A high-ranking Kremlin source said that work on the treaty, suspended following the death of former President Akhmad Kadyrov in the May 9 terrorist act has now been resumed. "The treaty will be ready this and signed next year," the interviewee said.
In discussion is the key question - the "degree of freedom" of the Chechen republic, he said. "Moscow has two opinions. Some say that, if exceptions are made for the region, other federation entities may insist on special conditions for themselves. Others say that Chechnya is 'not other regions' and demands special treatment," the source said.
Earlier, Alexander Veshnyakov, head of the Central Election Committee, said the parliamentary elections in Chechnya should be held at least in spring 2005.
The Kremlin is concerned over the high level of corruption in Chechnya and the North Caucasian region in general. "Corruption here is beyond understanding of even Russians who have seen a lot," the interviewee said.
As regards the social and economic rehabilitation of Chechnya, he added: "We are witnessing a somewhat formal approach" to this matter.
The main political goal in Chechnya is its "socialization." "The idea is intended to take many years and is very complicated," the Kremlin source said.
