– You suddenly announced their decision to leave the post of U.S. Ambassador to Russia and return home after the Olympics. U.S., unlike other countries, did not send a representative delegation in Sochi. Can we say that instead of “reset” in relations between Moscow and Washington came a difficult period?

– I certainly would not characterize them that way, as well as President Obama did this. Continue the metaphor: when to restart the computer, it does not shut down, and push some buttons do not need more. This is my view on the situation. But this does not mean that we have difficulties. This does not mean that we do not stand in front of the challenges that we had another two-three-four-five years ago. As I see it, we are continuing to work in the most important security issues. This is Iran, North Korea, Afghanistan, nuclear arms control. In recent years – is Syria and the growth of world trade. Somewhere we work somewhere – disagree, but we do not want to let disagreements cooperation. And for two influential countries it is normal.

 – Based on your knowledge and experience, how would you assess the relationship between Russia and the U.S. on a scale?

 – Good question, but a good answer to it I have not. Experts engaged in what they say about the ups, warming or cooling of Russian-American relations. We have a different opinion. And I stick with it. I look at the results. Gave me this year more visas than in the past?

Yes, and much more. Did we increase the volume of trade and investment? Yes, we did it. Today we are cooperating with Syria active than a year ago? Yes. We are cooperating with Iran to prevent the emergence of nuclear weapons in Iran? And here too the answer is positive. Do American families succeeded in adopting a child from Russia – No, this was not possible. This specifics. And according to this principle should be judged on our policy or evaluate ambassador.

– Do you know who will be the new U.S. Ambassador to Russia?

– No.

– And can someone recommend to President Obama?

– Solve the president anyway. He asked me to come here. Now we are discussing several candidates.

– Do you think, when will the appointment?

– I hope that as soon as possible. But it is worth remembering that after the nomination must be approved by the Senate. In my case it took a while. So it may be a slight delay.

– Many experts have noted that you have paid a lot of time communicating with representatives of the opposition, maybe even more than the official representatives of the Russian authorities. And often you put this mistake. Do you agree with this assessment? What goal do you pursue contacts with this group in society?

– First of all you must understand that my daily work – contact with the Russian government, for that first of all I was responsible. And thanks to access to the highest level that I had, I met with their counterparts in the Kremlin, the Foreign Ministry, the government. And many of them I have known for more than a decade. On this subject we have not covered, it is a traditional diplomacy. I feel a deep respect for those with whom I work. Even if we disagree somewhat. Both personal and from a professional point of view, I have great respect for colleagues from the Russian government. Last summer, when it was decided that Barack Obama is not going to Moscow, we had a difficult conversation with (assistant to the president of the Russian Federation), Yuri Ushakov, whom I’ve known for a long time. But I respect to how these negotiations go. It happens, but most do not even know. And not many ambassadors as open as I am. My task – to interact with society. With different groups and representatives of society: non-governmental organizations, environmentalists, LGBT activists, Mr Zhirinovsky. I am open to all. Another thing, when they themselves invite me. By the way, for all the time that I was an ambassador, I’ve never met Mr. (opposition Alexei) Navalny, despite what the press wrote. Job diplomat in the fact of being involved in society and in the media – I think this is also an important part of the work. So I can explain our policies and explain what it represents America. Using his knowledge, his biography, I tried to make people more aware of my country and its leadership. I am not looking for those who will agree with me and love me. The challenge is to get people to truly understand the politics of my country and of her own could be judged. So I am very serious about this problem. I’m proud of ties with the government and civil society in all its manifestations.

– However, if you are not surprised that some of the groups and the media is very rigidly commented on your contacts with the opposition?

– I’m more surprised that it seemed to me, some of the media inaccurately covered some of my actions. I remember that once came (in Russian), read a few implausible notes. I tried to explain that I have a different agenda, and continue to do so. By the way, Mr. (journalist) Mikhail Leontiev, who showed particular interest to me was the day before in the same hotel in Sochi, in which we live. And in the evening he would entertain us with champagne. I think it’s very ironic ending my trip to Russia.

– Did he buy you some champagne?

– No, because we have rules about gifts from foreigners. But is not it funny gesture? I was glad to meet him at the Games.

– So you did not drink with him?

– I said that it is better to meet in Moscow in a private setting. As a member of the presidential delegation, I follow quite strict rules regarding gifts.

– Two years that you spent in Russia, were quite interesting and challenging. What have you learned about Russia, whether refuted some of your presentation? There you have any new friends? And are you going to write a book about his time in our country?

– The time I spent in Russia as ambassador, was outstanding. And for me personally it was a great honor to represent my country in your country. As an American, I am proud to be part of the Obama administration, as well as being the face of the country. And, frankly, I am very sorry that I and my family had to make the decision to leave home. Dear to me all that I was doing this work. I like to communicate with the government, both positive and negative on the issues. And dear to me the experience of working with the business community, which I had not studied. Working with representatives of the Russian and American business, I tried to promote business investment and growth. This part of my job was more than I expected. I found it interesting direction and then I’d like to do more, because here you can see firsthand the results of their work. People buy planes and fly them. Support jobs – it’s good for Russia, and the United States. One of the greatest pleasures for the U.S. Ambassador to Russia, and it was unexpectedly, – contact with the culture and history of the country. Ambassador receives many invitations to concerts and other events. Of course, I knew enough of Russian culture, but I found it much better in the new context. Attend the opening of the second stage of the Mariinsky Theatre, see the magic that creates Gergiev, and talk with him after the ceremony – it is great fun. Meet with veterans of Stalingrad – a terrible battle, it’s unforgettable. And I am very grateful to the Russians for what gave me those moments.

As for the book, it will in the future. The time will come, and I’ll take it. Now do not think about it.

– Let’s talk about the Olympics in Sochi. As you business, hospitality, mood prevailing here? How does all this perceived American audiences have come here?

– The few days that we have spent here, people are very impressed with what is happening. At the American athletes, fans, delegations had no problems.

All enjoyed the opening ceremony. We congratulate (head of the organizing committee “Sochi-2014”) Dmitry Chernyshenko and the Russian government. We are very impressed.

And I would like to add myself – here is awesome optimistic mood. People a positive attitude, smiling volunteers, all look happy. When I walk here, I know many and ask for an autograph. And it is also in the spirit of the Olympics and hospitality with which we Americans take in Sochi. So just congratulate everyone with this (such an organization).

– Despite this, the game did not escape criticism from the Western media. Cited security concerns and issues of LGBT people. How did it affect the Olympics?

– With all due respect to the western media, and let them speak for themselves. Should always be compared. I was in Sochi and a half years ago. And I can compare what I saw then that met three days ago, and it is impressive. I respect the safety measures taken, we have common interests with Russia and the Russian people. This is the number one issue for us. 150 people who work here in our office (in Sochi), security – is the number one issue.We very much appreciate the fact that the Russian government is doing in this direction. And here we are trying to do our best to interact.

– How is Russia and the United States cooperate on security issues? Is there a special group for this, there are daily briefings with the Russian police?

– Yes, it is. You just described how we act. Now comes the hard work, and it was built a few months ago. As for the subject of sexual minorities, has been touched … you know the composition of our delegation, which represents the diversity that our country proud. And it is also a demonstration of strength athletes, we are proud of. Three days that I spent here, became an unforgettable experience in my life. I got the opportunity to go to the women’s hockey match in the company of double Olympic champion and her comments, I got to figure skating with one of our most decorated Olympic champions! When we support their team “Go US! Go!” (“Come on, the United States, come on!”), Some Russian fans as they shouted “Cheers!” (“Well done!”) This for me is the Olympic spirit.

– Can you comment on the recent scandal around a telephone conversation Undersecretary of State Victoria Nuland?

– I think it’s very annoying. I have been here (in Sochi) and do not know all the details, and I do not know who said this. But I certainly know about the possibilities of those who we have here (in Russian) accept. This is the thing that we (Americans) have to work. However, and vice versa (the Russians – in the U.S.). Publication of private conversations – it is really a violation of diplomatic practice. This is very unfortunate.