Putin's surprise Dagestan visit

Moscow - The Russian Prime Minister, Mr Vladimir Putin, yesterday made a surprise visit to Dagestan after nearly three weeks of fighting there between Islamic insurgents and Russian forces. He met Mr Magomedali Magomedov, the leader of the tiny Russian republic, after arriving in the capital, Makhachkala.Reports said he was considering heading to Botlikh in the south-west, where some of the worst battles have taken place.