21.03.09

Society is not ready to implement anti-corruption laws, and the state is bracing to face the problem, Russian President Dmitry Medvedev said in an interview with Director of News Programmes at Channel One Kirill Kleimenov, noting that anti-corruption legislation had been recently seriously updated.

"Certainly, we have done but a bit so far, and to my mind, a definite step forward has been made," the president said. "It lies in the fact that we have at least created new legislation to struggle against corruption for the first time in the entire modern history of our country," he explained.

"I believe we have created solid legislation: this does not mean it is perfect, but it is modern. I reiterate, it is the first one over past years," Medvedev noted.

"Now comes the most difficult time - the period of law enforcement," the head of state claimed. "I believe we shall face most diverse challenges, including those connected with our non-readiness to execute these powers, non-readiness to unveil some phenomena traditionally concealed," he regretted.

As an example Medvedev mentioned obligatory income and property declaration by officials. "There is a serious novelty here: it lies in the fact that from now on an official must declare other types of property this being obligatory not only for a civil servant, but also for his family members; and it changes the whole situation," the president explained.

"Of course one might argue that those wanting to conceal income can transfer money to others or hide it in offshore zones," he conceded. "Nonetheless, this substantially enlarges the space of control; and anyone will decide whether to honestly declare his income and property which he possesses or to hide them. And this is a moral dilemma," the head of state contended.

Medvedev is convinced one should start taking such decisions on his own. "Therefore, I have decided that the president will also annually declare his income. In any case, I shall do it this year," head of state announced. "Let's hope other civil servants will follow suit: I shall make a hint to them," he added.

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Source: Itar-Tass