Putin denounces threats against Chechens in Russian regions

Vladimir Putin has announced that unjust actions in relation to Chechens in public places in Russia are unacceptable.

During a meeting in the Kremlin with the heads of the Interior Ministry and the Federal Security Service (FSB), the Russian leader said that he had only just been briefed by the interior minister about an alarming increase in the number of threats made against Chechens in public places. "We cannot allow such a negative development of events, give in to the provocation which is pushing us. We do not have the right to allow unjustifiable actions," he said.

The head of state stressed that terrorists' main aim was to sow sees of inter-ethnic discord.

"Chechens, as well as other representatives of Russia's peoples, many of whom are in Chechnya, are defending Russia's interests, fighting for a civilised future for their republic," Vladimir Putin said. "They do this with weapons in their hands, ready to lay down their lives," added.