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Putin congratulates Russians on New Year

“I wish you health and happiness. Let joy rule in each home, let accord and prosperity come to each family."

© ITAR-TASS/Mikhail Metzel

PETROPAVLOVSK-KAMCHATSKY, December 31. /ITAR-TASS/. Russian President Vladimir Putin has congratulated Russia on New Year. The first to hear the presidential address were residents of Russia's Far Eastern regions.

“Dear Friends! We are welcoming the New Year 2014. Just in several minutes we shall make a step from the present to the future. It is one of our warmest and most hearty traditions to celebrate this wonderful holiday. It has been passed on from generation to generation, uniting all of us.

“Of course, we are not spared from problems and serious trials. Nonetheless, we have achieved much in the outgoing year. Our country has become better, richer, more comfortable, it persistently advocates its interests in the international affairs. So, today we sincerely rejoice at the New Year, we are welcoming it with the hope for and dreams of a better future, we sincerely believe in all the very best, in good luck and success. These feelings and aspirations cement our unity — only together we can be strong to ensure Russia’s progress, to see our plans and intentions come true.

“Dear Friends! In the ongoing year, we have a lot to do in the economy to improve people’s lives, to conduct the Olympic Games due in slightly more than a month at the highest level.

“The New Year’s Eve is the time when we especially feel how close we are. So, let us thank each other for the understanding and support, for the love and care. We do it only too seldom in the rush of everyday life, but it is the help of our near and dear, the reliability of our friends that make us feel confident, make us want to give more than we take.

“I wish you health and happiness. Let joy rule in each home, let accord and prosperity come to each family."

“Happy New Year 2014, Russia!” the president said.

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