15 December 2004
DAILY REVIEW FROM TATARSTAN
FSB To Focus On Safety Of Kazan Millennium Celebration
At its annual meeting on 14 December, the Federal Security Service (FSB) department in Tatarstan announced that ensuring the safety of the preparations and celebration of Kazan's 1000th anniversary in August 2005 will be a priority next year, RIA-Novosti reported the same day. Improving the coordination of the activities of law enforcement and state authorities in security will also be an important task for the FSB in 2005. The meeting also discussed the department's efforts in fighting terrorism, extremism, and organized crime, and its intelligence and counterintelligence activity. the meeting was attended by Tatar President Mintimer Shaimiev, Interior Minister Esget Seferov, and chief prosecutor Kafil Emirov.
Nizhnekamskneftekhim Signs Agreement With Basell
Tatar petrochemical giant Nizhnekamskneftekhim and Italy's Basell signed an agreement on the purchase by the Tatar company of a license and a package of technological documentation for production of up to 230,000 tons of different types of polyethylene a year, intertat.ru reported on 14 December, citing Nizhnekamskneftekhim's press service. The agreement continues cooperation begun in the production of up to 180,000 tons of polypropylene at Nizhnekamskneftekhim that started in 2003.
Compiled by Gulnara Khasanova
DAILY REVIEW FROM BASHKORTOSTAN
Kazakh Bank Opens Branch In Bashkortostan
Bashkir President Murtaza Rakhimov met on 14 December in Ufa with Kazakhstan's Bank TuranAlem Chairman Yerzhan Tatishev to discuss cooperation issues, Bashinform reported the same day. Tatishev informed Rakhimov about the bank's plans to open a branch in Bashkortostan and attract investments in Bashkortostan's economy. The same day, Prime Minister Rafael Baidavletov and Tatishev signed a protocol on intentions regarding cooperation between the Bashkir government and the bank.
2005 Declared Year Of Preventing Drug Addiction, Alcoholism, Smoking In Bashkortostan
The Bashkir Presidential Council decided at its meeting on 14 December to declare 2005 the year of preventing drug addiction, alcoholism, and smoking in the republic, "Kommersant-Volga-Urals" reported on 15 December. Speaking at the meeting, Rakhimov said the scale and consequences of the problem present a global threat not only for the health and wealth of the population but also for national security. The council summarized activity on protecting the environment this year, which had been declared the year of the environment. A total of 7.2 billion rubles ($256 million) was spent in this area in 2004, of which 1.16 billion rubles came from the republic and 4.38 billion rubles from republican companies.
Compiled by Gulnara Khasanova