BESLAN TRAGEDY: PEOPLE'S ATTITUDES

It is noteworthy that in the answers to the question about the nature of the most acute problems of modern Chechnya, a large number of those canvassed (81%) mentioned social and economic problems (unemployment, low wages), while problems of security (criminality, terrorism) proved to be in second place (74%). Since the problem of security in Chechnya continues to remain rather serious, the results of the survey suggest that the population may to some extent be growing habituated to this problem and that its attention is fixed on the urgent social and economic issues which are acquiring more and more importance for residents of Chechnya.

Note: This survey was conducted within the framework of a 12-month study project called "Public Opinion in the North Caucasus", which is being carried out in all the North Caucasian republics with the financial support of the American foundation NED. The distribution of replies to the questions of the survey is given in percentages. Statistical error in surveys of this kind is within the range of 7%. For some questions, two versions of a reply were allowed.