Chechen republic must receive all federal-territory rights

The Chechen republic must be vested with all federal-territory rights, Russia's Prime Minister Mikhail Kasyanov said here today, as he opened a regular Cabinet session.

Chechnya saw substantial changes this year: the republic's constitutional referendum was organised and the Chechen republic elected its own president, Kasyanov noted. Chechnya is turning into a normal constituent member of the Russian Federation. Consequently, it must receive all federal-territory rights, Kasyanov continued.

The current Government session is examining a federal targeted programme for restoring the Chechen socio-economic sphere.