European commissioner expresses concern over Chechnya, Ingushetia.

MOSCOW, January 22 (Itar-Tass) -- European Human Rights Commissioner
Thomas Hammarberg expressed concern over human rights situation in
Chechnya and Ingushetia and asked Russian President Dmitry Medvedev to
have the murder case of Chechen human rights activist Natalya Estemirova
finally investigated.
Hammarberg told reporters after meeting Medvedev on Thursday he was
concerned by the absence of progress in human rights protection in the two
North Caucasus republics. Ongoing killings and abductions cause his main
concern.
Hammarberg said he told Medvedev it was of principle importance to
investigate the crimes, such as Estemirova's abduction and killing, and
punish those guilty. Otherwise, unpunished crimes can trigger catastrophic
consequences, the commissioner said.
Hammarberg hopes the recent decision of the Russian president to
create the North Caucasus federal district and appoint successful business
tycoon and governor Alexander Khloponin to head it will facilitate the
improvement of the overall situation in the volatile republics. He
stressed former Krasnoyarsk Governor Khloponin enjoys a major experience
in solving social and economic problems.
That may help shift the emphasis in the anti-terrorist fight in North
Caucasus from power methods to economic development, as "problems of
terrorism shall be resolved not only through repressive police measures,
but also by resolving social and economic issues," the commissioner said.
-0-nec