The aim of the meeting was to discuss the restoration of a normal political, social and economic life in Chechnya.
The President said he knew from good authority that an overwhelming majority of the Chechen people were tired of the combat operations. Chechens wanted political stability and to be masters of their life, and the Russian Constitution afforded them such a possibility, he said. Mr Putin also underscored the need for Chechnya’s speedy return to Russia’s legal territory.
Representatives of businessmen and banking organisations who took part in the meeting set forth concrete ideas and proposals for the creation of jobs and conditions for the normal functioning of small and medium-sized businesses and the strengthening of the education system in Chechnya. The business representatives said they were ready to tackle the solution of many concrete problems themselves.
The President described the meeting as extremely useful and thanked all those present. He spoke highly of the contribution made by representatives of the Chechen diaspora to Russia’s economic, cultural and social life.
The discussion lasted more than three hours. Akhmad Kadyrov, head of administration of the Chechen Republic, Akhmar Zavgayev, Federation Council member, Aslambek Aslakhanov, State Duma deputy, and more than ten members of the Chechen diaspora, took part in the discussion.