Unemployment, corruption main problems in North Caucasus - officialOctober 31, 2012 - 18:50 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Corruption remains widespread in North Caucasus, while anti-crime efforts are hampered by high unemployment, Russian Security Council Chief Nikolai Patrushev said on Wednesday, Oct 31, according to RIA Novosti. “Law-enforcement and security problems in the North Caucasus are far from being solved,” he said, adding that the unemployment rate, which is among Russia’s highest, breeds criminal activity. He also said that economic crimes constitute a major share in the overall number of crimes committed in the region.“Relevant authorities failed to significantly decrease the number of frauds and budget embezzlements,” Patrushev said. Moreover, the danger of ethnic extremism persists, especially among young people. “We also have serous concerns about how well energy and water sources, transport infrastructure, educational and medical facilities, trade centers and other socially important sites are being protected from terrorist attacks,” he said. Top stories Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". The earthquake caused a temporary blackout, damaged many buildings and closed a number of rural roads. Partner news | Armenia to participate in key EU meeting for the first time ever National Assembly speaker Alen Simonyan has said that Armenia will for the first time participate in the Conference. U.S. reacts to Russia’s criticism of upcoming Armenia-EU-U.S. meeting Matthew Miller has weighed in on Russia’s criticism of an upcoming Armenia-EU-U.S. meeting. Lavrov sees ‘collapse’ of Russia’s ties with Armenia Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has underscored heightened tensions between Russia and Armenia. Russia warns Armenia against “falling into West’s trap” Zakharova maintained, however, that anything that will benefit the people of Armenia can only be welcomed. |