3 December 2004
DAILY REVIEW FROM TATARSTAN
Shamiev Endorses Unified Russia Candidate For Ulyanovsk Oblast Governor
President Mintimer Shaimiev met on 2 December with Dimitrovgrad Mayor Sergei Morozov, who is running for Ulyanovsk Oblast governor, RFE/RL's Kazan bureau reported. Shaimiev said after the meeting that he "has no doubts that Ulyanovsk residents will make the right choice." Morozov said that Shaimiev's support will be an important factor in securing the support of ethnic Tatars in the Russian oblast.
Kazan City Administration Seeks Moscow�s Assistance In Restoring Historical Religious Site
Representatives of Kazan and Moscow met on 3 December to discuss plans to restore the temple of Moscow miracle-makers on the grounds of the Raifa monastery in suburban Kazan, Intertat reported. The temple was destroyed in 1929 and the two administrations are expected to sign an agreement on the reconstruction of the relic.
Compiled by Iskender Nurmi
DAILY REVIEW FROM BASHKORTOSTAN
New Legislation Spurs Interest In Legalizing Migrant Workers
The Bashkir branch of the passport-visa service detected at least 11,000 illegal migrants from January through November, Regnum reported on 2 December. The agency noted that local employers recently began officially registering their migrant workers at a cost of some $130, because if they are found to be employing unregistered workers they are obliged to pay fines and to cover deportation expenses. Some 350 workers have been deported in 2004. Fines for employing unregistered workers were previously lower than registration expenses.
Compiled by Iskender Nurmi