Federal forces control Chechen situation - Bislan Gantamirov

Despite the recent acts of terror the federal forces are keeping the situation in Chechnya under control, Chechen Press Minister Bislan Gantamirov said at a Moscow news conference on Thursday.

"Despite the terrorist acts, the explosion in Mozdok and others, it can be said that the power structures are in control of the situation in the Chechen republic", believes Gantamirov.

In a conversation with reporters, he voiced the hope that the presidential election in Chechnya would take place even though the separatist leader Aslan Maskhadov and his associates "are against this outcome".

"The future authorities of Chechnya must work to rid militants of social backing. Without it, militants will not last even for a month", said Gantamirov.

He sees reconciliation in Chechnya as another goal of the Chechen president to be elected on October 5. Gantamirov cited the example of the Soviet-times commissions for reconciliation between what is called "deadly enemies".

"Half of the Chechens remember these commissions: the process was well arranged, therefore there is such a mechanism," he said, adding that the number of "deadly enemies" was quite large in Chechnya.