Mutsolgov: implementation of results of Medvedev's meeting with NGO leaders will improve situation in Northern Caucasus

Magomed Mutsolgov, head of the Ingush human rights organization "Mashr", "was almost completely satisfied" with the meeting with the President of the Russian Federation Dmitri Medvedev and his Plenipotentiary in Northern Caucasus Alexander Khloponin, although the human rights activist was not given the floor. According to his version, those colleagues who were given the floor had problems with the timetable - only three minutes were given to every speaker, - therefore, half of the participants failed to speak.

Mr Mutsolgov has noted that the meeting was a high-level one. "It was an open and frankly tough dialogue. I was amazed. President was very adequate in his reactions. I don't like complementing the authorities, but Medvedev, who had chosen that democratic format of dialogue, is, in my opinion, favourably different from Soviet-type bureaucrats. He reasonably treats criticism and sound arguments. He gave a number of instructions, including some to Alexander Khloponin, his Plenipotentiary in the NCFD (North-Caucasian Federal District), to hold similar meetings and set up public boards," the human rights activist told the "Caucasian Knot" correspondent.

Magomed Mutsolgov has especially noted Medvedev's support of the idea to set up the Board of Elders of the Caucasus. "The President let us know that he would not like another purely nominal formation. He formulated quite clearly: no swindles in this context and the board that could be helpful for Northern Caucasus. I think, if the instructions of the President are implemented, the situation will change for the better," he said.

Among Mr Medvedev's instructions, Magomed highlighted the issue of numerous militia posts in the region. "The President admitted that they hamper free citizens' movement. Besides, the issue was raised about small schools in rural settlements. Teachers have miserable salaries there, because of few pupils. This payment system infringes teachers' interests; it should be replaced by some combined one," said Mr Mutsolgov.

He believes that such meeting had long been a must and emphasizes that people with absolutely different viewpoints, who work in the place - in Northern Caucasus - were present.

Nevertheless, he does not believe that fast positive changes are possible after one meeting only. The Ingush delegation, as the human rights activist noted, had particular proposals to the head of the state; they wanted but could not announce them.

In his blog placed in the "Caucasian Knot" Magomed Mutsolgov published the list of issues, which he had wanted to raise at the meeting. All of them refer to improvements of the political situation in Ingushetia.

Among them: an unbiased coverage in mass media of the events underway in the republic, including facts of human rights violations; ensuring real return of all forced migrants from Ingush villages of the Prigorodny District and from North Ossetia to the places of their former residence; revision of the frontier zone in the Dzheirakh District; amnesty or pardon of convicts for participation in illegal armed formations; complaints from Ingushes-convicts and servicemen against humiliations and beatings; and establishment of whereabouts or burials of kidnapped and missing persons.

Also Mutsolgov suggested to: increase the staff of the MIA of Ingushetia by 3000-3500 persons recruited from among local residents; forbid power agents to use masks; create real jobs; solve the problem of emergency and shabby houses; draw attention to the issue of shortage of potable water and strong deterioration of gas and water pipelines.

Apart from all the above-listed points, in order to change the situation in the republic and return the trust in the authorities, as the human rights activist believes, it is necessary to change the attitude of the authorities to the population of Ingushetia.