В.Путин.Выступление на торжественном приеме.

Speech at Reception held for the 80th birthday of Mstislav Rostropovich March 27, 2007 Grand Kremlin Palace, Moscow Выступление на торжественном приеме по случаю 80-летия Мстислава Ростроповича 27 марта 2007 года Москва, Государственный Кремлевский дворец PRESIDENT VLADIMIR PUTIN: Ladies and gentlemen, dear guests, Today marks a great event not just in Russian, but in world cultural life, because today we are celebrating the birthday of an outstanding musician and excellent person. Everything begins to breath talent in Mr Rostropovichs hands, be it the bow of a cello or the conductors baton. People call Mr Rostropovich a Man of the World, and indeed he is, but I know personally, and many of those here know, just how deep are his feelings for Russia and how strong his love for our country. There are many people in positions of power, many prominent people in the world who love Mr Rostropovichs work. His strength lies not in this, however, but in the love of millions of ordinary people.