"Afghans" on hunger strike in Dagestan would not give up their claims

Today is the fifth day of the hunger-strike started by 50 Afghan war veterans in the capital of Dagestan, which have resorted to this measure to draw attention to their problems, first of all to provision of housing to them according to federal legislation. The hunger-strikers drink only water.

In view of the fact that it is torrential rain in Makhachkala today, their health condition is already worrying their friends and relatives.

"In 1994, when I entered the housing queue, I was No. 101," said Kurban Ramazanov, a hunger-striker. "One of these days, when I came to verify my position, I was surprised to see that absolutely no progress was made during these 14 years. And where have the money gone allotted for buying apartments, or who have got these apartments?"

According to the hunger-strikers, today, about a thousand of Afghan war veterans who now live in the Republic need improvement of their housing conditions.

Ismail Efendiev, Minister of Labour and Social Development of Dagestan, gave his comments on the situation with apartments for "Afghans":

"Every three months, the Ministry of Regional Development of the Russian Federation defines the cost of one square meter of dwelling, according to which subsidies are granted. They are granted as 18 square meters per every applicant. The cost of one square meter in Makhachkala makes 17,650 roubles, thus, the sum of a subsidy makes 317,000 roubles. We understand that this sum is insufficient for purchasing apartments in the city. However Dagestan, being a donation republic, has no funds to increase this sum," said Efendiev.

According to Mr Efendiev, the government of Dagestan has sent a letter to the State Duma asking to increase the subsidies on improvement of housing conditions for privileged applicants.