MOSCOW, Dec 1: Russian President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday announced the creation of more than 70 new border posts in its southern Caucasus region, as part of an overhaul of security in the region.

"It is essential to build more than 70 border posts" in the North Caucasus as part of the security review, to be carried out from 2005 by the FSB (ex-KGB)domestic intelligence service, Putin was quoted as saying by ITAR-TASS news agency.

"These measures are intended to help close the gaps which terrorists use to gain access to our territory," he said. Speaking during a meeting with FSB officials at the agency's headquarters in Moscow, Putin also announced the creation of several border guard command posts and a modern training facility for senior officials.

Forty-five of the border posts are due to be built next year, with the remainder scheduled for construction by the end of 2006, according to the FSB. FSB officials said the budget for the project could reach 14.8 billion rubles (530 million dollars, 400 million euros), ITAR-TASS reported. -AFP