The President of Russia Vladimir Putin opposed reducing the hours of teaching Russian language in national republics. His words on Thursday, July 20, reports RIA Novosti.
“To force a person to learn the language that his mother is not as objectionable as to reduce the level and time of teaching Russian,” — said Putin at the meeting of the Council for interethnic relations.
The head of state reminded that the Russian language is the state. “It does not replace, it is a natural spiritual frame of our multi-ethnic country, it should know each”, — said Putin.
However, he noted that the languages of the peoples of Russia are also an integral part of the country’s culture. “Repeatedly said that everything connected with the national identity, with traditions — sphere is thin and very sensitive, and act there should be very delicately and wisely,” reminded the President.
On 12 July President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko said about the importance of the Russian language for the country and called him a national treasure of Belarus.