Russian President Dmitry Medvedev (R) talks with Alexander Bortnikov, director of the Federal Security Service (FSB), during a meeting of the National Anti-Terrorism Committee in the town of Vladikavkaz February 22, 2011. [Photo/Agencies]

MOSCOW -- Russian President Dmitry Medvedev has warned of the danger that fanatics may seize power in the Arab world, which may directly affect the situation in Russia for decades long, local report said on Tuesday.

"The situation in the Middle East and the Arab world has been extremely difficult, the great hardships are looming. Some big densely populated countries can break apart in small pieces," Medvedev was quoted as telling a meeting in the North Ossetian capital of Vladikavkaz.

"It is possible that fanatics would come to power (in these countries) and that will mean decades-long fires and further spreading of extremism. Let's face the reality," Medvedev said.

He added that the events in the Middle East would directly affect the situation in Russia for the coming decades.

"Let's not deceive ourselves and our citizens -- this is a big complicated problem, we'll have to cope with it during a very long time," Medvedev said.
In recent days, protesters have clashed with police in Bahrain, Yemen and Libya since Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak resigned.

Earlier in the day, local reports said Russia is ready to evacuate 563 of its nationals from the turmoil-hit Libya and four airplanes are waiting for the take-off order.