Leader of S.Russia's Ingushetia could return to work next month

The president of the south Russian republic of Ingushetia, who survived an assassination attempt last month, could return to work in mid-August, the republic's acting leader said

MAGAS, July 31 (RIA Novosti) - The president of the south Russian republic of Ingushetia, who survived an assassination attempt last month, could return to work in mid-August, the republic's acting leader said on Friday.

President Yunus-Bek Yevkurov is being treated at a Moscow hospital.

Acting president Rashid Gaisanov said at a news conference in Magas, Ingushetia's capital, that Yevkurov will be transferred from intensive care to a regular room by the start of next week, where he may be visited by friends and family.

"President Yunus-Bek Yevkurov feels very well and is recovering quickly. I expect him to return to his duties as president by mid-August," Gaisanov said.

Yevkurov, who turned 46 on Thursday, suffered head and internal injuries when a car bomb exploded as his motorcade passed by on June 22. He has since undergone a series of operations.

Russian President Dmitry Medvedev and Prime Minister Vladimir Putin both congratulated Yevkurov on his birthday on Thursday, and wished him a swift recovery.

Russia's North Caucasus regions have seen a rise in violence in recent months. Attacks on police, officials and troops have been reported almost daily in Ingushetia and Dagestan.