Shamil Burayev: "Morality, law and order are a foundation of our common home - the Chechen Republic"

- Why did you decide to propose yourself as candidate?

- I know how to arrange peaceful life in Chechnya and shortly restore the republic's social and economic sphere.

- Who are your voters?

- All the people of the Chechen Republic.

- How do you estimate a current situation in the republic? I'd like to stress two moments: the dilemma "Chechnya-Ichkeria" and a situation with the opposition and its influence?

- There is no Chechnya, no Ichkeria. There is the Chechen Republic being a part of the Russian Federation. There is no opposition, there are some elements hampering the making of the Chechen Republic as a part of the Russian Federation. And I have fought against them since 1991 without compromises. Information given by the central media cardinally conflicts with a real state of affairs in the Chechen Republic - there is simply no it at all or it is presented superficially.

- Your practical steps if you win.

- First - I will meet people in all republican districts, and then I will say what I will do immediately.

Second - I will cancel the so-called "security service" made up of amnestied fighters of illegal armed units; at the same time I will purge the Chechen interior ministry and strengthen this structure with expert, law-abiding officers and rank.

Third - I will make all efforts to create conditions for the free-will return of displaced persons from all Russian regions to the Chechen Republic.

- Would you tell of your election program?

- Interethnic relations and harmony among the Chechens is a main condition of economic revival. Morality, law and order are a foundation of our common home - the Chechen Republic. A social policy is a guarantee of social justice. The restoration of economy and social sphere is a way to the restoration of the Chechen Republic.

- Who do you consider to be your principal rival?

- I hold my principal rivals are all those people who hamper the restoration of normal human life in the Chechen Republic.

- How do you estimate your odds for success?

- I think, this time the Chechen people have been asked, and they will make their choice.

- What are the peculiarities of your election campaign?

- There are no peculiarities. Heads suggest, masses differ, as usual.

- How is the election campaign going in general?

- Being judged by the agitation posters hung out, it can be called a "theatre of one actor".

- Do you believe the votes will be fairly counted?

- I hope for it and expect international public organizations, deputy groups, and all those who are not indifferent about the fate of the Chechen Republic and the Russian Federation to take part in the control over the course of voting and counting of votes.

- What is your attitude towards the counter-terrorist operation?

- The counter-terrorist operation is in its final stage. The Chechen interior ministry's activity must be intensified, forces of the Russian defense and interior ministries being engaged only when it is "a must". Free movement of people must be restored immediately.

- Are there any difficulties in the course of your election campaign?

- I am greatly anxious about my voters' life and health. They publicly express their choice between the presidential contenders, and they are being beaten and killed by unknown armed people as a result.