Arsen Kanokov, head of Kabardino-Balkaria, meets militants' parents

Today, President of Kabardino-Balkaria Arsen Kanokov held a meeting with a group of parents, whose sons are searched and suspected of involvement in terrorist activities.

The meeting took place without the presence of the media. According to a source, who preferred to remain anonymous, the participants noted the importance of the dialogue.

"We feel our responsibility for what happens in the country; and we are ready to make every effort to assist in resolving the situation," said one of the parents.

According to parents, it is necessary to bring militants out and persuade them to voluntarily appear at law enforcers by guaranteeing their life and a fair trial. Arsen Kanokov promised that he was ready to do all this under the Constitution and laws of the country.

"We'll do everything that, in case of voluntary surrender, investigation is objective under supervision of the public and media; and that they subsequently serve their punishments in normal conditions," said the head of the republic. Mr Kanokov has noted that among those being searched, there may be those who had committed no crimes.

He reminded that it is necessary to understand the feelings of those who had lost their relatives from militants' hands: they can be angry and try to get revenge. However, according to Kanokov, it is inconceivable that nations of Kabardino-Balkaria are opposed to each other, and the republic is plunged into chaos.

The talks that militants' parents may be pursued and evicted from dwelling settlements were treated by Kanokov as groundless and promised to personally deal with each case, unless, of course, there is no evidences that they might be accomplices and their actions are not subject to any articles of the Criminal Code.

The President said that such talks would be held regularly; and relatives and other members of the public would seek ways to settle the situation.

A woman, who took part in the meeting, told the "Caucasian Knot" correspondent that after the meeting with the president, parents feel some hope.