SITUATION IN CHECHNYA TENDS TO STABILISE

MOSCOW, January 27, 2004. /RIA Novosti/. Deputy Chairman of the Russian Security Council Valentin Sobolev and heads of the International Red Cross Committee's delegation in Russia Marco Alther discussed the committee's activities in the North Caucasus, in particular, in Chechnya, the press service of the Security Council told RIA Novosti on Tuesday.

"Sobolev informed the ICRC delegation on the situation in Chechnya and measures on the political stabilization and social-economic developments in the region taken by federal and republican bodies," the press service reported.

On his part, Marco Alther spoke about the implementation in the North Caucasus of ICRC programs on humanitarian and medical assistance and distribution of knowledge of international humanitarian laws.

The head of the ICRC delegation reported to the leadership of the Russian Security Council on the committee's work in 2003 and plans for 2004, including the activities in Chechnya.

"The sides stated certain improvement in the Chechen Republic and expressed wish to continue productive cooperation," said the press service of the Russian Security Council.