MOSCOW. Feb 5 (Interfax) - The threat of terrorism coming from Dagestan was minimized in 2013, Ramazan Abdulatipov, the head of the republic, told reporters.
"The Federal Security Service and the Interior Ministry have conducted very successful operations. I think the terrorist threat coming from Dagestan has been minimized, but this work should continue," he said.
Several large militant groups, which had been active in the republic for several years, were eliminated in Dagestan in special operations last year, Abdulatipov said.
Abdulatipov also said the Dagestani authorities will continue creating adaptation and reconciliation centers in the republic to cause people to voluntarily stop participation in illegal armed groups.
"We are talking about four centers: in Derbent, Makhachkala Kizlyar, and in the mountains. Such centers will be created to make it easier for people to come out and speak. However, a lot depends on the readiness of law enforcement agencies to work on this matter. Rehabilitation takes more courage than continuing to fight," he said.
Abdulatipov said such centers have already helped over thirty people to return to a peaceful life.