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President of Russia Dmitry Medvedev: The situation in Chechnya has been normalised to a large extent. Life is returning to normal, modern new facilities are being built, and social tasks are being dealt with. I think that in this context, we need to examine the issue of the special counter-terrorist operation (CTO) legal regime currently in place there. This issue should be examined by the National Counter-Terrorism Committee, which you head, and the necessary decisions taken. What is your view?

Director of the Federal Security Service Alexander Bortnikov: I think that the situation in Chechnya is indeed returning to normal. The executive authorities and law enforcement system have been working quite effectively of late.

I am sure that lifting the CTO regime in Chechnya will help to normalise the situation, including with regards to attracting investment and making it possible to carry out external economic activities more effectively. Lifting the regime will help to resolve the social and economic problems we are always talking about. It will certainly settle the problem of bandits creating support bases, and will help to develop activities to draw the population away from committing unlawful actions.

Dmitry Medvedev: I instruct you then to examine this issue at a meeting of the National Counter-Terrorism Committee and, in accordance with the laws in force present proposals to the Government so as to make a final decision on this legal regime.

At the same time, of course, you and the other law enforcement agencies will have to continue closely monitoring the situation, imposing if need be individual provisions of the counter-terrorist operation regime, and taking the necessary action in Chechnya and the other republics in southern Russia, where there is still a threat of terrorist attacks. This work cannot be stopped or relaxed. On the one hand, we need to create new opportunities for people, new opportunities for attracting investment, as you said, and creating new jobs, but on the other hand, we also need to continue resolute action to fight terrorism.

Alexander Bortnikov: I will issue the necessary instructions at the next meeting of the National Counter-Terrorism Committee. We will draw up the proposals, and report to you. I am sure that by lifting the CTO regime, and with the legal framework already in place, we will be able to make effective use of existing legal provisions to localise potential terrorist threats in this region.

Dmitry Medvedev: You can make use of these provisions, and if need be make use of all the necessary measures at your disposal, not just the statutes and regulations, but all other measures too. Thank you.