701 Let me ask you this. 556 00:32:58.701 --> 00:33:01.834 What do you think of President Obama? 557 00:33:01.834 --> 00:33:04.734 What's your evaluation of him? 558 00:33:04.734 --> 00:33:07.367 I don't think I'm entitled to give any views 559 00:33:07.367 --> 00:33:09.834 regarding the President of the United States. 560 00:33:09.834 --> 00:33:12.300 That's up to the American people. 561 00:33:12.300 --> 00:33:14.734 We have good personal relations. 562 00:33:14.734 --> 00:33:17.734 We're quite frank with each other. 563 00:33:17.734 --> 00:33:20.767 Our relations are business-like. 564 00:33:20.767 --> 00:33:26.367 I believe that's quite sufficient to 565 00:33:26.367 --> 00:33:31.100 comply with our functions. 566 00:33:31.100 --> 00:33:35.501 Do you think his activities in foreign affairs 567 00:33:35.501 --> 00:33:39.634 reflect a weakness -- a weakness? 568 00:33:39.634 --> 00:33:43.367 I don't think so at all. 569 00:33:43.367 --> 00:33:46.901 You know, I believe that in any country and in the United 570 00:33:46.901 --> 00:33:50.234 States I believe more often than any other country, political 571 00:33:50.234 --> 00:33:53.167 factors are used for domestic political battles. 572 00:33:53.167 --> 00:33:56.033 In the U.S. 573 00:33:56.033 --> 00:33:58.767 the Presidential campaign is coming up soon so they're 574 00:33:58.767 --> 00:34:01.534 playing either the Russian card or some other. 575 00:34:01.534 --> 00:34:04.300 All sorts of accusations are made against the current head of 576 00:34:04.300 --> 00:34:07.100 state and political opponents. 577 00:34:07.100 --> 00:34:13.200 There are many lines of attack including accusations of 578 00:34:13.200 --> 00:34:18.701 weakness, incompetence or something else. 579 00:34:18.701 --> 00:34:25.133 I don't think that's the case and I don't intend to get 580 00:34:25.133 --> 00:34:30.734 involved in a domestic American skirmish. 581 00:34:30.734 --> 00:34:35.334 OK, but let me ask you this. 582 00:34:35.334 --> 00:34:39.667 Do you think he listens to you? 583 00:34:39.667 --> 00:34:43.334 Well, I think we listen to each other in a way 584 00:34:43.334 --> 00:34:46.901 especially when it comes to something that doesn't go 585 00:34:46.901 --> 00:34:50.300 counter to our own ideas about what we should 586 00:34:50.300 --> 00:34:53.734 and should not do. 587 00:34:53.734 --> 00:34:57.634 But anyway I think we have a dialogue, we hear each other. 588 00:34:57.634 --> 00:35:03.133 You hear each other. 589 00:35:03.133 --> 00:35:07.667 Do you think he considers Russia -- you said you're not a super 590 00:35:07.667 --> 00:35:11.434 power -- he considers Russia an equal and considers you an 591 00:35:11.434 --> 00:35:15.234 equal which is the way you want to be treated? 592 00:35:15.234 --> 00:35:19.100 Well, you ask him. 593 00:35:19.100 --> 00:35:23.000 He's your president. 594 00:35:23.000 --> 00:35:26.901 How could I know what he thinks? 595 00:35:26.901 --> 00:35:30.601 Let me repeat. 596 00:35:30.601 --> 00:35:34.133 We have a relationship on an equal footing both in terms of 597 00:35:34.133 --> 00:35:37.501 interpersonal relations and our relations as people are equal. 598 00:35:37.501 --> 00:35:40.801 We're respectful of each other at least. 599 00:35:40.801 --> 00:35:44.033 And our professional contacts are at a good working level. 600 00:35:44.033 --> 00:35:47.067 How can I know what the President of the United States, 601 00:35:47.067 --> 00:35:50.400 of France, the Chancellor of Germany, the President of Japan 602 00:35:50.400 --> 00:35:53.467 or the chairman of the State Council of China are thinking? 603 00:35:53.467 --> 00:35:56.000 We don't look at what we think they do but I 604 00:35:56.000 --> 00:35:58.834 look at their actions. 605 00:35:58.834 --> 00:36:01.701 I know. 606 00:36:01.701 --> 00:36:04.868 Yes, of course. 607 00:36:04.868 --> 00:36:08.901 But you enjoy the work, you enjoy representing Russia and 608 00:36:08.901 --> 00:36:12.501 you know, you've been an intelligence officer. 609 00:36:12.501 --> 00:36:15.968 Intelligence officers know how to read other people. 610 00:36:15.968 --> 00:36:19.200 That's part of the job, yes? 611 00:36:19.200 --> 00:36:25.634 It used to be -- used to be. 612 00:36:25.634 --> 00:36:29.501 Now I have a different job an that's been for quite sometime 613 00:36:29.501 --> 00:36:33.367 Someone in Russia told me there is no such thing 614 00:36:33.367 --> 00:36:37.200 as a former 615 00:36:37.200 --> 00:36:41.067 >>KGB man. Once a KGB man: You know, not a single stage of our 616 00:36:41.067 --> 00:36:44.934 lives passes without a trace. 617 00:36:44.934 --> 00:36:49.501 No matter what we're involved in, no matter what we do. 618 00:36:49.501 --> 00:36:53.133 All this knowledge we acquire, all the experience will always 619 00:36:53.133 --> 00:36:56.534 remain with us and we carry it further and will use it somehow. 620 00:36:56.534 --> 00:37:00.334 Well, in a sense yes, they are right. 621 00:37:00.334 --> 00:37:03.634 A C.I.A. 622 00:37:03.634 --> 00:37:07.901 operative once said to me that one of the training you have is 623 00:37:07.901 --> 00:37:11.467 you learn the capacity to be light as well because you have 624 00:37:11.467 --> 00:37:14.968 to charm people. 625 00:37:14.968 --> 00:37:18.334 You have to seduce them. 626 00:37:18.334 --> 00:37:21.434 Well, if the C.I.A. 627 00:37:21.434 --> 00:37:24.133 told you, well if the C.I.A. 628 00:37:24.133 --> 00:37:26.901 told you then that's the way it is because 629 00:37:26.901 --> 00:37:30.400 they're not bad specialists. 630 00:37:30.400 --> 00:37:33.667 Think out loud for me, though. 631 00:37:33.667 --> 00:37:37.934 Think out loud because this is important. 632 00:37:37.934 --> 00:37:41.634 How can the United States and Russia cooperate in the 633 00:37:41.634 --> 00:37:45.100 interest of a better world? 634 00:37:45.100 --> 00:37:48.501 Think out loud. 635 00:37:48.501 --> 00:37:52.000 We're always thinking about that. 636 00:37:52.000 --> 00:37:55.400 One of the areas of our cooperation which is extremely 637 00:37:55.400 --> 00:38:04.968 important today and for many people -- for millions of 638 00:38:04.968 --> 00:38:13.400 people on the planet is our common joining of forces and our 639 00:38:13.400 --> 00:38:20.734 common efforts in countering terror. 640 00:38:20.734 --> 00:38:26.968 The other phenomena of this kind -- combating drug traffic. 641 00:38:26.968 --> 00:38:32.100 Like where? 642 00:38:32.100 --> 00:38:36.868 In all the regions of the world. 643 00:38:36.868 --> 00:38:40.868 Now as what you yourself said, you mentioned that Russia and 644 00:38:40.868 --> 00:38:44.801 the United States are the greatest nuclear powers. 645 00:38:44.801 --> 00:38:48.267 That places additional responsibility on our shoulders. 646 00:38:48.267 --> 00:38:51.334 We manage to work together. 647 00:38:51.334 --> 00:38:56.434 Along certain lines, we get along especially when it comes 648 00:38:56.434 --> 00:38:59.667 to Iran's nuclear program. 649 00:38:59.667 --> 00:39:02.868 We work together, after all. 650 00:39:02.868 --> 00:39:06.100 And in general we have attained quite positive results. 651 00:39:06.100 --> 00:39:09.334 How does that work because the 652 00:39:09.334 --> 00:39:12.567 President has often 653 00:39:12.567 --> 00:39:15.701 cited you for the assistance that you gave to reaching a 654 00:39:15.701 --> 00:39:20.667 final accord? 655 00:39:20.667 --> 00:39:24.434 What did you do? 656 00:39:24.434 --> 00:39:28.167 What did your negotiators contribute? 657 00:39:28.167 --> 00:39:31.901 Your foreign secretary Lavrov? 658 00:39:31.901 --> 00:39:35.667 Well, as strange as that 659 00:39:35.667 --> 00:39:39.400 may seem, the interests 660 00:39:39.400 --> 00:39:44.300 of the United States and Russia do sometimes coincide. 661 00:39:44.300 --> 00:39:48.901 And in this case, when I just told you that we have a 662 00:39:48.901 --> 00:39:53.367 particular responsibility incumbent upon us for the 663 00:39:53.367 --> 00:39:57.701 non-proliferation of WMDs in this area, our interests do 664 00:39:57.701 --> 00:40:01.934 precisely coincide. 665 00:40:01.934 --> 00:40:05.868 That's why together with the United States we've been engaged 666 00:40:05.868 --> 00:40:09.601 in consistent intensive work of the resolution of this issue. 667 00:40:09.601 --> 00:40:13.100 But Russia was guided not only by those considerations but also 668 00:40:13.100 --> 00:40:16.501 by the fact that Iran is our neighbor. 669 00:40:16.501 --> 00:40:20.067 It's our traditional partner. 670 00:40:20.067 --> 00:40:23.400 And that's why we wanted the situation 671 00:40:23.400 --> 00:40:26.200 around Iran to be normalized. 672 00:40:26.200 --> 00:40:29.234 We believe that after normalization and a resolution 673 00:40:29.234 --> 00:40:32.834 of this problem, the security situation in the Middle East 674 00:40:32.834 --> 00:40:35.934 will strengthen. 675 00:40:35.934 --> 00:40:38.534 In that regard, our evaluation of Iran's nuclear program pretty 676 00:40:38.534 --> 00:40:41.400 much coincides with America's. 677 00:40:41.400 --> 00:40:44.133 As you know the Republicans are 678 00:40:44.133 --> 00:40:46.901 running for president. 679 00:40:46.901 --> 00:40:49.634 And it's a big debate and they all are against the 680 00:40:49.634 --> 00:40:52.400 Iran nuclear deal. 681 00:40:52.400 --> 00:40:55.000 What would you tell them? 682 00:40:55.000 --> 00:40:57.734 I've already said that. 683 00:40:57.734 --> 00:41:00.334 If you want me to repeat it, I can. 684 00:41:00.334 --> 00:41:03.267 I'm confident that the agreements correspond to the 685 00:41:03.267 --> 00:41:06.501 interests of international security and strengthens the 686 00:41:06.501 --> 00:41:09.367 situation in the region. 687 00:41:09.367 --> 00:41:12.334 It puts definite serious barriers in the way of the WMD 688 00:41:12.334 --> 00:41:15.334 proliferation because the IAEA will fully and comprehensively 689 00:41:15.334 --> 00:41:18.501 monitor the situation. 690 00:41:18.501 --> 00:41:22.434 And that normalizes the situation in the Middle East in 691 00:41:22.434 --> 00:41:26.701 general because that helps us to construct normal 692 00:41:26.701 --> 00:41:31.567 business-like partners and political relations with all 693 00:41:31.567 --> 00:41:37.067 the countries in the region. 694 00:41:37.067 --> 00:41:41.601 You have a popularity rating in Russia that 695 00:41:41.601 --> 00:41:47.834 would make every politician in the world envious. 696 00:41:47.834 --> 00:41:53.300 Why are you so popular? 697 00:41:53.300 --> 00:41:58.400 There's something that I have in common 698 00:41:58.400 --> 00:42:03.234 with every citizen of Russia -- the love of our motherland. 699 00:42:03.234 --> 00:42:08.033 Many of us were moved by the emotional moment at 700 00:42:08.033 --> 00:42:14.000 the time of the World War II memory because of the sacrifices 701 00:42:14.000 --> 00:42:19.067 Russia had made. 702 00:42:19.067 --> 00:42:23.334 And you -- you were seen with the picture of your father with 703 00:42:23.334 --> 00:42:27.400 tears in your eyes. 704 00:42:27.400 --> 00:42:31.234 Yes, my family suffered severe losses during 705 00:42:31.234 --> 00:42:34.834 the Second World War. 706 00:42:34.834 --> 00:42:38.300 My relatives in general, that's true. 707 00:42:38.300 --> 00:42:41.667 Well, in my father's family, there were 708 00:42:41.667 --> 00:42:44.934 five brothers I believe. 709 00:42:44.934 --> 00:42:48.367 I think four of them died. 710 00:42:48.367 --> 00:42:51.701 On my mother's side the picture was pretty much the same. 711 00:42:51.701 --> 00:42:54.934 Russia has bad -- has suffered great losses. 712 00:42:54.934 --> 00:42:58.133 And of course we can't forget that. 713 00:42:58.133 --> 00:43:01.267 And we must not forget that. 714 00:43:01.267 --> 00:43:04.100 Not to put blame on somebody, but to prevent anything like 715 00:43:04.100 --> 00:43:06.767 this from happening again in the future. 716 00:43:06.767 --> 00:43:09.234 We must remember about this and we pay a great deal of respect 717 00:43:09.234 --> 00:43:11.601 to veterans, including U.S. 718 00:43:11.601 --> 00:43:13.868 veterans and they were at the victory day parade in our 719 00:43:13.868 --> 00:43:16.067 country on May 9 of this year. 720 00:43:16.067 --> 00:43:18.234 We remembered the sacrifices made by all the countries such 721 00:43:18.234 --> 00:43:20.300 as Great Britain and China. 722 00:43:20.300 --> 00:43:22.634 We remember this. 723 00:43:22.634 --> 00:43:27.033 And I believe that is our common positive memory about the joint 724 00:43:27.033 --> 00:43:31.067 fight against Nazism. 725 00:43:31.067 --> 00:43:36.234 And this will continue to be a good platform to overcome 726 00:43:36.234 --> 00:43:40.634 those difficulties that we're facing today. 727 00:43:40.634 --> 00:43:44.367 That's what you want to rekindle a sense of 728 00:43:44.367 --> 00:43:47.834 partnership with America against common enemies? 729 00:43:47.834 --> 00:43:51.267 Well not against common enemies, but in each 730 00:43:51.267 --> 00:43:54.367 other's interests. 731 00:43:54.367 --> 00:43:57.868 While you're also popular, as you know, and 732 00:43:57.868 --> 00:44:01.100 forgive me but there are many people who are critical of 733 00:44:01.100 --> 00:44:04.434 Russia, as you know. 734 00:44:04.434 --> 00:44:07.934 They say that it's more autocratic and less democratic. 735 00:44:07.934 --> 00:44:12.234 They say that political opponents and journalists have 736 00:44:12.234 --> 00:44:16.400 been killed and imprisoned in Russia. 737 00:44:16.400 --> 00:44:21.200 They say your power is unchallenged and they say that 738 00:44:21.200 --> 00:44:25.200 power and absolute power corrupts absolutely. 739 00:44:25.200 --> 00:44:29.300 What do you say to those people who worry about the climate, the 740 00:44:29.300 --> 00:44:33.133 atmosphere in Russia? 741 00:44:33.133 --> 00:44:36.767 Well, there can be no democracy without 742 00:44:36.767 --> 00:44:40.267 implementation of the law and compliance with the law. 743 00:44:40.267 --> 00:44:43.601 Everyone must observe the laws. 744 00:44:43.601 --> 00:44:46.901 This is the most important thing which we 745 00:44:46.901 --> 00:44:50.100 must bear in mind. 746 00:44:50.100 --> 00:44:53.234 No one must forget that. 747 00:44:53.234 --> 00:44:56.367 As for those tragic events such as the death of people including 748 00:44:56.367 --> 00:44:59.434 journalists, unfortunately they do occur in all 749 00:44:59.434 --> 00:45:02.734 countries of the world. 750 00:45:02.734 --> 00:45:05.968 But if they happen in our country we do the utmost to find 751 00:45:05.968 --> 00:45:09.167 the criminals and to punish them. 752 00:45:09.167 --> 00:45:12.300 And we do this in all directions but the most important thing is 753 00:45:12.300 --> 00:45:15.067 that we will continue to improve our political system so 754 00:45:15.067 --> 00:45:17.868 that people can feel, every citizen can feel, that they do 755 00:45:17.868 --> 00:45:21.000 influence the country and the society so that the authorities 756 00:45:21.000 --> 00:45:24.400 would feel responsible with regard to those people who 757 00:45:24.400 --> 00:45:28.200 trust them during election campaigns. 758 00:45:28.200 --> 00:45:33.667 As you well know, if you as the leader of this 759 00:45:33.667 --> 00:45:38.267 country insist the rule of law be adhered, if you insist that 760 00:45:38.267 --> 00:45:42.400 justice be done, if you because of your power, then it could go 761 00:45:42.400 --> 00:45:45.801 a long way to eliminating that perception. 762 00:45:45.801 --> 00:45:49.267 Well a lot can be done but not everyone 763 00:45:49.267 --> 00:45:52.634 succeeds with everything from the very start. 764 00:45:52.634 --> 00:45:55.901 Look here. 765 00:45:55.901 --> 00:45:58.868 How long did it take the democratic process to develop in 766 00:45:58.868 --> 00:46:01.567 the United States since the very beginning of the creation of 767 00:46:01.567 --> 00:46:04.334 the United States? 768 00:46:04.334 --> 00:46:06.934 Do you believe that everything is perfect now from the point 769 00:46:06.934 --> 00:46:09.367 of view of democracy? 770 00:46:09.367 --> 00:46:11.634 If it were perfect, there would be no problem 771 00:46:11.634 --> 00:46:14.400 in Ferguson, right? 772 00:46:14.400 --> 00:46:16.734 There would be no other problems of a similar nature. 773 00:46:16.734 --> 00:46:19.434 There would be no abuse by the police. 774 00:46:19.434 --> 00:46:22.367 But our task is to see all these problems and to react properly 775 00:46:22.367 --> 00:46:26.033 in due time. 776 00:46:26.033 --> 00:46:29.033 This is the same case in Russia -- a lot of problems. 777 00:46:29.033 --> 00:46:31.534 So the people who killed Nemtsov will be 778 00:46:31.534 --> 00:46:34.567 prosecuted to the fullest? 779 00:46:34.567 --> 00:46:37.901 Yes. 780 00:46:37.901 --> 00:46:41.300 I said it right away. 781 00:46:41.300 --> 00:46:44.467 This is a shameful page in our modern history, today's history; 782 00:46:44.467 --> 00:46:47.501 and criminals must be prosecuted and punished. 783 00:46:47.501 --> 00:46:50.801 Probably this cannot be done in a second, but we have had other 784 00:46:50.801 --> 00:46:54.200 examples of crimes of this kind. 785 00:46:54.200 --> 00:46:57.200 And finally in the end, despite the fact that these 786 00:46:57.200 --> 00:47:00.267 investigations continue for quite a long time, it concluded 787 00:47:00.267 --> 00:47:03.501 in a due manner. 788 00:47:03.501 --> 00:47:07.133 You know that I admire Russia and its culture 789 00:47:07.133 --> 00:47:11.033 very much -- its literature, its music. 790 00:47:11.033 --> 00:47:15.234 It is a large country, a big country. 791 00:47:15.234 --> 00:47:20.000 And many people, including Stalin, have said Russia needs a 792 00:47:20.000 --> 00:47:23.834 strong authoritative figure. 793 00:47:23.834 --> 00:47:27.534 They worship, Stalin said, that kind of figure. 794 00:47:27.534 --> 00:47:30.534 Was Stalin right? 795 00:47:30.534 --> 00:47:33.567 No, he was wrong. 796 00:47:33.567 --> 00:47:36.601 I don't remember him saying that so I can't 797 00:47:36.601 --> 00:47:39.634 confirm those quotes. 798 00:47:39.634 --> 00:47:42.767 Russia as any other country in the world needs just principles 799 00:47:42.767 --> 00:47:48.267 for state structure rather than dictators. 800 00:47:48.267 --> 00:47:52.868 Russia needs these principles which flexibly respond to these 801 00:47:52.868 --> 00:47:56.567 changes inside the country and outside the country. 802 00:47:56.567 --> 00:48:00.934 That's what Russia needs. 803 00:48:00.934 --> 00:48:04.734 But there is a tradition of 804 00:48:04.734 --> 00:48:08.133 strong leadership here. 805 00:48:08.133 --> 00:48:11.234 Of all those people, who do you -- 806 00:48:11.234 --> 00:48:14.334 Well you know, in most European countries, 807 00:48:14.334 --> 00:48:17.434 there's parliamentary democracy. 808 00:48:17.434 --> 00:48:20.501 Japan has it, many countries have it. 809 00:48:20.501 --> 00:48:23.534 But for some reason the state structure of the U.S. 810 00:48:23.534 --> 00:48:26.567 is quite different. 811 00:48:26.567 --> 00:48:29.601 It's a quite rigid presidential republic. 812 00:48:29.601 --> 00:48:32.634 Each country has its own special features, its own traditions 813 00:48:32.634 --> 00:48:35.634 which are reflected in today and will be 814 00:48:35.634 --> 00:48:38.634 reflected in the future. 815 00:48:38.634 --> 00:48:41.667 We also have such traditions in Russia but we're not talking 816 00:48:41.667 --> 00:48:44.667 about some strong figure although, of course, such a 817 00:48:44.667 --> 00:48:47.667 figure is needed in the leadership but we need to find 818 00:48:47.667 --> 00:48:50.667 an explanation about who this strong man is. 819 00:48:50.667 --> 00:48:53.601 Is it a dictator or is it just a leader who acts within his 820 00:48:53.601 --> 00:48:56.367 duties by the law and for the sake of the interest of the 821 00:48:56.367 --> 00:48:59.267 major part of the population? 822 00:48:59.267 --> 00:49:04.434 If he's acting consistently and in a principled way this is a 823 00:49:04.434 --> 00:49:10.868 totally different situation. 824 00:49:10.868 --> 00:49:18.367 So I believe that Russia does need such people -- the second 825 00:49:18.367 --> 00:49:24.300 type I've mentioned. 826 00:49:24.300 --> 00:49:29.334 A second class -- Russia needs that much more -- 827 00:49:29.334 --> 00:49:33.834 As you know, some have called you a czar. 828 00:49:33.834 --> 00:49:38.200 Well, what of it? 829 00:49:38.200 --> 00:49:41.834 You know, people call me different names. 830 00:49:41.834 --> 00:49:45.434 Well, does the name fit? 831 00:49:45.434 --> 00:49:48.834 No, it doesn't fit me. 832 00:49:48.834 --> 00:49:51.934 You know we have a saying. 833 00:49:51.934 --> 00:49:55.067 Call me a pot if you want just don't put me in the oven. 834 00:49:55.067 --> 00:49:58.167 It's not important what you are called by your well-wishers, 835 00:49:58.167 --> 00:50:01.367 friends or your political opponents. 836 00:50:01.367 --> 00:50:05.367 What's important is what you yourself think about what you 837 00:50:05.367 --> 00:50:09.801 must do for the interest of the country which has entrusted you 838 00:50:09.801 --> 00:50:13.534 with such a position, with such a post as the head of the 839 00:50:13.534 --> 00:50:16.801 Russian state. 840 00:50:16.801 --> 00:50:19.534 Are people in Russia fearful of you? 841 00:50:19.534 --> 00:50:22.100 I think not. 842 00:50:22.100 --> 00:50:24.634 Part one of my two-part interview with 843 00:50:24.634 --> 00:50:27.200 President Putin of Russia. 844 00:50:27.200 --> Tomorrow night: part two.