Groznyy, 1 May: Chechen President Ramzan Kadyrov has promised that "there will not be one single destroyed house in Groznyy next year". He said this when giving his speech to participants of the May Day demonstrations in the capital of Chechnya.

"I promise that you will not recognize the city on next 1 May," Kadyrov said.

Parliament deputies and members of the government are taking part in the demonstration. Around 20,000 people joined the demonstration dedicated to the holiday of spring and labour.

Demonstrators marched in a long line with slogans and banners all the way from Ploshchad Druzhby Narodov (Square of Peoples' Friendship) to Kadyrov Ploshchad (square).

Representatives of all ministries and agencies, students, school children and workers are participating in the demonstration. The mixed crowd of demonstrators stretched over almost one kilometre. They are carrying banners saying "Kadyrov is the leader of Chechen people", "Let us support Kadyrov's policies by our deeds" as well as slogans "Peace. Labour. May" and have gathered in a long line along Kadyrov Ploshchad.

Demonstrations and marches are also taking place in other big cities and district centres of the Chechen Republic. Above all, different celebrations and a concert by the republic's masters of arts are taking place on squares.