Medvedev seeks quick anti-corruption laws

President Dmitry Medvedev has asked Russian lawmakers to draft modern anti-corruption legislation by 2009. In a speech to Russia's Council of Legislators, he outlined a plan of reforms designed to combat the growing scourge of corruption.

His anti-corruption concept implies a reduction of categories of officials who benefit from special criminal procedures. Medvedev also wants to introduce disqualification as administrative punishment for persons linked to corruption.

The president said this is one of conditions Russia has to fulfil under several international conventions it signed to.

The set of federal and regional laws should also include ban for persons with conviction record to work for security services and law-enforcement agencies.

RT correspondent Igor Ogorodnev observed the meeting and discussed its significance.