RUSSIA: SUBMARINE DISASTER: PUTIN SPEAKS

Описание: (20 Aug 2000) Russian/Nat
Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin, criticised for taking a back seat in dealing with the submarine disaster which has united his country in grief, has finally spoken out about the tragedy.
Following a meeting with the head of Russia's naval construction department, Putin made his comments in an address the church leaders in Moscow.
He acknowledged the emotional impact of the accident, which is now thought to have cost the lives of all 118 of the Kursk's crew, and insisted that everything would be done to rescue any possible survivors.
The President also implied that there would be financial and spiritual support for the bereaved families of the crew members.
Reacting to criticism that he did not interrupt his summer vacation when news of the disaster broke, Putin returned to Moscow ahead of schedule on Saturday and held meetings with top officials.
SOUNDBITE: (Russian)
"We are all, with pain in our hearts and with tears in our eyes are following the events on the Barents Sea. The sailors are doing everything to rescue our comrades. Up to the last minute we will do everything we can to save anyone who can be saved and we will hope for the best. I want to thank everyone who is helping with the operation, including you, the church and its religion. Our common duty is to help financially, help the children, the wives, the fathers, they are relying on our help."
SUPERCAPTION: Russian President Vladimir Putin

Find out more about AP Archive: http://www.aparchive.com/HowWeWork
Twitter:   / ap_archive  
Facebook:   / aparchives   ​​
Instagram:   / apnews  


You can license this story through AP Archive: http://www.aparchive.com/metadata/you...