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Russian Federation returns 22 archives to the Dutch government
Amsterdam, june 6 2001. On the second day of the first ever four day official visit of a Dutch head of state to the Russian Federation the two governments say in a joint statement that 22 archives are to return to Holland.
The dispute about the Koenig collection and two paintings in the Pushkin museum could not be settled yet.
During the second world war the archives were transferred to the Soviet Union.
The Dutch government is prepared to aid Russian research into letters from Tsar Nicolas I. The documents are in possession of the Royal archives and may clarify the tragic death of the one time great Russian writer Alexander Pushkin.
The Dutch Queen Beatrix and her husband Prince Claus were to visit Russia three years ago. Because of the state of heath of the then Russian President Jeltsin the visit was cancelled. Because of the deteriorating health of Prince Claus he is replaced by Crown Prince Willem- Alexander.
The Dutch government wants to strengthen the relations to Russia. The Queen therefore avoids every critical stance on human rights and the freedom of the press. Although in her speech at the state banquet she referred to the promise of President Putin in his election campaign to establish a "dictatorship of the law" by saying: "You have indicated the importance of strengthening the rule of law, the legal security for citizens and the protection of the freedom of speech as indispensable elements in society."
The Russian President for his part emphasized the old ties of the two countries.
With the coming of Bush as President of the United States the Russians are focusing more on their relationship with European states.
Press release
Program
Tuesday june 5: Moscow
Arrival in Moscow (14.00)
Reception by President Putin
The Wreath-Laying Ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier
State banquet
Wednesday june 6: Moscow
The Queen visits Academy of Sciences
The Prince of Orange visits the Sacharov Museum
Visit to the Council of the Federation and the Doema
Meeting with the Mayor of Moscow
The Prince of Orange visits the Independent Media group. A company owned by the Dutchman Derk Sauer and Publisher of the Moscow Times.
Reception in the Pushkin Museum of the Dutch community in Russia.
The Dutch National Ballet in the May Theatre, offered by the Queen.
Thursday june 7: Nizhny Novgorod/ St. Petersburg
Nizhny Novgorod
Meeting with the Governor and the representative of the President
Boat tour
The Wreath laying at the Eternal Flame in commemoration with the victims of the second world war
visit to Praktika, trainings centre for journalists
St. Petersburg
The Wreath laying at the monument of the defenders of Leningrad
Visit to the Hermitage and putting into use of the Tent hall
Friday june 8: St. Petersburg
Queens boat tour
Visit of the Queen to the Vaganova ballet academy and attendance to the Mariinsky Theatre
the Prince of Orange visits the Prokoeratoera (Magistratum) and the Military medical academy.
After that he visits Nency-Pro, a company that produces building materials in a environmental sound way.
Visit to the Pavlovsk Pallas and the Rose pavilion.
Departure flight to the Netherlands (14.30)
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