Medvedev vows to continue fight against corruption
MOSCOW. Dec 22 (Interfax) - The fight against corruption in Russia has only started, Russian President Dmitry Medvedev said.
In delivering his annual address to the Federal Assembly on Thursday, Medvedev pointed out that "large-scale anti-corruption work" is under way in Russia under his instructions, in the course of which Russia has joined a number of relevant international conventions and adopted some legal acts.
"I would like to stress that surely, this sweeping and systemic fight against corruption has only started, and we will pursue it firmly, systemically, and consistently," Medvedev said.
In 2009, Medvedev signed a package of anti-corruption decrees which, in particular, obliged certain government officials and their family members to declare their incomes.
The next year, Russia for the first time saw reports on personal incomes of government officials and members of their families, including the president, officials from the presidential secretariat, members of the government, judges, law enforcement officials, military officials, and members of parliament.
At the present time, members of the State Duma and the Federation Council publish information on their incomes voluntarily.
On November 23, 2011, Medvedev signed into law a federal bill that, in particular, obliges banks to verify government officials' income declarations. "Federation Council members, lawmakers of all levels, and also regional and municipal officials will also declare their incomes," he said.
