Russian Deputy Premier Praises Chechnya Reconstruction

Ramzan Kadyrov's residence in Gudermes (file photo) (ITAR-TASS) April 16, 2007 -- Russia's First Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev today described reconstruction efforts in Chechnya as "impressive."

He made the comment during a meeting at the residence of Chechen President Ramzan Kadyrov in the town of Gudermes.

This is the first time Medvedev, who is widely seen as a front-runner in next year's presidential election, travels to the war-ravaged republic on an official visit.

Medvedev today visited Chechnya's State University, a school, and a child hospital.

(Interfax, ITAR-TASS)