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March 20, 2003
President Putin presents state award to Interfax director-general
Russian President Vladimir Putin on March 20 presented the Order of Friendship to the Interfax news agency's Director-General Mikhail Komissar.
The presidential decree says that this state award was conferred on Mikhail Komissar "in recognition of his remarkable role in strengthening the Russian state system and in promoting international friendship and cooperation."
Addressing the state award recipients in the Kremlin, Putin said that on this day awards are being given to people "who have tied their lives and destinies with the destiny of Russia." "Without their successes, the success of our country would be impossible," the Russian president said.
"The award winning achievements, whatever they are for, are guiding many in this country," he said.
"If we follow the standards which you are setting, we shall undoubtedly attain excellent results," Putin said.
Later Komissar said in an interview that "this award also goes to all my colleagues at Interfax and to journalists in all other independent Russian media groups."
"Our news may differ and may not always be to the authorities' liking. But the president and other officials are aware of the important role which the press is playing in our life. Undoubtedly, this is a new phenomenon in Russia," Komissar said.
He also said that "hopefully, this newly-established tradition will grow stronger from year to year."
On March 20, Putin presented state awards to 40 Russian citizens, among them politicians, public figures and businessmen. .
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