Chechen Head on Situation in Chechnya

Head of the Chechen administration Akhmed Kadyrov welcomes the beginning of excess military contingent withdrawal from the federal republic.

"Many people have been sceptical about the possibility of such a step, but it has come true and the first decade of March will see a gradual withdrawal of excess military units and their sending to places of permanent disposition," Kadyrov stated.

The head of the Chechen administration is convinced that the decision will have no negative influence on the security situation in Chechnya. The military men have fulfilled their task and are currently "passing the authorities" to the local police, he pointed out.

International terrorists and separatists do not have sufficient forces and means to show serious resistance and influence Chechnya's intention to establish peace in the republic, according to Kadyrov. The remaining bandit formations are not going to leave the scene soon. However, those illegal formation members who have not been involved in mass murders and other grave crimes have an opportunity to return to normal life. The work with them is currently being conducted," he stressed.

Kadyrov believes 2003 "will be a turning point determining Chechnya's future". "Now nobody doubts that the majority of Chechens will support the Constitution," the head of the Chechen administration said.