contradicted the spirit of co-operation and partnership between our countries.

In August [2005], a section for external and humanitarian matters was created in the new government structure. I was put in charge of that section, which included five or six ministries singled out in that [August 2005] decree. When that section was set up, there was hope that those ministers who lived abroad would be able to do their work more or less efficiently and that they would have the opportunities to do their work. However, the past two or three months showed that this plan was unrealistic. Furthermore, the internal situation in the republic, political and military, has changed. So, the [current] decree is aimed at strengthening the role of ministries, ministers, and government officials working at home [in Chechnya]. Consequently, the top government leaders will work at home. This was the purpose of the decree.

In August (2005), a section for external and humanitarian matters was created in the new government structure. I was put in charge of that section, which included five or six ministries singled out in that (August 2005) decree. When that section was set up, there was hope that those ministers who lived abroad would be able to do their work more or less efficiently and that they would have the opportunities to do their work. However, the past two or three months showed that this plan was unrealistic. Furthermore, the internal situation in the republic, political and military, has changed. So, the (current) decree is aimed at strengthening the role of ministries, ministers, and government officials working at home (in Chechnya). Consequently, the top government leaders will work at home. This was the purpose of the decree.

If you are talking about large attacks, and are not taking into account the daily attacks on police in Ingushetia and Dagestan, then you can consider this our first massive assault (since Sadulayev's accession to power).

This was a legitimate military operation which took place in the framework of the Caucasus front.

It is a very big loss but it is not a death blow to us, as (Russian President Vladimir) Putin thinks.