Vladimir Putin to Give Chechnya Wide-Ranging Powers - 28 March, 2003

'The outcome of the referendum in Chechnya gives us an opportunity to embark on a new stage of a political solution to the republic's problems,' said President Vladimir Putin yesterday evening at a meeting with Akhmad Kadyrov, the head of the Chechen administration. According to Kadyrov's press office, Putin is convinced that the results of the referendum demonstrate the population's trust in both the republic's authorities and the federal government.

The Russian President believes that in the wake of the referendum it is necessary to focus efforts in Chechnya on two main points: collaborative work to draw up an agreement on dividing power between the federal government and the Chechen Republic, and preparations for Chechen presidential elections.

Among the most urgent tasks for reviving the Chechen economy Vladimir Putin named rebuilding ruined villages and towns. He also stressed that 'paying compensation for homes that have been lost must not be delayed.'

The President congratulated Akhmad Kadyrov on the results of the referendum, paying special mention to his large personal input into preparations for the referendum.