18:10, 28 April 2007

ICRC representatives discuss interaction problems with Chechen authorities

In Grozny, the capital of Chechnya, representatives of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) met the leaders of the Republic.

"The aim of the meeting was, first of all, to present the new head of the ICRC's Representative Office for North Caucasus and the head of the Committee's Office in Chechnya to the authorities of the Republic. We also touched on the problems of missing people and situation in the Grozny Orthopaedic Centre," Pierre Van Mal, head of the ICRC's Grozny Office, has explained to the "Caucasian Knot" correspondent.

"Rendering assistance in finding out the fate of all missing persons is the basic and most important direction in the activities of the International Committee of the Red Cross," he added.

While until recently the accent in the ICRC work was made on the humanitarian component, starting this year, due to improved economic well-being of the population, the humanitarian program will be cut down.

Author: Tamara Madaeva, CK correspondent