Bush: Putin Wants To Improve Russians' Quality Of Life

U.S. President George W. Bush said that during his meetings with the Russian president he had become convinced that Vladimir Putin strove at improving living standards in Russia and was looking for ways to do so. Answering a question of this RIA Novosti correspondent, Mr. Bush said at a meeting with journalists on Monday in the Roosevelt Room of the White House that sound economy needs investments, which will result in "better wages and more jobs, housing, and opportunities." At the same time, Mr. Bush stressed that "investment inflow into any economy depends on market conditions," which include an array of factors, such as a profitability rate, risks, lawfulness, infrastructure, and so forth. Mr. Bush added that investment into Russia would grow as these factors reduce. He also called Mr. Putin's approach to economic development "a wise policy." The American president appraised the tax reform and introduction of a flat income tax in Russia, which were initiated by Mr. Putin. "Many American politicians have often spoken about this with no result, and he has done it," Mr. Bush stressed.