Putin promises economic reform and warns against civil disobedience Russian President Vladimir Putin told investors that Russia was working toward a "new economy" built on liberal reforms and privitisation. Speaking in St Petersburg in his first big speech since his return to the Kremlin in May. Putin warned his political opponents that civil disobedience would not be tolerated: I would like to stress that anyone who pretends to practise politics and considers himself a politician is obliged to express his position exclusively within the confines of the law. The thirst change for is doubtless the engine of progress, but it becomes counterproductive and even dangerous if it leads to the destruction of civil order and of the state itself. Putin also vowed to cut red tape, fight corruption and reduce reliance on energy exports. Our Russia correspondent said: Vladimir Putin spoke for more than an hour it was the keynote speech on day one of the international economic forum in Saint Petersburg. The Russian version of Davos is working under the title the "creation of a stable future." More about: Human Rights, Investment, Russia, Saint Petersburg, Summit