Inter-ethnic peace strengthens Russian statehood, expert says

Russia is an example of inter-ethnic peace and harmony, despite all the tensions, President of the Paris Institute for Democracy and Cooperation Natalya Narochnitskaya told Vestnik Kavkaza.

According to her, this multicultural charachter of the Russian society and inter-ethhin peace date back to the pre-Christian epoch.

"It's a very important factor that we have a great Muslim community in our country," she said. "These people are our brothers, our fellow countrymen."

Islamic extremism has always been supported by some foreign forces. It was so even during the Caucasus War of the 19th century, Narochnitskaya said.