10 June 2004 16:44
Chechen leaders throw weight behind police chief at election rally
[Presenter] Chechen Interior Minister Alu Alkhanov was today nominated as a candidate in the republic's
presidential election. This happened at a rally of Chechen inhabitants in Akhmat Kadyrov's home village, Tsentoroy.
Representatives of all districts, elders and clergymen converged on the village. Alkhanov himself was not there. His
father died this morning. People spoke of him as one of the most worthy and serious presidential candidates. They link
their hopes for a continuation of the first president's policies with him.
[Unidentified elder, addressing rally] I believe Alu Alkhanov will be a worthy champion and heir of Akhmat-Khadzhi
Kadyrov's ideas. Alkhanov was standing beside him on the day he died.
[Presenter] The rally was also attended by representatives of the Chechen leadership. They also expressed support for
Alu Alkhanov's candidacy.
[Acting Chechen President Sergey Abramov] For my part, I would like to say that Alkhanov is a worthy person, a real
Chechen and a professional leader, a general.
[Ramzan Kadyrov, first deputy prime minister of the Chechen Republic] Kadyrov always relied on Alkhanov to restore
order in Chechnya. He always said that everything should be handed over to the Chechen police. Since Alkhanov is the
chief of the police, we think he will restore order and be a worthy candidate.
[Presenter] A few words about the new candidate. Maj-Gen (Police) Alu Alkhanov was born in 1957. After army service,
he graduated from the MVD [Ministry of Internal Affairs] Academy, subsequently holding various posts at the Interior
Ministry of Chechen-Ingushetia. When Dzhokhar Dudayev came to power, Alkhanov did not support his separatist
inclinations and became an opposition leader. In 2000 he became deputy head of the North Caucasian transport police. He
was appointed Chechen interior minister in April 2003. He holds the Order of Courage and a medal for bravery. He is
married with three children.
[RTR Russia TV] |
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