President of Russia: Vladimir Putin chaired a meeting of the Presidential Council for Interethnic Relations on the issues of the Russian language

President of Russia Vladimir Putin expressed concern about the level of knowledge of the Russian language by Russians. Speaking at the meeting of the Presidential Council for Interethnic relations, he instructed Government of Russia to think about how to celebrate the Day of the Russian language.

“The fundamental basis of the unity of the country, of course, is the Russian language; it is it that forms a common civil, cultural, educational environment. To know it, at a high level, should every citizen of Russia”, - said Vladimir Putin.

The Day of the Russian language is celebrated in Russia on June 6, on the birthday of Alexander Pushkin. “But this event is not up to standard, many do not even know that such holiday is on the calendar”, - President expressed his regret.

The head of state instructed the Government to “submit proposals for the celebration of the Day of the Russian language in 2013 and in perspective”.

“In order to enable people to thoroughly study the Russian language you need to create and constantly improve the necessary for that conditions”, - noted the head of state.

As part of the federal target program, reminded Vladimir Putin, to create conditions for the study of the Russian language till 2015 it is provided 2.5 billion rubles. “But it would be wrong to rely only on this program; you need to increase the support for the Russian language as the native language, seriously study with its promotion at the federal level in all regions of the country”, - emphasized President of Russia.