10 April 2001
DAILY REVIEW FROM TATARSTAN
Tatarstan Seen Losing Autonomy
London's "Financial Times" on 9 April said that even Tatarstan was losing its autonomy under President Vladimir Putin.
Former Presidential Candidate Appeals To Supreme Court
Former presidential candidate Sergey Shashurin has filed five complaints with the republic�s Supreme Court concerning what he describes as efforts to block his campaign, RFE/RL's Kazan Bureau reported on 9 April.
Unity Branch Leader Joins Tatar State Council
Unity head Yuri Nezmiyev won a special election for a seat on the Tatarstan State Council, RFE/RL's Kazan bureau reported on 8 April. He will be the first-ever Unity leader to sit there.
Tatar Muslims Promote Morality
The Tatar Moslem Spiritual Board on 8 April called for the introduction of moral instruction in the schools of the republic and for the creation of special bodies to revive and advocate Muslim moral values, RFE/RL's Kazan bureau reported on 9 April.
Tuben Kama Oil Repays Debt to Federal Government
The Tuben Kama Oil Refinery has paid off its debts to the federal budget, the enterprise's press service reported on 9 April.
Tatneft Expects Prices to Fall
Tatneft officials said on Tatarstan State TV on 9 April that they expect prices to fall and taxes to rise in 2001.
Compiled by Iskender Nurmi
DAILY REVIEW FROM BASHKORTOSTAN
Bashkir Supreme Court Dismisses Opposition Suit�
The Bashkir Supreme Court on 9 April rejected a suit by a group of Russian officials saying that the Bashkir parliament was violating electors' rights because electoral districts were of different size. The losing side plans an appeal, RFE/RL's Ufa correspondent reported.
�But Tatar, Russian Oppositionists File Another
Following warnings from the Bashkortostan Justice Ministry to the Tatar Public Center and Rus Movement for unsanctioned meetings, both groups have appealed to the republic Supreme Court, RFE/RL's Ufa correspondent reported on 9 April.
PM Says Agriculture Lagging
Prime Minister Rafael Baydavletov said on 9 April that Bashkir industry had grown by nine percent so far this year compared to a year ago but that agriculture in the republic remains mired in recession. He said that farmers had not paid back government loans last year and consequently would receive fewer loans this year.
Ak Idil Basin Recovering from Recent Oil Spills?
The State Ecology Committee said on 9 April that Ak Idil river and Nugush water reserve now meet pollution norms despite oil pollution 40 times the permissible level only a month ago.
Compiled by Iskender Nurmi