Khodorkovsky & Lebedev Communications Center

President Dmitry Medvedev has labeled national security as one of the crucial conditions for Russia's economic modernization and long-term strategic development.

At a board meeting of the Federal Security Service (FSB), Medvedev said the most important challenge facing the FSB is the fight against terrorism and extremism. He noted that last year the FSB succeeded in preventing more than 80 terrorist attacks and neutralized more than 500 criminal gang members.

He said: "I would like to emphasize the need to act within the law and in accordance with the mandate of the FSB, respecting and strictly observing the rights of citizens, including property rights and the rights of business entities."