With foundation of new federal district, Northern Caucasus acquires its special status in Russia

The news about separation of the North-Caucasian Federal District out of the Southern Federal District was surely anticipated. The leaders of the regions, which now make parts of the new formation, support the idea and hope for the progress in social and economic spheres. Observers also find the decision logical and emphasize that the Kremlin has thus recognized the region's specificities.

Let us remind you that on January 19 it was announced about the creation of the North-Caucasian Federal District (NCFD) from several regions, earlier members of the Southern Federal District (SFD). Alexander Khloponin was appointed to the post of Russian vice-premier and President's plenipotentiary in the new District.

Now, the NCFD includes the Republic of Dagestan, the Republic of Ingushetia, the Kabardino-Balkarian Republic, the Karachai-Circassian Republic, the Republic of North-Ossetia-Alania, the Chechen Republic and the Stavropol Territory, with the centre of the new Federal District in the city of Pyatigorsk. The Astrakhan, Volgograd and Rostov Regions, the Krasnodar Territory, the Republic of Adygea and the Republic of Kalmykia remain in the SFD.