"Millions of Muslims have lived in Russia for centuries in peace and harmony with their neighbors, a part of the 160 peoples and ethnic groups and more than fifty religious communities. Islam is an inseparable part of Russian history and culture. Respect for faith, customs and traditions of our peoples is the foundation for civil peace in our country. I want to be clear: Russia has no need to seek friendship with the Muslim world. Our country is an organic part of this world because 20 million of our citizens are Russian Muslims." -
Dmitri Medvedev, Russian Federation President