. Who is behind (CONTINUES OVER SHOT OF PEOPLE LISTENING) these provocations? We know that among them there are staff of official US institutions.” 8. WIDE OF STUDIO 9. (SOUNDBITE) (Russian) RUSSIAN PRESIDENT VLADIMIR PUTIN, SAYING: ”(STARTS OVER SHOT OF STUDIO) Süddeutsche Zeitung is a part of a media holding (CONTINUES OVER MIDDLE SHOT) which belongs to the US financial corporation Goldman Sachs. The ears of the instigator are sticking out everywhere but they don’t even redden.” . (SOUNDBITE) (Russian) RUSSIAN PRESIDENT VLADIMIR PUTIN, SAYING: “Last year we sold weapons worth of USD15 billion, no, the year before the last we sold USD15 billion worth, and last year USD14.5 billion worth. The total orders on hand for the coming years are USD 50 billion. Interest in buying our arms (CONTINUES OVER CLOSER SHOT) have increased significantly following our air force operation in Syria.” 4. PEOPLE LISTENING 5. (SOUNDBITE) (Russian) RUSSIAN PRESIDENT VLADIMIR PUTIN, SAYING: “The state defence order will not be reduced. We will cut the financing of the defence ministry and nearly all other law enforcement bodies. Yes, we are doing it because of well-known budget restrictions. In the current circumstances it is an absolutely logical thing to do.” RUSSIAN PRESIDENT VLADIMIR PUTIN, SAYING: “Unfortunately this outburst of violence took place. We will do all we can to settle it, to find solutions acceptable to both sides and of course, long-term solutions for the Karabakh conflict are needed. They can be reached only through political means, a compromise must be found.” an) RUSSIAN PRESIDENT VLADIMIR PUTIN, SAYING: “We are in contact on this issue with Ukraine’s leadership. Our partners know our position. With such issues it’s better not to get ahead of ourselves.” 2. (SOUNDBITE) (Russian) RUSSIAN PRESIDENT VLADIMIR PUTIN, SAYING: “I don’t think that in the near future our partners will cancel restrictions and limitations towards our country.” 3. PEOPLE LISTENING 4. (SOUNDBITE) (Russian) RUSSIAN PRESIDENT VLADIMIR PUTIN, SAYING: “They will make something up and keep these restrictions. And this means we will keep relevant restrictions on access of their food goods to our market.” 3. (SOUNDBITE) (Russian) RUSSIAN PRESIDENT VLADIMIR PUTIN, SAYING: “Kurds are fighting selflessly, without, not sparing themselves. They are a very serious force in the fight against terrorism in the Middle East and in Syria in particular.” 4. MEDIA 5. (SOUNDBITE) (Russian) RUSSIAN PRESIDENT VLADIMIR PUTIN, SAYING: “Our servicemen are in contact with armed Kurdish units, also near Aleppo where terrorists, al-Nusra and IS are currently trying to push them from their positions. We see it and we will support them.” d that gross domestic product declined by 3.7 percent. This year the government expects the economy to continue to decline slightly, but only about 0.3 percent, next year (SPEAKING OVER WIDE SHOT OF HALL) we expect 1.4 percent growth. In this case it is difficult to feel the bottom is (CONTINUES OVER SHOT OF PEOPLE LISTENING), but the government showed it to us: (CO NTINUES OVER SHOT OF PUTIN TALKING TO ANCHOR MAN) this year there will be small decline, and the next year the rise.” 7. VARIOUS OF PEOPLE LISTENING 8. (SOUNDBITE) (Russian) RUSSIAN PRESIDENT VLADIMIR PUTIN, SAYING: “It means that if we continue spending (money from reserve funds) the same way we’ve spent last year, —” AP 3. SOUNDBITE: (Russian) Vladimir Putin, Russian President: ++VARIOUS ANGLES DURING SOUNDBITE++ “We have withdrawn a significant part of our contingent, but after the withdrawal we have left Syrian forces in such condition that, with the help of the remaining part of the contingent, it is capable to conduct significant offensive operations and after the withdrawal of our forces it has captured Palmyra.”