国际英语新闻：Medvedev pledges tougher measures on violence

MOSCOW, April 1 (Xinhua) -- Russian President Dmitry Medvedev made a surprise visit Thursday to the restive North Caucasus republic of Dagestan promising a tough response to recent terrorist attacks emanating from the region.

The president, who arrived at the regional capital of Makhachkala by helicopter, chaired a meeting of the heads of North Caucasian republics and territorial units of the Federal Security Service (FSB) and the Interior Ministry.

Medvedev, who vowed that "(terrorists) must be punished," told the conference he wanted broader counter terrorism measures that were also "more efficient and tougher."

"We have twisted the heads off the most hateful bandits. But this is not enough, by all accounts. Anyway, we will track down and punish all of them. This is the only way we will act," said Medvedev, referring to recent operations conducted in the region that eliminated several militant leaders.

The Russian head of state also listed five main points for the fight against terrorism in the North Caucasus region, following recent consecutive bomb attacks in Moscow and the Dagestani town of Kizlyar that have claimed more than 50 lives in total.

"These measures include the strengthening of law enforcement agencies, the Interior Ministry, the Federal Security Service and the courts," Medvedev was quoted as saying by news agencies.