Moscow: President Vladimir Putin today (Sep 13, 2004) announced sweeping political reforms to tighten Kremlin's hold over 89 regions of the country, a move he said was necessary to consolidate the Russian Federation against the menace of terrorism and separatism.

Addressing an extraordinary meeting of the Government and Heads of 89 regions that comprise the Federation, Putin said he would propose a legislation in Parliament providing for regional Governors to be elected by regional legislatures on the recommendation of the President.

He said a top-down control from the Centre was key in the fight against terror and recommended changing elections to the Lower House, the State Duma, to a proportional system.

"I also believe that the joint participation of the Federation and its constituents in the formation of executive authorities in Russia's territories is necessary for securing unity of State power and consistent development of federalism," Putin said addressing the meeting called in the wake of the Beslan school carnage earlier this month.

"...I believe that top constituents of the Russian Federation must be elected by the Legislative Assemblies of territories on nomination of the Head of State," he said.

Announcing the formation of a special commission on Northern Caucasus, Putin said the fight against terrorism demanded a radical renewal of the entire policy for the region.

The new commission would be headed by Dmitry Kozak who has been assigned the task to improve the standard of living in the North Caucasus.