11 April 2001
DAILY REVIEW FROM TATARSTAN
Justice Ministry Seeks Changes in Tatarstan Constitution
The Russian justice ministry plans to ask President Vladimir Putin to order the harmonization of the Tatarstan constitution, Interfax reported on 10 April.
Tatarstan Official Rejects Recession Predictions
First Deputy Economics Minister Alevtina Kudryavtseva said in an interview published in the Tatarstan press on 11 April that recent Moscow predictions of an upcoming economic slump in Tatarstan were "without foundation.
Western Diplomats Discuss Religious, Ethnic Issues
The military attaches of the U.S. and Swedish embassies in Moscow visited Kazan to meet with Muslim Religious Board chairman Gusman khazret Iskhaqi for a discussion on confessional and ethnic relations in the republic.
School Computerization to be Completed by May
Education Minister Faris Kharisov said on 10 May that all Tatarstan schools will have computer classes by May 2001.
Ukrainian Auto Plant To Launch Production in Alabuga
Ukraines LuAZ plans to set up a plant in Alabuga, "Vremya I dengi" reported on 11 April. The new plant will assemble trucks and buses.
Tatar Children Send Aid to Chechen Children
Money raised by Tatarstan's school children for the Red Cross will be used to provide assistance to children in Gudermes.
Tatar Director Receives National Theater Award
Kamal Theater Director Marsel Salimjanov has been presented with Russia's national Golden Mask award for his work, tatnews.ru reported on 10 April. Two years ago, President Mintimir Shaimiev received this award for his work on preserving Tatarstan theaters.
Compiled by Iskender Nurmi
DAILY REVIEW FROM BASHKORTOSTAN
Rakhimov Calls Regions to Buy NTV Shares
President Murtaza Rakhimov urged the regional leaders of Russia to purchase shares in NTV in order to ensure its operation, Interfax-Eurasia reported on 11 April. He believes that the national channel should belong to Russia regardless of who is right or wrong. Meanwhile, on the same day, Rakhimov met with Russian Supreme Court judicial department chief Vladimir Maksimov in Ufa to discuss conditions in the judiciary.
Parliament Approves Ethics Rules
Bashkortostan's parliament has approved a set of ethical rules for its members, RFE/RL's Ufa correspondent reported.
Farms Urged to Adopt Market-Oriented Management
Deputy Prime Minister Shamil Vakhitov told Bashinform on 10 April that farms must adopt a market-oriented approach to succeed.
Media Urged To Help Prevent Violence Against Women
Galina Shenberger, the deputy chairwoman of the Bashkortostan's Woman's Union, said on 10 April that media coverage will help prevent family violence in the republic.
Justice Ministry Unhappy with Bashkir Constitution
"Rossiyskaya Gazeta" reported on 11 April that Russian Deputy Justice Minister Yuri Zabarchuk named Bashkortostan's constitution as one which "serious violated" the Russian basic law. He said that the ministry is preparing warnings which President Vladimir Putin will send to the regional heads.
Compiled by Iskender Nurmi