MOSCOW. Dec 14 (Interfax-AVN) - The Chechen Interior Ministry will gradually take over the main responsibility for law and order in Chechnya, Chechen President Alu Alkhanov has said.
"We ask for more responsibility, and we are given such responsibility step by step," Alkhanov told Interfax.
"We are not saying that we don't need any help from federal security structures in carrying out serious operations, but their participation should gradually be brought down to the minimum in view of the complete restoration of the Chechen Ministry of the Interior," he said.
He cited a recent Chechen Interior Ministry operation against armed separatists, which he said had been a success, as evidence that Chechen police are efficient.
The Chechen Interior Ministry today commands a force of more than 14,000.
Alkhanov also said he did not expect any suspension in the payment of compensation allowances to the Chechen population. "There are no serious suspensions in evidence in that respect. All citizens who have the right to compensation will receive it," he said.
"About 32,000 compensation allowances have already been paid out, there remain about 6,000 to be paid out this year. In addition, about 2,000 applications for compensation have come in. That is planned to be paid out next year," Alkhanov said.