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Ramzan Kadyrov says his day as Chechen leader is gone

"Now I feel that the country’s leadership should find another person so that my name cannot be used against my fellow people," he said

© Valeriy Sharifulin/TASS Archive

MOSCOW, February 27. /TASS/. Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov told television on Saturday his time as the head of Russia’s North Caucasus republic is up.

"With pleasure," Kadyrov told the NTV TV channel, answering a question if he wanted to step down.

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"Now I feel that the country’s leadership should find another person so that my name cannot be used against my fellow people," he said.

"My time is already up. A man has his limit and Kadyrov is at the peak, I think," Kadyrov said.

"Frankly speaking, I am doing my business and succeed in it, or have succeeded at least until today," he said adding that he could not give the name of a possible successor.

Besides, Chechnya’s leader denied a suggestion of his future work at the government.

"It is not mine," he said. "I do not understand it."

"I can see myself in my family, in my private life and in studying Islam. If there is a need to take a spade, an assault rifle or a backpack, I am always ready," he said in conclusion.

Earlier this week, Kadyrov said he believes his mission as Chechen leader is accomplished and he is ready for another job if the country’s leadership says so.

"Does Kadyrov want to work on? No, I do not," Kadyrov told the Russian News Service radio station on Tuesday.

"Nowadays the times have changed from the economic and social points of view. We have more professional people on the team. I think I have done my duty," he said.

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Ramzan Kadyrov - popular blogger and karate black belt holder

"Those people who lead us, check on us, watch and balance see better what is needed for further development and what is needed so that this development would not stumble," he said.

"Everything is in Allah’s hands. I am an infantry soldier. If they say to serve further on, I will serve on. If (they say) let’s say goodbye, I will say goodbye," Kadyrov added.

Earlier in February, Kadyrov, who has been leading the republic since 2007, said that he had not taken a decision on running for another term. His current term ends in early April. On September 18, 2016 Chechnya will elect a new head, the single voting day in Russia.

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