12 January 2001
DAILY REVIEW FROM TATARSTAN
Tatarstan Court To Hear Appeal Against Republic Constitution
Russian Deputy General Prosecutor in charge of the Volga Federal District Aleksandr Zvyagintsev on 11 January in an appeal to Tatarstan's Supreme Court protested some forty paragraphs of the republic Constitution as contradicting federal legislation, Tatar-inform reported. The Courts deputy chairman Ilgiz Gilazov said that the Tatarstan court will consider only those paragraphs which contradict federal laws but not those in contravention of the Russian Constitution since that is beyond its competence.
Duma Deputies Approve Tatarstan's Planned Alphabet Reform
Duma members said in Tatarstan on 11 January that the introduction of the Tatar Latin script does not threaten Russia's security and consequently should be a matter that the republic can decide for itself, republic media reported. The deputies said that Tatarstan has provided "an ideal legal basis" for the move. At a meeting in the State Council, republic deputies earlier has expressed their indignation about a statement by LDPR leader Vladimir Zhirinovsky that Tatarstan had taken this step because "Turkey has paid Tatarstan more than Saudi Arabia did."
More Candidates for the Presidency
The first deputy head of the Yeshel Uzen administration Aleksandr Fedorov on 11 January announced his plans to run for president, Tatar-inform reported. The same day, the Tatar Public Center and the Idel-Ural Confederation discussed their participating in the race. The TPC noinated its deputy chairman Ildus Sadykov, while the Idel-Ural Confederation advanced the candidacy of historian Rafael Mukhamatdinov.
Tatarstan, Kemerovo Oblast To Sign Cooperation Agreement
A Kemerovo oblast delegation headed by the deputy governor Aleksandr Kopytov on 11 January arrived in Kazan to sign a trade, economic, scientific and technical cooperation agreement with Tatarstan, Tatar-inform reported. The delegation met with deputy prime minister Sergei Kogogin and agreed on settling debts and the participation of Tatneft and Nizhnekamskshina in the financial improvement of the Kemerovo Khimvolokno chemical company.
By Gulnara Khasanova
DAILY REVIEW FROM BASHKORTOSTAN
Rakhimov Calls on Legislature to Promote Changes in Federal Laws
As the State Assembly Legislative Chamber opened its new session, Bashkorostan President Murtaza Rakhimov on 11 January told Bashkortostan's parliamentarians that they should proceed cautiously in changing the laws rather than attempting to start over altogether, Bashinform reported. He also suggested that they should become more active in promoting changes in federal legislation rather than assuming that all changes have to be made at the republic level. In addition, he urged them to consider in the near future republic acts on local self-government as well as on the division of republic and city properties.
Bahskortostan To Meet Harmonizaiton Deadline
First Deputy Prosecutor Florid Baikov on 11 January said that the republic will harmonize the remaining 27 republic laws which contradict federal legislaiton before March. Some of the delay, he said, reflected court challenges and the large number -- 500 -- of legislative acts adopted by Bashkortostan up to now.
Rakhimov Attends Chelyabinsk Gubernatorial Inauguration
President Murtaza Rakhimov on 10 January visited Chelyabinsk oblast to take part in the inauguration ceremony of the newly reelected governor Petr Sumin, the presidential press service reported. He also met with Bashkortostan's permanent representative there, Mukhammat Khafizov, to discuss the work of that institution.
By Gulnara Khasanova