06 February 2004, 13:25
Ingush President and Russian Minister for Chechnya discuss return of refugees
Ingush President Murat Zyazikov and Russian Minister for Chechnya Stanislav Ilyasov met in Magas to discuss the return of refugees from Ingushetia to Chechnya.
"The Minister for Chechnya stressed the positive dynamics of this process and noted that people were returning voluntarily," reported the Ingush President's press service. Mr Ilyasov thanked the Ingush people for hospitality and aid provided to refugees noting that their accommodation was a big burden for the republic.
He noted that under a Russian governmental ordinance, the housing in Ingushetia would be built for many Chechen citizens of Ingush origin who decided not to return to Chechnya.
About 50,000 refugees from Chechnya are accommodated in Ingushetia at present and 4,500 of them live in tent camps, Murat Zyazikov said at the meeting. The rest live in the private sector. 19,000 refugees, mainly Ingushetians, decided not to return to Chechnya.
Source: Chechnyafree.ru Website (Russia)
