The meeting’s agenda included a special federal programme for the economic, social and political development of the North Caucasus for 2000–2005, which had been approved by the government earlier today. Regional governors made a number of suggestions, most of which concerned tightening the timeframe for individual projects. It was decided to revise the programme within two months, taking into account the suggestions made at the meeting.
In a talk with journalists during a break, Vladimir Putin gave the details of his election campaign. In particular, the acting head of state said that he would present his economic programme before the March 26 elections. The programme is being drawn up by the Russian Centre for Strategic Studies and members of several economics schools.