Foreign Minister takes measures after Mi-26 helicopter crash near Khankala

Russian Defence Minister Sergei Ivanov has taken measures taking into account the results of an investigation into the crash of the Mi-26 helicopter near Khankala (Chechnya, a republic within Russia).

The Minister told journalists on Saturday that he had issued an order determining, as he put it, "the disciplinary responsibility of Defence Ministry officials in relation with the crash of the Mi-26 helicopter (the tragedy claimed more than 100 lives).

Ivanov said that Colonel-General Vitaly Pavlov, the Army Aviation commander whom the Defence Minister suspended of command right after the tragedy, has decided to resign. The Minister also reported that he supported the General's decision and ordered to accept his resignation.