Russian Interior Ministry lacks funds to fight terrorism

Ten times more money is needed in order to re-equip subdivisions of the police force. As a Rosbalt correspondent was informed by the press office of the Russian Interior Ministry, this was announced yesterday by Russian Interior Minister Boris Gryzlov. He said that the ministry 'is resolving these problems but there is not enough money available at present in order to achieve the necessary level of security.' Mr Gryzlov said that technical re-equipment is especially important for anti-terrorist operations in the northern Caucasus. 'Having the necessary equipment would significantly reduce the number of casualties on these operations,' the minister stressed. He explained that Russian security forces are in special need of equipment used for defusing radio-controlled land-mines and also equipment for ensuring greater safety on helicopter flights.