Russian President Dmitry Medvedev, who launched...

"I do not like to solve problems using "take-it-off-the-shelf" measures," the president said, commenting on a proposal put forward by the Russian Communists leader Gennady Zyuganov.

Zyuganov earlier on Tuesday proposed all alcohol and tobacco sales be banned across the country, citing statistics over the last 10 years that Russians are purchasing tobacco and alcohol at a much younger age.

"To take [alcohol and tobacco] off the shelves does not lead to solving the problem," he said.

Alcohol consumption in Russia is more than double the critical level set by the World Health Organization, a WHO report said last fall. Russia"s Public Chamber said last summer some 500,000 die annually from diseases, crimes and accidents due to alcohol.

Dmitry Medvedev has reiterated that the problem was tantamount to a national security threat.

However, he said on Tuesday the country should fight alcohol abuse and smoking by promoting a healthy way of life rather than

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