TODAY: Medvedev predicts long-term struggles in Arab states; denies possibility that similar fate could befall Russia; advocates freedom of Internet.  Russian citizens on trial in Belarus; rights ombudsman says awareness of civil liberties is increasing among Russians; photos of Kirill’s alleged palace; Voina to take case to Strasbourg

‘These states are not simple and it is quite likely that complicated developments may occur, including the rise of fanatics to power — this would mean decades of flames and the spread of extremism’: President Medvedev foresees ongoing strife in restive North Africa and across the Middle East, in his first televised comments on the political upheavals shaking the region.  The Washington Post has pointed out that Medvedev’s words contrasted strongly with statements issued by the European Union, which fervently condemned the violence.  Medvedev reportedly asserted that no such regime-toppling could occur in Russia, if a revolt was planned by an enemy he only called ‘they’, leaving it unclear as to whether he was referring to Islamic extremists, or the political opposition.  At a National Counterterrorist Committee meeting, the President asserted a commitment to developing the terrorized Caucasus republics, including its burgeoning tourism sector, as well as affirming that cuts to the police force would not affect the region.  In what has been described as a ‘thinly veiled reference to Tunisia, Egypt and Libya,’ Medvedev affirmed the necessity of a free Internet, arguing that ‘blocking the Internet’ and instead ‘attempting to reach agreement with one’s own people by force of arms’ is a futile strategy.  In his interview with the Wall Street Journal, Deputy Prime Minster Igor Sechin blamed Google for fomenting the protests that ousted the Mubarack regime in Egypt.