"The Russian Economic Development and Trade Ministry has strong schools of higher education and junior colleges in the North Caucasus, which train specialists for the professions needed in Chechnya. We have earmarked special budget places in our educational establishments for would-be students from the republic," Mr. Brovkin said.
According to him, 200 students are already undergoing training on the budget basis in the Pyatigorsk subsidiary of the Russian State Trade and Economic University.
"Another 200 budget places in that university - 100 in the day-time department and 100 in the correspondence one - have been earmarked for this year. The Pyatigorsk trade and economic junior college has allocated 100 places for young people from Chechnya," the Ministry's representative went on to say.
He noted that the program is targeted and is directed at rehabilitating personnel and furthering the peace process in Chechnya. It is designed only for persons registered and residing in Chechnya, regardless of nationality. There is no age limitation for people wishing to receive education. The students will be provided with accommodation in dormitories and with scholarships.
The teachers of the republic's educational establishments will also have a chance to undergo a course of advanced training.
For his part, in an interview with the agency rector of the Pyatigorsk subsidiary of the Russian State Trade and Economic University Yuri Tishkov did not rule it out that five-year agreements would be concluded with the graduates of schools of higher education, and they will have a chance to work in order to rehabilitate the republic's economy.
It is planned to open representations of higher educational establishments in Chechnya itself next year.
