Russian President Dmitry Medvedev said on Thursday unemployment was the country's key social issue and urged prosecutors to enforce employment laws and the implementation of job creation programs.
"Although the most acute phase of the global crisis is over, it is necessary to keep a watchful eye on the implementation of employment laws. Today, unemployment is our main social challenge," he said.
As of early February, there were 2.2 million people officially registered as unemployed in Russia.
The real unemployment figures, however, are much higher, as many Russians do not bother to apply for unemployment benefits, which are generally very low.
MOSCOW, March 4 (RIA Novosti)
