Vladimir Putin Demands Security to Be Ensured During Constitutional Referendum in Chechnya

Russian president Vladimir Putin demanded that all the necessary measures be taken to ensure security in connection with the preparation of the constitutional referendum in Chechnya. Maximum efforts should be made to ensure public security in Chechnya and prevent possible provocations in connection with the preparation for the constitutional referendum, the Russian president said at the Federal Security Service /FSB/ on Friday.

He pointed to the good results of the work of the operative headquarters in the North Caucasus. Today, its actions are better organised, and the greatest merit goes to the Federal Security Service, above all. It is the main structure in the region, Putin pointed out.

He asked the FSB officers to pay special attention to the political process in Chechnya. "You know that the constitutional referendum is being prepared now in the republic," the president said.

He also stated that representatives of the Chechen public spurred its holding after the act of terror was perpetrated in Dubrovka theatre centre. They wanted to show that "it is impossible to put a sign of equality between the Chechen people and terrorists.

Vladimir Putin is convinced that it is necessary to support this initiative which comes from the Chechen republic itself.