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RUSSIAN PRESIDENT'S AIDES COMMENT ON HIS STATE OF THE NATION ADDRESS

MOSCOW, May 26 (RIA Novosti) - Russian President's aides spoke about the liberal spirit and long-term goals of Vladimir Putin's state of the nation address to the Federal Assembly.

"The liberal spirit of the address was obvious," President's Aide Sergei Yastrzhembsky told RIA Novosti commenting on the address delivered on Wednesday.

"In my opinion, it's just what Europe needs," said Mr. Yastrzhembsky, in charge of relations with Europe.

President's Aide Andrei Illarionov pointed out long-term goals of the state of the nation address.

"The address outlines not only short-term but also long-term goals for the first time," he said. According to Mr. Illarionov, the President set the task of rapid growth of competitive economy and the increase of living standards.

Deputy Vladimir Ryzhkov believes the address was definite and substantial. "Our main problem is not the goals but the state stuff and bureaucrats. Corrupted bureaucrats is Russia's greatest evil," the deputy stressed.

According to government chief of staff Dmitry Kozak, Vladimir Putin gave much attention to the state staff reforms. "The President focused on the division of authorities and the elimination of excessive functions," Mr. Kozak said.

All in all, over 700 people, including State Duma and Federation Council deputies, federal ministers, the President's staff officials, governors, religious and public figures and heads of the federal media, were invited to the ceremony. About 250 journalists worked in the Kremlin today.