Saturday, 28 March 2009
Russian President Dmitry Medvedev said on Friday that improved security in Chechnya meant it was time to review tight restrictions in force there for the past decade. Moreover, President Dmitry Medvedev on Friday ordered the Russian authorities to move towards ending the anti-terror operation in Chechnya which has been in place for the last decade. The decree on the start of a "counter-terrorist operation" was passed in Chechnya under late president Boris Yeltsin in 1999, just months before he resigned and installed Vladimir Putin at the helm. Restrictions such as curfews, roadblocks, periodic searches and easier detention rules were imposed in Chechnya in 1999 when Russia sent troops to the region to end its short-lived independence.
"I propose that the national anti-terror committee considers the question about the anti-terror operation and takes the necessary decisions," Medvedev said in comments broadcast on state television. Medvedev also said "the situation in Chechnya has normalized to a large degree and life is getting back to normal." Medvedev's comments on the stabilization of Chechnya evaluated as a sign that the national Security Council is likely to take the decision to end the anti-terror operation when it meets on Tuesday.
As is well known, Russia fought two full-scale wars with separatist forces after the collapse of the USSR in Chechnya but it can be said that the situation has stabilized in the last years under the pro-Moscow local leader Ramzan Kadyrov. Kadyrov said earlier this week "we have completely rooted out terrorism."
Medvedev said Russia would not slacken its campaign against terrorism in the region. "We should on the one hand create new opportunities for people, for attracting investment; creating new jobs ... on the other hand we should consistently and resolutely fight terrorists" Medvedev said.
Of the 50,000 troops currently stationed in Chechnya, 20,000 might withdraw if the authorities end the effective state of war in the republic, the Interfax news agency said Thursday.
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Saturday, 28 March 2009
by Simge Soyer,JTW
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