Vladimir Putin: Russia Prepared to Increase Stability in Balkans

Russia is prepared to do everything in its power to improve stability in the Balkans. President Vladimir Putin made this declaration yesterday at a session of the Bulgarian parliament. According to the Russian President, Moscow has always followed the development of events in the Balkans very carefully and has a number of proposals for ensuring 'peace and prosperity in the region.'

Vladimir Putin spoke in the Bulgarian parliament as part of a three-day state visit to Sofia. During the visit a number of important documents were signed setting out relations between the two countries on matters concerning the economy, science and technology. The Russian President also met with Bulgarian President Georgi Parvanov, Prime Minister Simeon Saxe-Coburg Gotha, the head of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church and other official figures. Putin and the rest of the Russian governmental delegation are due to return to Russia today.