Medvedev signs decree to cut Interior Ministry personnel

Russian President Dmitry Medvedev has signed a decree on  Interior Ministry personnel cuts, the Kremlin press service said Thursday.

The government will have to reduce Interior Ministry personnel by 20% by January 1, 2012.

He also ordered the closure of two ministry departments and the rotation of senior personnel.

Medvedev said earlier on Thursday that the ministry "undoubtedly needs major, drastic changes, and they will be undertaken. But we must preserve the core of the ministry's staff, those who are capable of responsible work."

MOSCOW, December 24 (RIA Novosti)