MOSCOW (AFP) - Russia will remain on the path of democracy and a market economy, President Vladimir Putin vowed, despite controversial political reforms strengthing central authority over the country.
"There will be no turnabout in the country's life," Putin said in a speech to international media executives.
"Russia made its choice 10 years ago for a democratic, free market, socially-oriented state," Putin said.
The Russian leader's comments came as he continued to face criticism at home and abroad for proposals he made to strengthen his political control on the country following a wave of deadly terrorist attacks.
"For Russia, democracy and stability are of equal importance. We are managing to build a system under which Russia will have democracy and stability."
Putin sought to explain his latest moves to counter terrorism and bolster security throughout the country with an anecdote suggesting that he had no choice at present other than to institute tough new security reforms.
"If a robber comes up to you on the street and demands your wallet or your life ... you of course give him your wallet.
"But what do you do if he demands either your heart or your head? Do you have a choice or not? He does not give you such a choice."
Putin spoke a day after speaking by telephone with US President George Bush who, the White House said, stressed the need to protect democratic institutions while fighting the war on terrorism.