Joseph Kobzon: I hope for President's attention to culture

Russian singer, first deputy chairman of the State Duma Committee of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation for Culture, People's Artist of USSR Iosif Kobzon, said that it would be important if Vladimir Putin touches upon the issues of culture in his address to the Federal Assembly today.

"If you analyze it, despite Russophobia in the world and not very friendly environment, today our country is the most calm and safe one, but it all depends on the state of the spiritual culture of the society," he told Vestnik Kavkaza.   "Therefore, I hope that the President will mark the importance of culture in the development of our country in his address," Iosif Kobzon explained.   "Also, I am waiting for the President in his message to speak about Russia's international position, the growth of the industry and other important aspects - but most of all I am interested in the development of culture," the deputy chairman of the Duma Committee on Culture concluded.