17:43, 24 June 2004

Zyazikov denies conducting purges in Ingushetia

President of Ingushetia Murat Zyazikov has denied statements by some human rights organizations that security agencies have been conducting special operations in the republic after the rebel attack violating rights of civilians. "Some people would like it to be true. But there are no purges. These reports are far-fetched," the head of Ingushetia said on June 23.

Mr Zyazikov also claimed that the group of security forces in Ingushetia would not be considerably enlarged. "I don't think it is necessary to increase the strength of security agencies radically," he said. At the same time, he noted that there were plans to reinforce the Ingush Interior Ministry.

Source: Interfax News Agency