Medvedev Says Sochi Threats No Greater Than Other Olympics

Russian Prime Minsiter Dmitry Medvedev during his interview with CNN presenter Christiane Amanpour.

In an interview with CNN, Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev said security at the upcoming Winter Olympics is a concern but that problems confronting Sochi are no greater than for other Olympic Games.

Medvedev said it would be incorrect to say "threats are accumulating in Sochi," but he conceded Russia is facing a struggle against terrorism.

Asked about rumors that Chechen rebel leader Doku Umarov, the suspected mastermind behind many deadly Russian terror attacks, is dead, Medvedev said until Russian authorities receive proof, "special services will continue to consider him to be alive."

He also dismissed concerns over the recent Russian law banning gay "propaganda," saying the controversy has been "invented" and that he has not yet seen any practical application of the law.

He said the law will be amended if anyone's rights are seen to be violated.