GUDERMES, May 22 (AVN) - Chechen police units have been set up in all 18 districts of the rebellious republic, Colonel Sergei Arenin, head of the Interior Ministry Chechnya department, said on Monday.
"The priority has been given to those who unconditionally accepted the position of the Russian Federation, fought for the federal forces in combat operations, proved their loyalty to the fatherland by deeds, not words, and contributed to restoration of the constitutional order in the territory of the Chechen republic," Arenin told reporters.
The Chechen police were sworn in and specially checked, the official stressed. They are serving as assistants to officers of the temporary Interior and Criminal Investigation departments and taking part in combat operations. All Chechen policemen are considered probationers, except those who arrived or were transferred from other Russian regions.
Asked about the voluntary units under command of Grozny ex-mayor Bislan Gantamirov, Arenin said that 761 volunteers have applied for police service. 648 of them were directly involved in combat operations against guerrillas. All the applications have been accepted.
At present, 353 former volunteers are serving in the federal police. 295 ex-militia men did not turn up for service and were fired, Arenin added.