GROZNY. July 26 (Interfax) - Russian Interior Minister Rashid Nurgaliyev said that the situation in the Chechen republic is relatively calm.
"Only a non-professional can say that the situation in the Chechen republic has worsened and is moving toward further destabilization," Nurgaliyev told Interfax in Grozny on Thursday.
"Allegations that the situation in Chechnya and the neighboring regions has become more complicated are likely being made by people and groups who are interested in its complication," he said.
"Any person who would drive through Grozny and other populated areas in Chechnya and who would look at the state of affairs themselves can see that any remarks about instability are farfetched and are absolutely far from reality," Nurgaliyev said.
"Russian police authorities in Chechnya are currently working in a preemptive mode: they have managed to prevent terrorist attacks or other grave crimes, and it is thanks to them that stability in the Chechen republic has been achieved," he said.
"I am making such conclusions as a professional and a man who knows the situation, and I can say that the situation in the Chechen republic has not worsened and is even improving," he said.