Ingush authorities control situation in areas neighbouring Chechnya

The Ingush authorities (southern federal districts) keep the situation in the districts neighbouring Chechnya under full control, announced President of the Ingush Republic Murat Zyazikov during a press conference in Moscow.

Talking about the operative situation in the republic, Mr. Zyazikov stated, "there are forces that would want to expand the theatre of military operations" from Chechen territory to Ingushetia. "Among those are certain politicians who would want to make Ingushetia a target of a PR campaign, bring journalists here and create some sort of a sensation," explained the Ingush President.

He said that the authorities constantly conduct anti-terrorist operations on the territory of districts neighbouring Chechnya, seizing weapons and ammunition, and apprehending members of illegal armed groups. "We are taking all the appropriate measures and fully controlling the situation in these districts," Mr. Zyazikov underlined.

He also criticised the idea of re-establishing an independent Chechen-Ingush republic. "The idea of the re-unification is an old and trite theme. However, it is brought up once in a while. I do not see such a prospect and do not support this idea, at all," said Mr. Zyazikov.