GROZNY, April 16. /TASS/. Russia’s Chechen Republic, in the North Caucasus, on Thursday marks the Day of Peace for the sixth year in a row since the regime of a counter-terrorism operation introduced there in 1999 was officially ended.
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"This day heralded the end of a series of misfortunes and tragedies of the Chechen people that had lasted over many years. Since the counter-terrorism operation ended, a new page opened in the history of the Chechen Republic that was filled with huge constructive work and bright victories," Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov was quoted by his press service as saying.
The official end of the decade-long counter-terrorism operation in the troubled region was announced by the National Anti-Terrorism Committee upon the order of the Russian president on April 16, 2009. The anniversary of the counter-terrorism operation’s end is celebrated in the republic as the Day of Peace and is an official day-off.
"Looking back at the past six years after the counter-terrorism operation ended, we make sure that the decision has fully justified itself. It has given a powerful impetus to the development of business, industry, tourism, agro-industrial complex and has led to a massive improvement of the investment image of Chechnya and most importantly, has been the driver of a steady and dynamic growth in the living standard of people," Kadyrov stressed.