An Interview with Vladimir Putin: The Globe and Mail Granted Exclusive Access to Russian Prime Minister

Editor-in-Chief John Stackhouse available for interviews on Friday, March 2, 2012 to discuss the invite, the journey and a remarkable conversation with the Russian leader on the eve of the presidential election.

TORONTO, March 2, 2012 /CNW/ - The Globe and Mail's Editor-in-Chief John Stackhouse is one of only six international newspaper editors that attended an exclusive interview session with Russian prime minister and presidential candidate Vladimir Putin. The session, which occurred yesterday at Putin's country home outside of Moscow, comes on the eve of the Russian presidential election this weekend. The Globe and Mail was the only North American media outlet present at the session.

"Putin was remarkably frank -- on Syria, the European debt crisis and his own political challenges at home. He later drove me to his regular pick-up hockey game, and talked at length about the sport and what it means to our countries."

Coverage of the interview with the Russian prime minister is online at globeandmail.com and in today's newspaper. Follow up news stories are expected to run in Saturday's Globe and Mail.

Highlights of Stackhouse's interview include:

• Prime Minister Putin expressing doubt about the future of the Assad regime
• Discussion about a Russian-Canadian joint exploration of the Arctic
• Putin's comments about the need for Russia to lessen its support of Syria
• Canada vs Russia: on the ice with Prime Minister Putin

"That The Globe and Mail was the only Canadian media outlet invited to interview Prime Minister Putin, along with the leading newspapers from each of the other G7 countries, speaks volumes about the influence and stature of our journalism — both at home and among our international peers," said Phillip Crawley, Publisher & CEO.  "Our aim is to continuously deliver to our readers the best and most insightful content every day. John's remarkable discussion with Mr. Putin at this historic juncture in his leadership is a shining example."

Other media outlets invited to today's meeting with Prime Minister Putin were:

• The Times (UK)
• Le Monde (France)
• Handelsblatt (Germany)
• Asahi Shimbun (Japan)
• La Repubblica (Italy)

Note to editors: John Stackhouse is available for interviews about his discussion with Vladimir Putin on Friday, March 2.  To schedule an interview with John Stackhouse please contact Lynn Morrison at 416-585-5046.

About The Globe and Mail

The Globe and Mail, through its newspaper, magazine, online and mobile platforms, is Canada's foremost news media company.  Each day, The Globe leads the national discussion by engaging Canadians in its award-winning coverage and analysis of news, politics, business and lifestyle.  The Globe and Mail, Canada's national newspaper, founded in 1844, Report on Business, Canada's most influential business magazine, and globeandmail.com, the newspaper's online and mobile media hub, reach a combined 5.7 million readers every month.  The Globe has received numerous journalism awards, including the international 2011 prize for General Excellence in Journalism from the Online News Association, nine Michener Awards for Public Service Journalism, and more National Newspaper Awards than any other newspaper in Canada.  The Globe and Mail is 85% owned by Woodbridge, the investment arm of the Thomson family, and Bell Canada (15%).

Lynn Morrison at 416-585-5046