Russia ended anti-terrorism operation in Chechnya

On April 16, 2009 the National Antiterrorism Committee announced that Russia has ended its "counter-terrorism operation" against separatist rebels in the republic of Chechnya which was launched in 1999. The move aimed "to create conditions to further normalise the situation", the National Anti-terrorist Committee said.

"We received the news about cancelling the counter-terrorism operation with great satisfaction," Mr Kadyrov told Russia's Interfax news agency.

"The leadership of Russia has officially confirmed the fact that the nest of terrorism has been crushed, that illegal armed groups have been neutralised, and militant leaders on whose conscience lay the grief and suffering of thousands of people have been destroyed, detained and brought to court."

"Now the Chechen Republic... is a peaceful, developing territory, and cancelling the counter-terrorism operation will only promote economic growth in the republic," he added, declaring that in future 16 April would be a public holiday. President Dmitry Medvedev ordered the end of the counter-terrorism operation after announcing last month that he believed the region was now stable enough to ease security restrictions.

These include curfews, road blocks, periodic searches by the security forces for suspected Islamist fighters, and relaxed detention rules. "We must create new possibilities for investment and employment," Mr Medvedev said in a broadcast on state television in March.

Chechnya will now be able to establish its own international airport and customs zone, which the authorities hope will encourage more trade. It should also be much easier for Russians and foreigners to move in and out of the area.

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