"A trend has become visible of late in the Chechen Republic for authorities and the public to pool efforts as both tackle burning political, social and economic problems.
"Positive shifts are visible in the emergence of state ruling structures-primarily, the institution of presidential power. Democratic progress is underway in civil society," says the appeal.
However, "a rift has not been bridged yet between ruling structures and the community. It is an obstacle to their effective partnership.
"Reasons for banditry and graft still survive to undermine public confidence in the regime. Certain media outlets stoop to impolite and downright insulting statements as they identify the entire Chechen people with bandits, Wahhabis and terrorists. There is no efficient network to bring up and educate the young generation. Allocations to rehabilitate the Chechen economy and social infrastructure are spent to small effect," warns the appeal.
Spokesmen of Chechen-based public and religious communities, researchers and creative intellectuals emphatically call, in particular, "to enhance the effectiveness and responsibility of government-law enforcement bodies, above all-to guarantee public safety, and protect citizens' rights and freedoms".
They appeal "to delineate the functions and responsibilities of federal and regional ruling bodies so as to build up the efficiency of anti-terror efforts and establish constitutional order".
Among other urgent measures, the document points out blueprinting a system of support for small and medium-scale business so as to reduce unemployment and offer Chechnya more job opportunities.
