17 January 2009, 17:00
Muftis from Northern Caucasus visit Grozny
The capital of Chechnya was visited by a delegation of Moslem spiritual leaders from the republics of Northern Caucasus. They discussed the political situation in Northern Caucasus and Middle East with President of Chechnya Ramzan Kadyrov.
"We can quote the sacred Koran for one thousand times, but without accessible and clear language for ordinary people and especially young ones we shall not achieve any real progress in mitigating the problem of religious extremism," said Chechen President in his talk to the Muftis.
According to his story, "it is a long, laborious and at times also tiresome work", which demands a professional approach by religious figures of Northern Caucasus.
Chechen President Ramzan Kadyrov has also stated that "presently, some 50-60 militants remain in Chechnya."
Meanwhile, the analysis of last year's situation shows that the armed underground has some effect in Chechnya. According to the "Caucasian Knot", in 2008 at least 97 militiamen and militaries were killed in Chechnya, and at least 138 more of them wounded. There were 39 terror acts, at least 10 more were prevented, and at least 59 hiding places with arms and explosives were detected.
Author: Ilias Matsiev Source: CK correspondent
