MOSCOW, June 12 (RIA Novosti) - Russian President Dmitry Medvedev said on Thursday that an important task facing Russia will be ensuring that the country's economic success produces higher living standards for the population.
Medvedev made the comments during Russia Day celebrations in the Kremlin, marking the June 12, 1990 declaration of sovereignty by the Russian Soviet Republic's parliament, a key step toward the breakup of the Soviet Union.
"Our present task is to convert economic success into social programs, improving the quality of life, education level and health of the people," he said.
"To achieve this it is important that we provide support to small businesses, fight corruption and excessive administrative barriers; and of course, a priority is to develop national science and culture," the president said.
