Medvedev intends to announce 2012 year of Russian history

VLADIMIR, July 23 (Itar-Tass) - Russian President Dmitry Medvedev
intends to announce 2012 to be the Year of Russian History. The Russian
president said that Ukraine and Belarus had already supported the idea.
Medvedev convened a meeting of the Council for culture and science in
Vladimir on Friday to discuss the preparation for the celebrations of the
1150th anniversary of Russian statehood.
"This jubilee is not only our holiday. I think that we could mark this
date together with our closely related countries: I mean Ukraine and
Belarus," the president went on to say.
"We have common roots and history. 2012 is an important year not just
for our country," Medvedev said.
"I've talked to my colleagues, and they've come up with some
interesting ideas. It was suggested to announce 2012 to be the year of
Russian culture. I think it's a good idea because this year is rich in
vital events," the Russian president emphasized.
Medvedev added he and his partners had discussed the creation of
special discussion platforms for historians.