MOSCOW, March 28. /TASS/. The government will not walk back from economic liberalization and creation of comfortable conditions for businessmen’s activities but safety of people using their services must be supported unconditionally, Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Wednesday at a meeting on economic matters in a comment on the recent fire catastrophe in Kemerovo.

"Current laws should also be reviewed," Putin said. "It is clear we will not change rules related to liberalization in the economic sphere. The effective regulatory base provides an opportunity to do everything to ensure safety of people," the president said.

"If it lacks something, appropriate decisions should be made after consultations with associations of entrepreneurs and relevant analysis of available materials," the head of state said.

Kemerovo mall fire catastrophe

A fire broke out on the top floor of the Zimnyaya Vishnya (or Winter Cherry), a four-story shopping mall in the Siberian city of Kemerovo on March 25, eventually engulfing an area of 1,500 square meters. According to recent reports, the catastrophic inferno claimed the lives of 64 people, including 41 children.

According to President Vladimir Putin’s decree, Russia is observing a day of national mourning on March 28. Flags are flying at half mast, and all entertainment events have been cancelled across the region.