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Электронное приложение к журналу «
Международная жизнь
»
Grigory Karasin,
State Secretary, Deputy Foreign Minister of the Russian Fed-
eration
Before long, everyone noticed his well-meaning but
always demanding style among the new minister's
many other remarkable qualities. For all the apparent
sternness of the new "captain" he stood out for his
remarkable - I would even say - enveloping human
warmth in relation to us, younger colleagues. Yevgeny
Maksimovich often said in jest that in theory we could all be his children. Sometimes he treated
us as naughty kids. It was not until 15 years later, at some event, that he softly corrected himself,
observing that at times he had underestimated the diligence and professional qualities of every
one of us.
Igor Ivanov,
President, Russian International Affairs Council
I ONCE WROTE that I was lucky enough to work
under superiors who served as role models for me to
emulate. I was also lucky this time. I was lucky enough
to work together with Yevgeny Maksimovich as his
first deputy at a time when he was the minister. Our
work was our life. We became a team of like-minded
people.
At the same time, he showed me another decree signed by the president - on my appointment
as foreign minister. "I had no time to confer with you," he said. "I trust you, and the president
endorsed by proposal. So, go ahead and take things over." This episode encapsulates Ye.M. Pri-
makov: a responsible statesman, a great professional and a real friend.
Boris Pyadyshev,
Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary, Doctor of Science (History)
ACADEMICIAN Yevgeny Maksimovich Primakov was an unmatched
expert on the Middle East (needless to say, alongside his great expertise
in other foreign policy areas). I am talking about this particular aspect
of his personality because we first met in Egypt.
Primakov the minister devoted special attention to our journal, con-
tributing highly valuable articles to International Affairs, which I had
the honor of heading for over two decades.
Over many years, every December, the International Affairs Editorial
Board selected the best materials among those published during the outgoing year. Needless to
say, Primakov, a rare and much sought after author, was always on our shortlist.
I should say that as I read this article again today I understand clearly that Yevgeny Maksimovich
scripted a scenario for the future events in the Middle East, including the Arab Spring.