Medvedev to lead war against corruption

Russian President Dmitry Medvedev has announced the government’s latest drive to eradicate corruption. He will head an anti-corruption council to be set up in the near future.

At a meeting with ministers, Medvedev said the level of graft in the country remains extremely high – with over 10,000 cases investigated last year.

“We need a package of measures, not specific decisions. We need a national anti-corruption programme,” he said.

The President says it's crucial to discourage the getting of wealth and advantage by illegal and unfair means, and wants to educate citizens of its ill effects.

Medvedev added that the problem won’t disappear until dishonest businessmen and bureaucrats realise that they stand to lose their jobs.