During his traditional New Year address to the
nation Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed sincere gratitude to the
Russian people for "cohesion and solidarity, the deepest sense of truth,
dignity, responsibility for the country's destiny and for the continued
readiness to defend the interests of the country".
MOSCOW, December 31 (Sputnik) — All Russian
citizens should take the credit for the successful staging of the
best Winter Olympics in history, Russian President Vladimir Putin said
in his New Year address.
"Only a few years ago, the Sochi Olympics was
considered a dream. But not only did it come true, not only did we prepare
for and host the best Winter Olympics in history, but came
out the victors," Putin said in the address.
The Russian president added that, "All of our
citizens, including our Olympic athletes and those who supported them deserve
credit for this victory."
The Sochi games were the first Winter Olympics hosted
by Russia. The only other Olympics were hosted in the summer
of 1980 in Moscow, when it was hosted by the USSR and boycotted
by several Western nations.
Russia won the most gold medals in the Sochi
Olympics, as well as the most medals in total.
Russian President Vladimir Putin also said that Crimea's
reunification with Russia in March will always be the most important
milestone in country's history.
"Love for the Motherland is one of the
most powerful, uplifting feelings. It manifested to the full extent
in the brotherly support of Crimea and Sevastopol residents, when
they firmly decided to return home. This event will always be the most
important milestone in the country's history," Putin said.
Putin also expressed sincere gratitude to the Russian
people for "cohesion and solidarity, the deepest sense of truth,
dignity, responsibility for the country's destiny and for the
continued readiness to defend the interests of the country."
Crimea seceded from Ukraine and rejoined Russia
in March. The move was backed by an overwhelming 96 percent majority
in a referendum on March 16.
Source: Sputnik News 31-12-2014
