Feb 27, 2004. /Lesprom Network/. President of Russian Federation Vladimir Putin stated the necessity of stopping illegal timber exports: ‘Illegal timber exports should be stopped, this criminal practice should be immediately dealt with’ Vladimir Putin said answering the questions by Krasnoyarsk students. Vladimir Putin considers timber industry ‘undoubtedly essential and prospective for the development of the region’. ‘This land is a beautiful place, full of natural splendor’ the president said describing Krasnoyarsk region. According to ITAR-TASS, the president called on the development of timber business ‘with proper professionalism and on a high technical level making it friendly to the environment’.