so government makes things worse what we need to do is take power away from the government and make it make it a system where we understand if you give government power that's of the lesser recipe for destruction and bad things and so that we watch that because it's always is always big government big business that goes to government lobbies for special favors always couched in terms that are supposed to help the little guy but that's never the way it works i mean these bailouts of huge banks and the auto companies it wasn't to help the stockholders or the managers the c.e.o.'s of those companies it was allegedly to help people with underwater mortgages but those people were not help the little guy wasn't helped the well connected rich and powerful war were helped thanks for thought thanks for joining us live here on r.t. good to hear from me thanks thanks for having me. now to some of the news stories from around the world in a world update very nearly nineteen minutes past the hour in the russian capital

international peacekeepers taken hostage by owner monday by rebels in sudan have been released meanwhile three locals accompanying them a still being held in the darfur region insurgents claim soldiers have entered the territory without permission most of those seized senegalese troops with the joint u.n. african union peace mission. and rots in senegal of intensified days before the country's crucial presidential vote demonstrators cause a blaze in barricaded roads as police take gas and rubber bullets at the six people have died in the violence since the rest started last month protesters demand president withdraws his bid for a third term in office as it contradicts the constitution he says the decision should not apply to him as the term limit was put in place while he was in office. on a world update this hour south korea is held live fire military drills on spitted maritime border with the north despite the threats of retaliation from pyongyang the country does not appear to have reacted so far in two thousand and ten north korea responded to similar drills from its neighbor with an artillery attack that killed

four people and raised fears of a wider conflict the tension comes two months after the death of the north korean leader kim yong it. could be about the summer of i mean news stories for in about ten minutes from now in the meantime the group of twenty major economies meet this weekend in mexico to lay the groundwork for the g. twenty summit later this year and the formal focus on the social and political dimensions of the global economy and up next we'll talk to the russian finance minister. about what twenty twelve.

mr slawson if mark onto our program now and number of world leaders including the russian prize that i won of a possible global recession how likely do you thin this is that's their decision indeed global recession is possible to a large extent it will be decided by the kind of decision making euro zone countries and other countries caught in the debt crisis are making the priority issue for europe and the eurozone is how financial markets and institutions function today european countries are taking a number of steps to provide banks and financial companies with liquidity so they can settle accounts and lend to the economy driving the economy forward rather than allowing it fall back into recession certainly one of the key points of tension in

the eurozone is to what extent countries such as greece will implemented reforms to normalize their budgetary and financial situation the e.u. has macro economic well being depends on the success of these steps budgetary first of all but there was no. how susceptible is the russian economy to the developing global crisis and problems in europe in particular. we live in one space therefore many of our companies are export oriented any reduction in europe's economic growth rate or in european demand can have a negative impact on the growth rate of the russian economy exports would slow down and perhaps even prices for all resources would drop due to lower demand in the euro zone consequently russia's export potential would drop which in turn could slow russia's economic growth rate and cause tax revenues to drop it's obviously of concern of us we're monitoring the global economic situation very carefully and we're preparing for various scenarios we do have the ability to cope with

a downturn we have the reserve fund and on. distributed funds in the federal budget which we can redeploy as anti crisis measures should the russian economy did line we also have the guarantee fund we've made allowances in the budget to use it for supporting strategic industries therefore we've got the right tools just in case but hopefully we won't have to use them what they do us being more active in balancing its budgets doesn't stand pose a threat to the stability of the world's financial system in your opinion books one of of course america's debt now exceeds one hundred percent of its g.d.p. so now all countries whose debt exceeds mastic criteria should start thinking about cutting deficit and debt levels sure deficit cutting may lead to a situation where states cut spending this will depress demand and the slow down the economic growth it is vital those states carry out structural reforms so the consolidation does not negatively affect growth otherwise there is

a risk of an uncontrolled downward spiral when spending cuts lead to a slump in growth which leads to reduced income which in turn means less spending the challenge now is that countries with high levels of debt take a consolidated position on ways of getting out of this situation this is going to be on the agenda at this weekend's g twenty finance ministers meeting in mexico. what should be done about the access dollars that have accumulated in the global economy. indeed it's spread all over the world because most countries keep their gold in currency reserves in bonds and equities of reliable states in fact the usa is one of those with a high rating russia to keep some of its reserves in american assets but america is running certain risks on its long term stability and security. we will look however at how they approach implementing a whole set of proposals to the u.s. congress on balancing the budget and we hope to see such measures implemented and

the risks we are talking about reduced. or. do you think that russia's accession to the w is a well timed and especially now in a time of crisis and how will it affect the financial services sector and what's going to happen to banks. in fact we can even say now that russia has practically entered the w t o because we observe most of the w t o imposed restrictions we hope to gain some benefits and advantages from our w t o entry in order to increase competition and make it possible to protect our goods in western markets within the w t o framework that is why our companies have already incurred the expenses linked to w t o entry now we are waiting to see the exactions positive impact on russia's economy or what are your forecast for the g.d.p. growth this year and inflation. we hope inflation this year will be lower than in two thousand and eleven at least the first weeks of two thousand and twelve

indicate the inflation rate is much lower than last year however we've postponed raising tyrus for housing and utilities as the services of other natural monopolies to july first this year so this year the inflation rate will go up slightly but this will happen a bit later than last year as for economic growth we expect the economy to grow at a rate of about three point six to four percent we hope that the global situation will contribute to us failing to fulfill our forecasts are the basis for our budget and any did line in economic growth rates also decreases the inflow of taxes we stand to lose approximately one hundred fifty billion rubles even if the growth rate drops by just one percent that is why it's vitally important for us but today we are talking about the need for structural reform that would make our economy more attractive to business growth is above all stimulated by investment and investment always comes where economic policy is clear and where investors feel comfortable and one last question is about europe what measures should you have to

take to overcome the crisis austerity. could undermine demand and that would make it impossible to relaunch the greek economy how can russia protect itself or europe or. europe simply needs a clear and coherent stance on questions related to the financial sector if european countries especially greece faces certain problems because of the absence of this clear cut stance on funding and provision of liquidity it makes the market distrust the confidence of the european authorities if you're asking how russia is going to participate in all this a regular g twenty meeting will consider how to increase the international monetary fund's resources if we manage to increase the money behind the i.m.f. to six hundred billion dollars some of it will be spent supporting individual european countries and it should help further stabilize the euro zone let's hope the g twenty meeting will agree to provide extra money for the i.m.f. in this context russia will contribute additional resources.

well into the cuckoo peaks of the looking glass at what will be the homes of the future where the walls might just be smarter than the residence every day trash protects you from the elements outside and the whole system works to save you money the shine the spotlight on the latest building projects all around russia technology i'm doing here on r.g.p. we've done the same church. on. more news today violence is once again flared up. and these are the images the world has been seeing from the streets of canada.

china operations are old today.

this is a. top stories now this hour chinese state media says the u.s. and nato countries support of syria's opposition is driving the nation into all out civil war. calling for a political settlement in the country with a top chinese diplomat visiting damascus. debate whether it will sink or swim as they decide on the next one hundred thirty

billion. to secure it as the population rages against deep cuts. in washington. time to let sanctions do their job tehran currently being visited by u.n. inspectors insists it atomic program is peaceful. lobby back with more of those stories for you more developments in less than thirty minutes from now in the meantime we explore a museum of classic cars and join a traditional russian community celebrating the coming of spring the journey to nizhni novgorod is next. for almost eight hundred years has stood along the banks of the volga river and its one of european russia's most picturesque cities is the fourth largest in the country an important economic and cultural center and home to one point three million people. steadily one of the better waterfront views of nice

name you can see where the river meets the volga and also take a good look at the city's famous market and some of its churches. streets are filled with echoes of its past from the statues that line the promenade to the city's beautiful range of architecture but it's also home to a modern business community and one of the biggest markets here is transport. so this is a. minibus they're everywhere in russia cheap reliable and if you're very lucky really comfy. and seventy percent of them are made here. and they're made by guys one of the city's most famous brands they've been producing automobiles since the nine hundred thirty s.

and all the classics are on display in the company music. so you can see that used to produce some pretty snazzy family vehicles including the famous volga which every soviet citizen wanted to own but it's commercial vehicles that have always been the company's. thirty two this very first thing that rolled off the production line. the guy has a. they still make trucks today. of course alongside the mission because. gas has seen some tough times but production is now on the increase and it's all overseen by swedish c.e.o.

bowen dessen who previously worked for general motors for more than twenty years. grab among the faithful smith yeah so that. excuse me strengthens james brown the company thank you very much for having us on haven't you got a minute to tell us more about your company but off the. i've been looking at the museum so you can already see there's a long history with sweetness and you know the road on gas how important do you think this factory and company off of the city begins extremely important i mean first next year we're turning eighteen year. cycle only to go through been anything mobile. that the seventy five without the whole nation building we have three plants here of three complexes is a lot just business three thousand hectares of land. and there's fifteen thousand employees are expecting

a busy time ahead that churning out one of the most popular mini buses the gas micro bus on this line and each component is fitted in a matter of seconds they each cost around fourteen thousand dollars and they can produce four hundred every day. then once the puzzles been put together there's just a few final checks to take care of. sort of the last test that they do. make so it's on cars waterproof see. with my fingers firmly crossed we into the car wash. ok as you can see i was prepared for the worst but i can safely say these are doing a very good job. bone dry. point tour of gaz was almost over but unfortunately my new minibus wasn't taking me home but at least in a commercial vehicles company you can always hitch a lift in something. once started with a very modern factory but now i want to get

a feel from this nice cultural life well you might not think it to look around here but when it is almost over there's a few buds up here on the trees i'll always come to this old village to have a look at a very traditional. rite of spring new right. things to be learnt on your feet for this celebration. or go the wrong season this guy. this big hurry because. sadly my tank spills on. much of the break to join only to find out a little more about what was going on. for. some time.

too old for this previous who don't know so what's going on here then there is a bit of marrow making going on here spring has come the snow is melting away when you call them swith to dition but it's a festive occasion. and it's been celebrated for well over a century mothers would bake shaped biscuits and when everyone how to treat it was time for the procession. everybody sings in books around the village leaving a biscuit on the door of every house. the idea of putting these little birds here is that they're supposed to attract the real well then fly down and bring spring with. the nesting locks were regarded as a good omen meant to protect the villages homes from fire and disease and finally

when the biscuits are thrown into the air it's believed they become part of spring itself. but if you're taking part in this ritual you might want to keep an eye on your new friends. the way it's apparent i've got some spring inside. and this snow is also supposed to be good for your health. always go right down my neck. now that spring had officially sprung i was eager to continue my sightseeing and all got pointed me in the direction of one of the area's most popular tourist spots this has got to get it literally means little town in russian and it's one of the most picturesque places in the news me no growed region originally though it was founded as a front here outpost and it's the place where the most famous russian warrior

principal time i was on the nevski died. over the centuries gora jets gained an enviable reputation renowned for its painting architecture and woodwork and down by the riverside there's a house where the old arts are still practiced nowadays the artists make souvenirs and entertain the hundreds of visitors who pass through here every week. well i think. these guys tackle the brushwork today but i'm still going to take on something birch additional and very russian but it's much more up my street. burst back in the day having a couple was a very elaborate affair in all my time in russia i'd never had tea from a sum of our and as gary jets boast the largest exhibition in the country it seemed like a good place to break the habit there are some of us here that date back to the seventeenth century from single person pots to ones that can hold more than fifty liters of

water but always talking really was making me thirsty. but i've got to have a drink so. let's go ok. but there was still some serious preparations to take care of. there's a good. getting the sum of all going takes time once you've added your water you need to put in plenty of kindling lighten up. go on. more pile on the charcoal belinelli give it some air. and put on the chimney. and now we wait it was pretty cold outside and i was getting a little impatient yes. yes. ok let's take

this off ok now i'm lost for each. level. but apparently the russians had an ingenious method to turn up the heat you just needed to give it a good showing ok that's. what. i. thought. but i have it doesn't taste i'm. going to be very tired and i've heard of. the wellington. boots did the job admirably and with all some of our steaming we headed into the dining room to be greeted by a fantastic spread. saw through all that effort i think this is a cup or the deserves a bit of ceremony and they definitely do afternoon tea here and there are deaths.

it was a very civilized way to end my trip together and yet but sadly i haven't come to the news new region for tea and cakes. the time for relaxation was over ok well it wouldn't be discovering russia if i didn't do something bizarre and potentially dangerous outdoors so i've come here to a place called extreme land to see what they've got. it set in several hectares of land around an hour's drive from but they promise it's worth the trip ok well this looks interesting it seems that one of the most popular activities here involves inflatable fruit going very fast ok so i need to cry out i think if i fall off the

extreme but on a. this is a. band attached to another snowmobile but was given a tour of the complex. even gripping on for dear life one save you on the stage. so this is going to. take two. zero. zero zero to several more crashes and might be around a rest but here is extremely they make you put up or shut up. those who are still. growing. so although i was getting a break. in the army it's time. to show that a little bit more intense.

have no idea what i'm going to royce. with this royal. it seems that if i wanted my lumps i was going to have to fight for my food and he's a watching the celebrity gladiator programmes would eventually come in handy. maybe launch filled cubes but believe me he still didn't want to get smacked in the wrong place for. the bottle went back and forth but i knew in the end brain even highly tactical assault on the red team would see through. it. is one important. that they can be quite a come down once the adrenaline ways off. dangerous

. i had suffered enough for one day when i was ready to head back to the safety of the city it was time to explore the ground itself i just needed to find someone to give me a. closure is that so much of it which of course you wanted to hear in the trials and tribulations of the middle class long considered the killer of the west political and economic order is now the victim of a long term.

designed to keep you closed in your. world as a prison. somebody in there for a couple hours like that in a stress position. you have this fear of the unknown in this stress sort of building and. i've seen interrogations ten twelve hours they chose songs i remember from marilyn manson. slayer two songs would be angel of death and raining blood to me there was a war coming up here into iraq. johnny pulled the bodies to the floor which is the rock n roll band is fitting for the job we were doing.

i don't he seen plenty of the. outskirts of nizhny novgorod but it was time to get out and take a proper look at the region's capital. it's always good to get a bit of local knowledge on these trips so i'm off to meet a man who's going to help me get to know this you know good a little bit. of it nice to meet you. you show me a little bit of news me i want to show the crime of bad taste. siegfried moved here from germany back in two thousand and six within a few months he was married getting regular work as a translator and he's lived here ever since so what would you say some of your favorite things are about the city it is the russian art should take this all of the houses i will show you some of them and you will visit one of the. humans right in the crable this huge.