MAGAS, July 31 (RIA Novosti) - The president of the south Russian republic of Ingushetia, who survived an assassination attempt last month, could return to work in mid-August, the republic's acting leader said on Friday.
President Yunus-Bek Yevkurov is being treated at a Moscow hospital.
Acting president Rashid Gaisanov said at a news conference in Magas, Ingushetia's capital, that Yevkurov will be transferred from intensive care to a regular room by the start of next week, where he may be visited by friends and family.
"President Yunus-Bek Yevkurov feels very well and is recovering quickly. I expect him to return to his duties as president by mid-August," Gaisanov said.
Yevkurov, who turned 46 on Thursday, suffered head and internal injuries when a car bomb exploded as his motorcade passed by on June 22. He has since undergone a series of operations.
Russian President Dmitry Medvedev and Prime Minister Vladimir Putin both congratulated Yevkurov on his birthday on Thursday, and wished him a swift recovery.
Russia's North Caucasus regions have seen a rise in violence in recent months. Attacks on police, officials and troops have been reported almost daily in Ingushetia and Dagestan.