MOSCOW. Aug 3 (Interfax-AVN) - The Chechen Interior Ministry will need time to assume full control of law and order in the Republic, Chechen President Alu Alkhanov told a Thursday news conference at the Interfax main office.
"As for the transfer of the main functions, I think it will still take some time, it is necessary to provide the Interior Ministry of the Chechen Republic with its own precise, trained and prepared personnel," he said.
The personnel of the Russian defense and interior ministries stationed in Chechnya have been reduced to peacetime numbers, he said.
The 42nd division of the Russian Defense Ministry and the 46th brigade of the Russian Interior Ministry Forces are permanently deployed in Chechnya, Alkhanov said.
"As for units of the temporary operative force, they are giving practical assistance to Chechen Interior Ministry departments and units. Commandant's offices are functioning, and are being optimized," he said.