Chechnya takes security measures ahead of presidential elections

The military commandant's offices of the Russian interior troops are taking a series of measures to ensure security during the upcoming presidential elections in the Chechen Republic, Colonel General Nikolai Rogozhkin, Chief of Staff of the Russian Interior Ministry Troops, told reporters Wednesday.

Among other things, interior troops will go on with engineer probing at election and other facilities, according to the general. "This is routine work, but the troops are on alert, ready to stave off terrorist acts," said the general. Military commandant's offices will join hands with other security agencies of the republic to tackle more complicated matters, he added.

When asked whether terrorist acts may be staged during the elections, General Rogozhkin said there were unverified intelligence reports on planned acts of terror.

The interior troops ensured security during the referendum on the Chechen constitution, which took place in March 2003, recalled the military. No incidents whatever were allowed to happen then. This expertise will help interior troops ensure security during the October 5 presidential elections in Chechnya.