Medvedev Says Technology Key to Russian Democracy

PETROZAVODSK,Russia (Reuters) – Modern communications technology should become agateway to democracy in Russia, President Dmitry Medvedev said onThursday, ordering his ministers to improve online public access to thegovernment.

"Free access to information for our citizens is one of the keybenchmarks of the democratic process," the Russian leader told ameeting of his advisory State Council in the northwestern city ofPetrozavodsk.

"Information technology directly affects the political system,accessibility of political institutions and thus the development ofdemocracy," he added.

Medvedev’s predecessor, Vladimir Putin, focused his eight-yearpresidency on restoring Kremlin control over Russia after a decade ofpost-Soviet political turmoil.

His supporters say such policies helped sustain Russia’s biggesteconomic boom in a generation. Critics argue that the centralization ofpower crippled democracy and deprived the economy of flexibility.

Medvedev, who took over in May, has promised to install the "rule oflaw" and fight corruption, steps analysts say are needed to modernizesociety and the economy.

Addressing top ministers and regional bosses on Thursday, he saidthe inability of ordinary people to gain access to the government orreceive official information was a big problem.

"(Solving this problem) would naturally contribute to fighting corruption," Medvedev said.

One key aspect of the problem is that computer illiteracy iswidespread among Russian citizens and officials, according to Medvedev,who has shown interest in communications technology.

MODERN EQUIPMENT

In recent years the government has spent billions of dollarsequipping schools, offices, hospitals and libraries with moderncomputer equipment, but this has failed to replace paperwork andbureaucratic procedures, traditional channels for corruption.

Medvedev ordered officials to revive by 2010 the "ElectronicGovernment" plan adopted under Putin, which would computerize the flowof official documents and contracts, increasing the transparency ofgovernment activities.

The stalled project also envisages broader electronic access for ordinary people to official services and information.

Medvedev warned officials that inability to acquire 21st century skills could cost them their jobs.

"An official who does not have elementary computer skills cannotwork effectively, that means he has to look for another job," Medvedevsaid. "Learn or leave!"

He also lambasted the government for failing to organize nationwide computer training, a job done by foreign agencies.

"International training centers run by the U.S. Department ofState’s bureau of educational and cultural programs operate in 30cities," Medvedev said.

"There is nothing wrong about this, but generally this is not theState Department’s job at all," he added. "We are not a banana republicwhich is allowed to enjoy the fruits of civilization. We have our ownresources."

(Writing by Oleg Shchedrov, editing by Tim Pearce)