Russians mark Day of Russia

Russia is marking the Day of Russia. Russian President Vladimir Putin has reminded about the democratic and economic progress of the country, retention of state and ethnic diversity, historical unity, traditions, devotion to the Fatherland, protection of freedom and independence.
The Day of Russia was fixed by the Declaration of State Sovereignty of the Russian Soviet Federative Socialist Republic signed on June 12, 1990. Russia held the first direct presidential elections on June 12, 1991. The Day of Russia has been marked since 2002. On this day, the president presents the State Award of the Russian Federation to people who have made significant achievements in science, technologies, literature, art and the humanitarian field.
Russia has been congratulated by Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev, US Secretary of State John Kerry, Iranian President Hassan Rouhani, Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan, North Korean Supreme Leader Kim Jong-un, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Kyrgyz President Almazbek Atambayev, Russian Chief Rabbi Berel Lazar and other politicians and public figures.
Over a thousand various events have been initiated for the Day of Russia in Moscow: master classes, concerts, exhibitions, presentations, fireworks, campaigns in parks. Concerts have been held in Makhachkala and Tuapse.
The best concert halls of New York, Rio de Janeiro, Beijing, Jerusalem and Paris host performances of Russian orchestras. The Vivat, Rossiya! festival was held in Mexico yesterday.