Chechnya Will See No Major Mopping Up Operations Any Longer

Federals have recently tended to avoid major mopping up operations in Chechnya, the Russian Deputy Interior Minister, Colonel General Vladimir Vasilyev, told reporters Wednesday. Now engaged in checks throughout Chechnya are local administration heads, military prosecutor's office functionaries, religious leaders and elders, according to the general. Apart from that, an intensive search for militants and warlords is still on, emphasized General Vasilyev. The locals are known to address federal representatives asking to detain and bring to justice those linked to terrorist actions in Chechnya, said the deputy minister. When dwelling on prime objectives the ministry is to attain in the republic, Vladimir Vasilyev mentioned creation of Chechen interior departments that would operate on a permanent basis.