В.Путин.Вступления в должность Президента России.Part 3

Inauguration Ceremony Part 3 May 7, 2000 The Great Kremlin Palace, Moscow. Церемония вступления Владимира Путина в должность Президента России 7 мая 2000 года Москва, Большой Кремлевский дворец. For me, this day is also very festive and exciting, although, frankly speaking, I hadnt expected that. Yes, we started writing the history of the new Russia on a blank slate, so to speak, through trial and error. There were many tough challenges, many difficulties, but now we all have something to be proud of: Russia has changed. It has changed because we took care of it like the apple of our eye, and staunchly defended our main achievement - freedom. We have preserved for Russia a worthy place in the international community, we did not let the country go down the path of dictatorship, we did not allow chaotic discord and we opened up the way to peoples well-being. Success in this effort is a matter of time and intense work. Today is the first time in a century that we have a legal transfer of power from one head of state to another. Of course, this is not a simple thing, and we must be proud that it is happening without coups or putsches or revolutions, but in a peaceful, respectful and dignified manner. Such a thing is possible only in a free country, a country that has stopped fearing not only others but itself and its own authorities who have freed its citizens and given them freedom. Of course, this is possible only in the new Russia, which has taught people to be free in thought and deed. Esteemed citizens of Russia! Today Vladimir Putins presidency officially begins. I am not passing on to him merely the symbol of presidential power; he is receiving that which is most important responsibility for the countrys future and for all Russian citizens. So today I would like to wish you, Vladimir Vladimirovich, success and luck. The Russian people remember you and together you will go forward. These words are sincere, they come straight from the heart; I cannot do [speak] otherwise, since all of this went through me. Your goal is to live up to these hopes, and I want to repeat the words I once said to you: Take care of Russia.