Medvedev starts his own video blog on Kremlin website

Moscow, Oct 7 (UNI) Russian President Dmitry Medvedev has started his own video blog on the official Kremlin website.

It is the latest phase of his drive to make maximum use of modern technology across Russia, which includes the introduction of internet access in all schools.

''This is the first time I have spoken to you through my website.

I have never used this form of communication before,'' Mr Medvedev said in a video address on the Kremlin website.

''I intend to present my vision and my ideas on solving current global problems...in French town of Evian,'' Mr Medvedev said, referring to the first annual World Policy Conference being held in the town on October 6-8, in which world leaders, heads of states and international organisations, and leading experts on international affairs are participating.

Mr Medvedev would deliver his address to the forum tomorrow.

''I would like to talk about some urgent and thorny problems that are facing the world today,'' he said, reiterating that ''the former security system has become obsolete and ineffective.'' ''The current agreements are not reflecting the changes in the real global situation. Developments in Iraq, Kosovo, the Caucasus and Afghanistan clearly show this,'' the President said.

''The current crisis in global politics and finances demand immediate and coordinated efforts. The time is ripe to come up with new solutions to global problems,'' Mr Medvedev said.

He urged all heads of states to maintain constant contact with each other in search of a common solution to urgent global problems.

''We all need to have security guarantees and to develop mutual trust,'' the President said.

The idea of drawing up a new legally binding European security treaty was put forward by Mr Medvedev in June.

He said at the time that all European states should be party to such a treaty ''not as states associated into blocs and alliances, but as sovereign entities.'' He said any new security arrangements should be based on ''pure'' national interests, not skewed by ideological motives, while ''organisations operating in the Euro-Atlantic region'' should also have the opportunity to join.

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