4 September 2001
DAILY REVIEW FROM TATARSTAN
Latin Tatar Script to Be Taught Experimentally
RFE/RL's Kazan Bureau reported that the head of national education department in Tatarstan's Education ministry Radik Zaripov on 3 September said that the experiment on introducing Latin Tatar script would be resumed in 60 primary schools of the republic this year. He stressed that the experiment would not involve the first form pupils, because it would hard for them to study both Cyrillic-based and Latin-based alphabets.
TPC to Support People's Front
The Chally branch of the Tatar Public Center in a 3 September statement said that "some Moscow politicians recently undertook actions compromising the development of Tatar people's culture, language, faith and customs." TPC reaffirmed its support of the People's Front organization, which unites a number of Tatar public organizations "for supporting the democracy, Tatarstan's sovereignty, and equality of peoples."
Kazan Aircraft Plant to Go Public
According to AK&M agency [www.akm.ru] on 3 September, Kazan Aircraft Plant, formerly a producer of the Tu-160 and now of Tu-214 carrier, is to go public before it becomes a part of Russia's aircraft industry holding. During his recent visit to Kazan federal minister of economic development and trade Herman Gref praised the achievements of KAP and said that the holding "would include only competitive ventures and there will be a strong competition among domestic producers for joining it."
Tenders to Be Used for Distributing State Orders
The Cabinet of Ministers on 3 September issued a decree transforming the Agency on State Orders into a new body on state orders, investment activities and interregional affairs. The new agency is to hold tenders for choosing the companies to obtain state orders and monitor the fulfillment of contracts. About 1 billion rubles ($34 million) worth of orders will be placed at republic's producers in 2001.
Kazan Plant to Produce Film for Military Surveillance Satellites
In his message to President Mintimer Shaimiev on 3 September, Russian deputy Prime Minister Ilya Klebanov expressed his gratitude for supporting the industries of strategic importance in Tatarstan such as special photo film production at Kazan Tasma factory, which recently met the requirements of the satellite photography department at Russian Ministry of Defense.
Kazan Subway Constructors Complete First Tunnel
The Kazan Subway Construction Co held a presentation of the first tunnel linking the Tukay square and Sukon bistese stations in downtown area on 3 September. The first subway line is to be launched in Tatarstan�s capital by its millennium anniversary celebrations in 2005. Construction expenses are equally divided between the republic and federal center.
Kazan Helicopters Producers Explore New Markets
During September 2001, Kazan Helicopter Plant is to present its latest models at European Helicopter Forum in Moscow and special presentations in Iran, China, Great Britain and Turkey.
Harvesting Delayed Due to Weather Conditions
Heavy rains have significantly delayed the harvesting process, RFE/RL's Kazan Bureau reported on 3 August. But 4.6 million tons of grain of the planned 5 million tons have already been gathered.
Compiled by Iskender Nurmi
DAILY REVIEW FROM BASHKORTOSTAN
Bashkirenergo Agrees to UES Demands
Bashkirenergo agreed to elect its new directors board on 15 October 2001 as demanded by Russia�s united Energy Systems, strana.ru reported on 1 September. Previously three regional energy producers Bashkirenergo, Tatenergo of Tatarstan and Irkutskenergo of Irkutsk oblast had refused to acknowledge themselves affiliates of the UES and didn�t pay the systems� membership fees as well as special payments for rebuilding the energy networks in Chechen Republic. In July 2001, the Office of the Russian General Prosecutor issued a ruling saying that Bashkirenergo and Tatenergo had violated federal laws.
Japanese Businessmen to Visit Ufa
Japanese business circles delegation led by UNIDO deputy general director Yo Maruno is due to visit Bashkortostan for discussing the strategic issues of bilateral cooperation, republic�s State Agency On Foreign Ivestments wrote in its bulletin on 3 September. The two sides reportedly are interested in joint work at Ufa international airport and republic�s chemical industry.
Chief Military Commissioner Appointed
Russian president Vladimir Putin named Colonel Timofei Nazarov chief military commissioner in charge for recruitment in Bashkortostan, "Respublika Bashkortostan" reported on 4 September. He had been serving in an acting capacity.
Travellers to Be Able to Pray Before Flying
The �Safar� mosque would be constructed in Ufa airport for letting the Moslems to pray before going to trips, aromi.ru reported on 3 September.
Compiled by Iskender Nurmi