GLASNOST - quotations

(Door Persbureau Petersburg)

“You have to accept that Russia is a different co untry. I say, it’s like if Bush wants Iraq to be a democracy, that is total stupidity. Iraq will not be a democracy no matter what they do. Russia will not be a democracy in the way that you perceive a democracy either. (…) I always say that Russia is a perfect democracy for the informed. And total dictatorship for the uninformed.”
Derk Sauer, CEO Independent Media, one of the most successful publishers in Russia, interview in: Russian Investment Review

“England has changed a lot, but has it really changed? I don’t think so. England is still a class-based society. It is the same here: basically nothing has changed. This is not a democratic society. There is corruption and there will always be corruption. It is basically a country where clans run the show. It won’t change, but has it changed in appearances - in consumer spending and wealth.”
Derk Sauer, CEO Independent Media, one of the most successful publishers in Russia, interview in: Russian Investment Review

“When I first came, people had nothing and we paid our staff in food products because they had nothing to eat. Today, the salaries we pay are unbelievable and much more than publishers pay in the West. (…) What is progress? People here can see progress. They now can buy a video or a car and they can travel...” Derk Sauer, CEO Independent Media, one of the most successful publishers in Russia, interview in: Russian Investment Review

“Russians are nationalistic, and say, ‘Get rid of the foreigners’. But it is ridiculous because then no one would clean the streets. They say, ‘The foreigners run the markets’, but are Russians going to stand on the markets?:
Derk Sauer, CEO Independent Media, one of the most successful publishers in Russia, interview in: Russian Investment Review

"First of all, never, ever take a boat trip on the Volga (the main river in Russia) at least not until they start running Western ships there. I love visiting Moscow, which has become a glittering European city, but outside of it is still pretty much the USSR when it comes to service.
My so-called deluxe cabin was done up in plastic laminate that kept peeling off, with stone-hard lumpy pillows, and a combination toilet and shower (shower head above the toilet seat you go figure that one out). The food was like a Russian village hospital stews and potatoes. Also, they would give you just one glass of juice or one half-slice of lemon for tea and no seconds.
And this deluxe wasn t cheap - $1300 for a week for two. I spoke Russian with the crew who told me that while some ships had better food, all had pretty much the same physical layout. Buyer beware! My advice stay far away from Russian river cruises for the time being.´
Alexander Elder, financial expert and author of the book Rubles to Dollars
Source: Newsletter Elder

Sint Petersburg, 10 december 2006

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