27 September 2005
DAILY REVIEW FROM TATARSTAN
Tatarstan Converts Its Stake In KamAZ
President Mintimer Shaimiev on 26 September authorized the transfer of an 11.6 percent stake in KamAZ automotive concern to the KamAZ-Kapital joint-stock venture, which was established by the republican government and state-owned Svyazinvestneftekhim holding, RFE/RL's Kazan bureau reported the same day. In conjunction with the move, KamAZ was officially excluded from the list of Tatarstan's strategic companies and replaced by KamAZ-Kapital. The transactions reportedly represent the republic's exit from direct participation in KamAZ ahead of the privatization of a 34.01 percent stake controlled by the federal government.
Tatarstan New Century Opposes Nuclear Project Revival
Tatar parliamentary deputies representing the pro-government Tatarstan-New Century movement will oppose the republic's plans to revive the construction of the Kama Alani nuclear power plant within a five-year economic development plan, RFE/RL's Kazan bureau reported on 26 September. The project was frozen in 1990 due to its location in a geologically active area, something the Tatarstan-New Century group is seeking to draw attention to. The movement reportedly addressed the local Unified Russia branch seeking support for an anti-nuclear initiative. Meanwhile, the cabinet headed by Prime Minister Rustam Minnikhanov, which first brought up the revival project, so far has not commented on the matter.
Compiled by Iskender Nurmi
DAILY REVIEW FROM BASHKORTOSTAN
Deputy Interior Minister Dismissed...
Russian President Vladimir Putin has dismissed by decree Bashkir Deputy Interior Minister and head of the ministry's Investigation Department Major General Anatolii Smirnov, "Kommersant-Daily" reported on 27 September. Smirnov has been deputy interior minister since 1991. According to the daily, Smirnov was involved in the controversial December Interior Ministry raid in Blagoveshchensk, during which over 300 residents were beaten (see "RFE/RL Tatar-Bashkir Report," 29 and 30 December 2004 and 3, 6, 7, 10-14, and 17-21 January 2005). At the time, Smirnov was in the town and personally supervised the operation.
...As Another Senior Interior Ministry Official Appointed
At a 24 September meeting of senior Interior Ministry officials, Bashkir Interior Minister Rafail Divaev appointed Colonel Rim Qayumov as the head of the Board for Fighting Economic Crimes, Regnum reported the same day. Qayumov replaced Ildar Tokhvetullin, who has retired.
Parliament Adopts Amendment On Parliamentary Investigations
Bashkortostan's legislature has passed amendments to the law on the State Assembly of the Republic of Bashkortostan under which the parliament is empowered to investigate how the republic's legislation is implemented, "Moskovskii komsomolets v Ufe" reported on 26 September. Such inspections can be initiated by deputies, state bodies, or citizens. Parliamentary investigations can also be initiated after reports about "circumstances that result in worsening socioeconomic conditions in the republic and complicate the political situation." In accordance with the amendments, the results of the parliamentary investigations will be reported at State Assembly sessions and "may be published in the mass media."
Compiled by Gulnara Khasanova