Economic reforms top Medvedev's annual address

Russian President Dmitry Medvedev has called for a new push to modernise and diversify the country's economy in his annual state of the nation address.

AFP - President Dmitry Medvedev called Thursday for Russia to modernize more quickly, but stressed that it should happen through the development of democratic institutions and a market economy.
  
In his annual address to the nation, Medvedev said Russia must diversify its economy away from raw materials exports and strive to become an influential power in the world.
  
"In the 21st century, our country again requires modernization in all areas, and this will be the first time in our history when modernization will be based on the values and institutions of democracy," Medvedev said.
  
The goal of his administration, Medvedev added, was to make Russia a society of "smart, free and responsible people."
  
In a comment reminiscent of the election campaign slogan of US President Barack Obama, Medvedev added: "We are all united on at least one thing: change is needed."

Date created : 2009-11-12