Prime Minister Vladimir Putin visits the North Caucasian Federal District and chairs a meeting on the social and economic development of the Republic of Ingushetia in Magas
Mr Putin's opening address:
Ladies and gentlemen,
March 14 is the 240th anniversary of Ingushetia voluntarily joining Russia. This was a landmark event, and we certainly will not forget it. We will do all we can so that the republic understands our commitment.
An integrated panel of the Ministry of Regional Development convened in Ingushetia today. The panel seeks to apply the final touches to the programme for the social and economic development of Ingushetia, draw up an agreement between the ministry and Ingushetia on implementing the adopted federal targeted programme for the region's development through 2016, as well as consider and improve programme design estimates. I want to stress that these issues are not mere technical problems but the basis on which all planned measures will be implemented. The panel will also establish a supervisory body to analyse progress and adjust the plans for developing Magas, the Ingush capital.
I remind you that the federal targeted programme for the Russian South and the programme for Ingushetia's development will require more than 43 billion roubles through 2016. In particular, 2.1 billion roubles will be allocated this year. This is a modest sum, meant to build the foundation for future comprehensive work. Seven billion roubles will be allocated next year, and funds will come in equal instalments after 2012. All told, the programme entails 130 projects.
We will certainly have a detailed discussion of the development of social services today-I mean the establishment of new preschool institutions, and the development of education, healthcare and sports.
The Ingush president has requested for the construction of several sports centres. We will discuss this issue today.
The Ingush leadership also intends to build a mosque in Magas. I think this initiative is worth our support, and we must find the means for such support. The republic needs a religious centre.
We will also talk in detail about security and law enforcement. In this regard, I think it is my duty to remind you of the gallant deeds of the 6th Company of the Pskov Airborne Division. Ten years ago today, Russian soldiers engaged in an uneven battle in the vicinity of the village of Ulus-Kert in Chechnya. We sacrificed much and suffered heavy losses during the anti-terrorist struggle of preceding years, but all our casualties and sacrifices were not in vain.
Much remains to be done for the security of the North Caucasus and the entire Caucasus. Still, the situation greatly differs from what we had ten years ago. Nevertheless, there is room for improvement there, and our efforts to ensure public safety should and will be continued.
Let us return to social and economic problems. Mr Alexander Khloponin, the presidential envoy and deputy prime minister for the newly established North Caucasian Federal District, knows that he has been charged with drawing up a comprehensive programme for the development of all the constituent entities in the North Caucasian Federal District, and submitting it to the federal government before July.
It is necessary to establish mechanisms that will work effectively in local conditions to attract funds to the district from diverse sources-the federal budget as well as commercial banks and private companies- thus setting up the conditions for Ingushetia's development.
