Vice-Premier Of The Russian Government Advocates Soonest Possible Determination Of Moscow's Status

Valentina Matviyenko, vice-premier of the Russian government, deems it expedient to adopt a law determining the status of Russia's capital. Commenting on the tragic events near the metro station Tsaritsyno, where a group of militant rascals beaten Caucasian immigrants, Matviyenko said that introduction of any new restrictions and toughening the regime of entry into Moscow would not solve the problem. At the same time, the vice-premier believes that in such cases a prompt reaction of law-enforcement bodies is needed and those guilty should severely punished within legal framework. This should be done because "Russia is a multi-national country" and "without taking relevant measures such an incident may have serious consequences," Matviyenko noted.