The president of the Russian republic of Ingushetia has dismissed its government.
A spokesman for President Murat Zyazikov said he took the action Monday, citing the lack of progress in improving the local economy. He quoted the president as conceding there had been substantial progress in other areas.
Mr. Zyazikov was elected president of Ingushetia one year ago. It is one of Russian's poorest provinces, and has been under the additional strain of an influx of refugees from the fighting in neighboring Chechnya.