Makhachkala, January 24, 2012. On January 23 Kislovodsk hosted the Forum of the peoples of Southern Russia attended by Prime Minister Vladimir Putin. Dagestan delegation led by the Head of the republic Magomedsalam Magomedov was one of the most representative ones at the Forum.

The very Forum began with a greeting speech of the Russian Prime Minister V. Putin. The Prime Minister noted that in southern Russia, despite the differences in language, confessions, customs, people have lived in peace and harmony for centuries.

"For centuries, the southern regions of our country have been inhabited by the courageous, brave and strong-willed people. Each nationality possess its own language, culture, unique traditions, wonderful interesting customs, but all of them have two things in common – the Motherland Russia and a centuries-old, very controversial, however, but a great history. The centuries-old history proves one thing - the mortal danger of any international, ethnic and civil conflicts. It forewarns about deep wounds from injustice and mutual enmity. The South of Russia had enough of horrors caused by civil war, deportation and terrorism. If we are separated Russia will become helpless dependent and vulnerable "- Putin said.

In his speech Putin drew examples of steadfastness and heroism displayed by the peoples of Russia in different epochs of the past. Speaking about the events occurred in the 90s of the last century, he emphasized the role of Dagestan in protecting the integrity of the country.

"I remember the role played by the people of Dagestan in those years in Tsumadinsky and Botlikhsky districts on repulsing the attacks of international terrorist gangs. People without any prodding from the federal government, without any indications - I want to emphasize, even without weapons in fact - came to the defense their own home, our small country and the entire Russia. Among those who gave their lives in the fight against terrorism there were the Russian military servicemen and civilians, militiamen, the Cossacks, the public figures, the representatives of the clergy. All of them are the representatives of different nationalities and faiths. And let me tell you frankly, any attempt to foment ethnic and sectarian strife is the betrayal of their memory by those who dare, and now infest the national theme, provoking separatist or nationalist sentiments"- the Prime Minister RF pointed out.

In his introductory speech the Russian Cabinet Head also raised the issues related to the society; the inter-ethnic relations, ethnic conflicts, corruption, cronyism, etc.

Then the Forum was held in the form of live communication. Vladimir Putin answered the questions on inter-ethnic relations, the Russian language, the cultural diversity of the peoples of Russia, religion, social support of pensioners and working people, demography, country’s development prospects, patriotic education, terrorism and extremism.