The public forum took place in Sochi on Friday. The head of state took part in it.
"Such forums involving public figures can be held in other federal districts too," Vladimir Putin told journalists on Saturday.
The word "public" was the emphasis of his speech. According to the president, sessions at the level of heads of the Russian Federation's constituent members are held regularly and meetings with public figures, seldom.
Vladimir Putin positively assessed the forum in Sochi. "I am satisfied with the event and its results," he said.
In his words, no declarations were to be adopted at the forum. "Its purpose is to put ideas into practice," the head of state noted.
The solution of problems in Russia's south influences the country as a whole, he added.
The Russian president believes that strict administrative and law enforcing measures are ineffective. The Russian leadership was forced to use them some years ago.
"A strict approach involving the army and other structures is insufficient for an effective solution. We have already got out of this state and can pass to a new more profound stage in social-economic sphere," the head of state said.
The forum was "the first experience needed to extend the sphere of our efforts." "Influential people took part in the forum: religious, public, education and culture figures and Cossacks. I enjoyed people speaking from the hearts," Vladimir Putin stressed.
However, Russia's south has many problems and reconciliation is a distant prospect, he added.
The understanding of this fact was useful, as well. "It would be a mistake to think that everything had been done," Vladimir Putin said. According to him, delegations of North Ossetia and Ingushetia (two North Caucasian republic) flew back by one plane. "Nobody would believe that it is possible," he noted adding that some time ago the representatives of the two republics did not even talk to each other.
In his words, someone would consider it a trifle thing but we can boost our development by means of such small political steps.
