MOSCOW. Feb 8 (Interfax) - The rate of terror attacks decreased in Russia in 2012, but terrorism remains a problem, Interior Minister Vladimir Kolokoltsev told a meeting of senior police officials on Friday.
"The fight against terrorism - the worst and most dangerous form of extremism - remains on the list of priorities for all law enforcement agencies and special services, including police and interior troops. The situation remains rather serious," Kolokoltsev said.
Six hundred and thirty-seven terrorist crimes were registered in Russia in 2012 and 24 terror attacks were carried out, much fewer than previously, he said.
The situation remains particularly serious in the North Caucasus, where about 90% of terrorist crimes were committed.
"Militants remain active in the North Caucasus, plotting assassination attempts against officials, Mulsim clerics, judges and police," Kolokoltsev said.