Rodionov: Struggle Against Corruption in Army a Priority

  • By Grigory Krichevsky


Moscow, July 22 (RFE/RL) -- Russia's new Defence Minister Igor Rodionov says the struggle against corruption in the Russian army is his priority.

Rodionov commented today in Moscow at a meeting of top generals. Our correspondent quotes Russian Defence Ministry officials as saying that Rodionov also spoke about military reform. Rodionov discussed military reform last week with President Boris Yeltsin.

Rodionov noted that corruption, embezzlement of funds and low discipline are among the main problems facing the Russian army. He urged more cooperation between the Defence Ministry, the Interior Ministry and the Federal Security Service.

Russian media reports have spoken about widespread corruption in the Russian army. Yeltsin fired several top general last month and top officials have been accused of corruption.