GROZNY, May 6 (RIA Novosti) - Corruption and embezzlement are rampant in Chechnya as compensations are paid for ruined houses and other war-damaged property. Republican President Ahmad Kadyrov promised a severe fight against the outrages as he was addressing a WWII veteran gala conference preceding V-E anniversary celebrations.
"If I hear of a government officer taking bribes, the man will be out of job so long as I am President," he said.
70,000 have applied for damages by now, and close on two thousand have received their grants-350,000 rubles, roughly 10,000 Euros, to a household.
World War II veterans received personal invitations for today's gala gathering in Grozny. Accompanying it was a parade of forces subordinate to the Central Military Commandant's office, President Kadyrov inspecting. Ten veterans received Oka cars as gifts. Another thirty similar cars are expected quite soon.
