Russian parliament demands tougher anti-terrorist measures

The Russian parliament Friday decided to tighten security measures and criminal punishment for terrorists and their supporters to protect civilians from terrorist attacks.

"No one should escape responsibility from criminal acts," said a resolution approved at a joint session of the Federation Council and State Duma, or the upper and lower houses of the Russian parliament.

Representatives of denominations and non-governmental organizations also participated in the session.

Participants called for tougher criminal penalties for terrorist crimes and other related acts including recruitment, propaganda, as well as financing and other support to terrorist groups.

Parliament members also declared their readiness to improve Russian legislation in the field of migration policy to prevent the spread of all forms of terrorism and international crime.

"A solid barrier should be put up at state borders to prevent the penetration of extremists into Russia," the resolution said.

The legislators also stressed the necessity to promote broader international cooperation and exchange of information to combat terrorism.

"Terrorism should be declared a crime without limitations and be firmly combatted in all countries of the world," it said.

A Russian A321 plane crashed in Egypt's Sinai Peninsula on Oct. 31, killing all 224 on board. Moscow announced on Tuesday that the plane was brought down by a bomb.

The Islamic State (IS) extremist group has claimed responsibility for the crash as a revenge for Russia's airstrikes against IS targets in Syria.

Russian air forces ratcheted up strikes in Syria from Tuesday following an order from Russian President Vladimir Putin and used strategic bombers in its operations for the first time.

Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov vowed Wednesday that Russia would defend itself with all available means against any act of aggression. Endi