16 May 2001
DAILY REVIEW FROM TATARSTAN
Shaimiev Urges Strengthening Federal Presidency's Regions Department.
President Mintimer Shaimiev told ORT and RIA-Novosti that it would be more efficient to strengthen the presidential territorial department instead of creating �additional micro-capitals� with ever larger staffs. In other comments, he stressed that �harmonization cannot be a one-way street if we really want to live in a democratic society and to share powers in a civilized way.� Shaimiev noted that Tatarstan had harmonized its laws and constitution with those of the Russian Federation but that the Russian Constitution may be changed soon and then a second round of harmonization will be needed.
Tatarstan�s Foreign State Debt Falls But Internal One Increases.
Tatarstan�s foreign state debt has been fallen to 209.8 million rubles ($7.2 million) as of 1 April, AK&M reported on 15 May. But its internal debt has increased to 4179 million rubles ($144 million).
Kazan to End Subsidies of Unprofitable Companies.
Prime Minister Rustam Minnikhanov said that the republic will end subsidies for companies in the republic which operate at a loss, Finmarket reported on 15 May.
Kazan City Administration To Be Reformed.
Mayor Kamil Iskhakov said that the Kazan city administration will be reorganized to bring it into line with changes in the structure of the republic cabinet, Tatar-inform reported on 14 May.
Chally Representative Named Republic Criminal Investigation Head.
Interior Minister Asgat Safarov has named Faizulla Khusniev, 35, former head of the Chally criminal militia, to be the head of the republic Criminal Investigation Department, Efir-inform reported on 15 May.
Tatarstan Trade Minister Visits Iraq.
Trade and Foreign Economic Cooperation Minister Khafiz Salikhov is visiting Iraq to promote economic cooperation within the oil-for-food program, RIA-Novosti reported on 15 May.
Deaths Outnumber Births, Divorces Up.
A republic scientific-practical conference on �Spiritual and Moral Revival of Family� noted that there were 14,500 more deaths than births in Tatarstan in 2000, Tatar-inform reported on 14 May. Speakers also said that 60 percent of all marriages in the republic end in divorce.
By Gulnara Khasanova
DAILY REVIEW FROM BASHKORTOSTAN
Ufa to Mark Russian Sovereignty Declaration Anniversary.
President Murtaza Rakhimov on 15 May signed a decree calling for the celebration of the 11th anniversary of the Declaration of State Sovereignty by the Russian Federation on 12 June, the presidential press service reported.
Bakiev Says Duma Doesn't Focus on Regions.
Duma deputy Rim Bakiev on 15 May said that Russian parliament members do not want to discuss draft laws aimed at improving ethnic relations and supporting the development of numerically small peoples. But he said that he hopes the merger of four Duma factions will improve the situation.
Wind Power Engineering Development Discussed In Ufa.
Representatives from Russia�s 18 regional energy systems are taking part in an Ufa forum devoted to wind power engineering, aromi.ru reported on 15 May. The Tyupkilde wind power station, Russia�s most powerful wind station and one developed by Bashkirenergo, will be demonstrated.
By Gulnara Khasanova