Russian President Vladimir Putin will reply to questions by Russians live in a TV-radio dialogue on October 18 at noon MT.
The TV and radio dialogue will be aired by the Pervy (First), Rossiya and Vesti (News) federal TV networks as well as by the Mayak (Beacon) and Radio Rossii radio stations. The head of state will reply to questions by residents of Russian various regions and of foreign countries.
It has become a tradition for the Russian leader to speak directly with Russians: the TV dialogue will be held for the sixth time.
Putin spoke with his fellow countrymen in the winters of 2001, 2002 and 2003, not far from the New Year. Then, a decision was taken to arrange dialogues in a warmer season, since, as the president explained, it is very cold in Russia in December.
Last year, the president's TV conversation with citizens was held on October 25. At that time, Putin set a record in longevity of his conversation with Russians: he replied to questions of his fellow countrymen for two hours 54 minutes. Putin had time to reply to 52 Russians from nine regions of the country as well as to citizens of Sevastopol ( Ukraine), replying slightly over three minutes to every question.
The overwhelming majority of questions dealt with Russian domestic policy. Rare questions touched on international issues.
Ordinary citizens put questions to Putin usually by telephone, through Internet or live through TV hook-ups. Mobile TV stations go to various Russian cities and outside the country so that Russians could contact the head of state, "looking at each other". ( Itar-Tass )