MOZDOK, February 1 (AVN) - Defence Minister Igor Sergeyev is currently staying in Chechnya's adjacent North Ossetian autonomous republic, as he is yet unable to leave for Grozny, a source close to the minister told the Military News Agency.
The main aim of Sergeyev's trip to the North Caucasus is to report about the final defeat of guerrillas and complete liberation of the Chechen capital, the source said. However it is too early to make such a report, as the hostilities are still in progress in Grozny.
Talking to reporters, Sergeyev supported prolongation of the amnesty period for rebels who have laid down their arms. He also praised appointment of Colonel-Genereal Vyacheslav Tikhomirov commander of the Interior Ministry troops.