GROZNY. Aug 8 (Interfax) - Former speaker of the Russian Supreme Council Ruslan Khasbulatov, who is visiting Chechnya, praised the recovery that has taken place there.

"I was able to travel around the countryside. I saw dramatic changes while visiting Chechnya. Not only Grozny was revived. Houses, roads and other facilities are being built everywhere. People believed in a peaceful future, which is extremely important," Khasbulatov said at a meeting with Chechen president Ramzan Kadyrov at the presidential residence in Gudermes.

"I would never believe that Grozny could be made so much better within such a short period of time. During my last trip it was in ruins. Today, it is hardly recognizable," Khasbulatov said.

"You've managed to continue the cause of your father, first Chechen president Akhmat Kadyrov. This is a great achievement for the Chechen people and our entire country," Khasbulatov said.

The focus must be on the economy now, he said. "Small and medium businesses are doing well here, but they alone won't solve the problem of employment among the population. A major enterprise must be built, surrounded by several smaller facilities. In my view, an oil refinery could be the locomotive of the economy," the ex-speaker said.

Kadyrov said, for his part, that, "Chechnya does need several large industrial enterprises. Including an oil refinery. We are studying it, looking for investors. I am convinced that we can soon start implementing the project.