MOSCOW, September 4 (RIA Novosti) - Russia's Prime Minister Mikhail Fradkov congratulated Muscovites Sunday on the occasion of the Moscow City Day.
"Moscow has an enormous potential, resolves successfully many economic issues and is constantly developing," the Premier said at a festive ceremony in the capital. "Moscow is the leader in that respect," he added saying that the Russian government was willing to support Moscow in its development.Yuri Luzhkov, the Moscow Mayor, said the capital's GDP would double by 2010."The capital has been and remains the largest industrial and innovation center of Russia," he said, adding that economy of the city has grown 30% in recent years, and its industry 14%.
The mayor said the security of Muscovites was another priority of Moscow authorities.
"Moscow is an open city, although it should be off limits for terrorists and criminals," he said.
Moscow city officials led by Luzhkov laid flowers to the Grave of the Unknown Soldier near the Kremlin wall in the Alexandov Gardens.
Mass celebrations devoted to the City Day will be held in Moscow throughout Sunday.
