Mr Putin’s message read:
“I congratulate you on your victory in the presidential election in the Chechen Republic, and on your inauguration.
“Free expression of the voters’ will has given your long-suffering land a legally elected government. People pin their hopes for a better future on just such legitimate and effective government—and they have every reason to expect stable peace and order in Chechnya.
“I am sure that your experience and authority will help you to justify your fellow countrymen’s confidence and solve many essential problems—in particular, rehabilitate the economy and the social infrastructure, and achieve accord and stability in the region.
“I wish you every success in your work to the benefit of your republic and its people.”