Vladimir Putin

“ The Constitution will enable the people of Chechnya to organize their life independently. And to realize the very same broad autonomy within Russia, of which there is so much talk now. For this purpose also a special treaty between the Federation and the Republic will jointly be prepared and concluded.
And we must get it ensured that the citizens of Russia – inhabitants of Chechnya – cease to live in fear. Cease to fear a knock at the door in the night and to hide themselves from so-called mopping-up operations. The people of Chechnya must have a worthy human life. ”

“ I am convinced: a Constitution adopted by the people is the basis for political settlement in Chechnya. Its adoption will make it possible to elect a truly democratic authority relying upon the people's trust.
You know: there were many attempts to prevent the referendum from being held and they continue to be made. Provocations and terrorist acts are still continuing in Chechnya. There are attempts to intimidate people. But it is only the people themselves who are entitled to decide their future, who have the right to adopt their Constitution. ”

“ Once again I shall stress: the everyday life of people is today the main concern of authority. People in Chechnya – just as throughout Russia – must have the possibility to live normally, to have rest and leisure and medical treatment and to raise and educate their children.
I must say that the children of Chechnya are our special anguish. For, trials by no means childish fell to their lot. Over the past years a whole generation of young people has grown up in the republic who had no facilities to get a normal education. ”