17 August 2004
DAILY REVIEW FROM TATARSTAN
Russian Emergency Situations Ministry Official Visits Tatarstan
President Mintimer Shaimiev on 16 August met with Ruslan Tsalikov, Russia's deputy emergency situations minister in charge of civil defense, to discuss the reform of the country's emergency services, RFE/RL's Kazan bureau reported the next day. The new system of emergency services, which will include the creation of special regional centers for dealing with natural disasters and other catastrophes, is reportedly designed to work in cooperation with existing regional emergency ministries. Tsalikov met on 16 August with Prime Minister Rustam Minnikhanov to discuss an agreement to be signed between the federal Emergency Situations Ministry and the Tatar government by late 2004 that will establish operating procedures for the new system and existing authorities.
Shaimiev Discusses Ways To Improve Judiciary
Meeting with Russian Academy of Justice rector Valentin Ershov on 16 August, President Shaimiev said that to become a truly law-based state it is essential that Russian courts have highly qualified judges, RFE/RL's Kazan bureau reported on 17 August. Ershov and Shaimiev discussed the operation of the academy's existing branch in Kazan and the opening of a legal college in September. Shaimiev suggested that the academy's specialists not only teach young students, but also be used to train experienced judges and other members of the legal and judicial systems.
Tatenergo Boasts Soaring Profits
Heat and electricity producer Tatenergo posted a net profit of 1.1 billion rubles ($38 million) for the second quarter, Intertat reported on 17 August. Only 50 percent of energy produced by the monopoly is currently consumed within the republic, and the company is reportedly interested in offering the remainder to the Russian energy market. Aside from its energy production, Tatenergo also receives revenue by transferring 7 billion kilowatt-hours of electricity produced by Russia's Unified Energy Systems via its networks.
Open Russia To Begin Work In Tatarstan
State Council Chairman Farid Mukhametshin and Open Russia representative Andrei Ilnitskii, who heads a program for regional schools of public politics, agreed on 16 August to establishing an affiliate office for the program in Kazan, Intertat reported. During the talks, Ilnitskii emphasized the importance of democratic processes in the regions, "because Russia can be strong only if the regions are strong." He also said Open Russia, which was created and funded by the Yukos oil company, appreciates Tatarstan's experience in federalism studies and plans to devote its first November 2004 seminar in Kazan to federalism and local self-government issues.
Compiled by Iskender Nurmi
DAILY REVIEW FROM BASHKORTOSTAN
Head Of The World Turkic Women's Association Arrives In Ufa
Senol Bal, chairwoman of the World Turkic Women's Association, arrived in Ufa on 17 August to gather materials for a report to be made at the third world congress of Turkic women, which is to be held in Kazakhstan in 2005, an RFE/RL Ufa correspondent reported. Part of the chairwoman's report will reportedly concern women's rights in Bashkortostan, as well as the republican government's policies regarding youth.
Compiled by Iskender Nurmi