Russian president urges to accelerate implementation of economic programs in North Caucasus

Russian President Dmitry Medvedev is dissatisfied with the promotion
of economic development in the North Caucasus, particularly in
Dagestan, and calls for the introduction of more economic projects in
the country, RIA Novosti reports. The head of state announced his
criticisms today, the 8th of November, at a meeting with the
Presidential Plenipotentiary Envoy to the North Caucasian Federal
District, Vice-Premier Alexander Khloponin. The president stressed
that the criticisms concern Khloponin as well as the local
administrations.

"I have a feeling that economic development in Dagestan is moving very
slowly," Dmitry Medvedev said and asked for a report showing the
specific projects launched in the republic.

Khloponin has reported on the construction of two hydroelectric
plants, glass containers, the development of telecommunications
systems and construction of a pipeline.

"I've been hearing about a plant for the production of glass for the
last two or three years, and only now have the sovereign guarantees
been issued," President Medvedev complained.

"We need to saturate the daily life of Dagestan with new economic
projects, without new economic projects there will be no development,”
the head of Russia stressed.