Russian President: Moscow Should Ensure Comprehensive Security Of State

Russia should further boost its defence potential and ensure a comprehensive security of the state, President Vladimir Putin told government officials on Monday. The President stressed that Russia should offer adequate responses to all the threats -- "those old and well known" and the "new" threats, mainly terrorist ones. Putin noted that on Monday morning he had met the Defence Ministry top brass. According to the President, problems of the Russian Army demand greater efforts from the government and vast financial support. Putin declared that, despite all the problems which so far had not been efficiently solved in Russia, the problems facing the Army should be paid all the necessary attention. The head of state made it clear that he meant both the Army reform and the provision of the Army with up-to-date materiel. Vladimir Putin stressed that in this connection the work of the military-industrial sector became a priority. He opined that it would be necessary to optimize research activity and R&D projects.