© Presidential Press and Information OfficePutin's New Year Address to the Nation.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has said in a New Year's message to U.S. President Barack Obama that Moscow is looking for equality in bilateral relations next year.
The Kremlin on Wednesday published several dozen New Year's messages addressed to heads of states and international organizations such as the Olympic Committee and FIFA.
Putin reminded Obama of the upcoming 70th anniversary of the allied victory in World War II and said that
it should serve as a reminder of "the responsibility that Russia and the United States bear for maintaining peace and international stability." Moscow is anxious for the relations to advance but only
as long as there is "equality and mutual respect."Conspicuously absent from the list of the recipients of New Year's messages was Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko.
Source: AP
Comment: Polite, firm, diplomatic, reasonable. How many times, and in how many ways, does Putin have to say it? The only thing standing in the way of peace is the U.S.'s belligerent, arrogant, megalomaniacal psychopathy. There would be no conflict in Ukraine, or Syria, or Iraq, if the U.S. just accepted that they have no right to rule the world like a global dictator. Equality and mutual respect. It doesn't sound like much, but it's unthinkable to the clowns in Washington.
Putin also wished happy New Year to the Russian people. Here's
his description of the holiday season:
The New Year of 2015 is about to begin.
As always, we look forward to it with anticipation, making wishes, giving gifts and traditionally seeing in the New Year with family and friends. An atmosphere of kindness, goodwill and generosity warms our hearts, opening them up to pure thoughts and honourable deeds and giving hope.
Naturally, everyone is concerned primarily about the well-being of their own family, wishing health and happiness to their near and dear ones. The happiness and success of each person makes up the well-being of Russia.
The world needs more leaders like this man: individuals willing and able to live with virtue, honor, and goodwill, to be the conscience of their nation, setting an example. The example set by leaders in the West is atrocious, and we can see the result in the social chaos eating away at Western society.
An ordinary man called up to be present and act in extraordinary times.
May all of us gain courage, support and wisdom from such as he.
May we each of us within our own family, friends and communities become as honourable, open and supportive of each other in those areas in our own and shared lives we can help, further and encourage change for the best.