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n these times of uncertainty and concern over unsettled international relations on Earth, particularly relations between East and West, greater understanding between the people is vital to establish peace. Increased awareness and understanding of views from all sides of major debated issues is important, in that more beneficial actions and resulting outcomes become possible.
American editor and writer Norman Cousins (1912-1990), in his 1953 book titled “Who Speaks For Man?”, wrote: “War is an invention of the human mind. The human mind can invent peace.” May the high spirit and power of Norman Cousins’ wise words now flood the Earth.
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(Thank you to Russia Insight at YouTube, Inessa S for English translation)
Editor’s note: The video documentary originally published at Russia Insight and here was taken down at YouTube, for reasons we have not determined.
(Transcript)
“If we look at the trends for development in the world, then it’s best to have Russia as your ally. We’re a great power. Nobody likes competition. Competitors are kept at bay – but I think in the long run, we will win. Few expected that we would act so quickly, decisively, boldly. I have some very good anchors – those anchors are the interests of the Russian Federation and its people.”
“World Order – 2018”
amburg, Tehran, Beijing, Paris, Moscow; difficult, sometimes very difficult negotiations … Press conferences, flights – our crew have filmed the President on business trips for over a year … Working with various kinds of people; allies and opponents, politicians and diplomats; the interests of Russia, the interests of the world; principles and contradictions. Everything is as usual – handshakes, photos; 1-on-1 meetings, or in teams … Speaking with journalists.
What happens behind closed doors? What does it take to achieve each new step toward mutual understanding? When he has a chance, Putin answers our questions, explains the logic behind his decisions. Everything that has taken place over the past few years – the difficult search for agreement between different peoples, leaders, states.
“Vladimir Vladimirovich: Who makes Russian foreign policy? Is it you, or is there a team of people? Are there dominant figures, or are they inclined toward various forms of dialogue? How does it happen in the context of daily changing situations?
“You want me to reveal all the secrets?
“That would be very interesting!
“I think it would be wrong. It’s a sacred thing. But you described it as it is – there are different points of view in our teams; different approaches, different proposals. Shall we do it like this or like that? There are times when we are in full agreement – for example during the events in Crimea. But it happens differently more often – discussions, exchange of opinion, but in the end I have to make a final decision. It can’t be any other way…
“The burden of power!
“Well, burden or not, it’s a responsibility. Once a decision is taken, then everyone works to make it happen.”
***
Bashar al-Assad, President of Syria. [Sochi, 2017] He faced the fate of Hussein and Gaddafi; that of his country – Iraq or Libya. “From the people of Syria – I would like to express my gratitude for what you have done. We will not forget it.”
THE ONENESS of HUMANITY 