President Putin presented state awards to citizens of Dagestan for their courage and selflessness displayed during the expulsion of terrorist units from the republic.
The President said that the actions of Dagestani residents in the summer of 1999 had prompted the authorities at every level to step up their work. Mr Putin stressed that Dagestani security agencies and civilians had displayed courage while resisting the invasion of international terrorists. He said that the republic’s residents had displayed genuine patriotism and a readiness to work selflessly and effectively. He said the behaviour of the people of Dagestan had helped to end the terrorists’ adventure.
Addressing over 40 Dagestani representatives, the head of state proposed discussing the latest achievements in the North Caucasus and their republic. Mr Putin said Dagestan had the necessary funding, workforce and other resources to more quickly restore the damaged infrastructure.