The number of troops in Chechnya is being scaled down, the republic\'s President Alu Alkhanov told a news conference at the Interfax central office in Moscow. \"The number of military units is being reduced. In particular, a decision was taken at a recent session of the regional operational headquarters for the counter-terrorist operation in the North Caucasus chaired by Arkady Yedelev to close down ten checkpoints,\" he said. Nearly all Defense Ministry units have already left the republic, he said. \"Only the 42nd motorized rifle division will be deployed in Chechnya on a permanent basis. All the Defense Ministry\'s other units will be withdrawn,\" Alkhanov said. Control over the republic\'s military commandant offices has been transferred to the Interior Ministry, the Chechen president said. \"It is clear that peace and stability in the republic are crucial to any moves to scale down the military contingent in the republic,\" Alkhanov said. (Interfax)