19 July 2001
DAILY REVIEW FROM TATARSTAN
World Tatar Congress Asks Kazan to Accelerate Latinization Process...
Indus Tagirov, the chairman of the World Tatar Congress, called on officials in Tatarstan to move quickly to introduce the Latin-based Tatar script, RFE/RL's Kazan bureau reported on 17 July. Tagirov said that latinization does not violate any international law, the Russian constitution, or Tatarstan's own legislation.
�As Tatar Forum Members Make the Same Demand
About 50 members of Tatar public forum picketed the Tatarstan government building on 18 July demanding that Tatarstan�s cabinet should issue a decree implementing the law on switch to the Latin script, RFE/RL's Kazan Bureau reported. Picketers held signs saying "The Latin Script is a Window to Europe" and "Say No to the Alphabet introduced by the Empire."
Official Comments on Latinization Perspectives�
Ilsur Khadiullin, the first deputy minister of education, told Tatarinform on 18 July that �this is a very complicated issue, there is still no governmental decree on this matter, new orthography rules have been prepared only recently, and until they are approved, we cannot begin publishing the school books.� Tatarinform referred to some unnamed source in the republican Cabinet of Ministers, who said that the draft governmental decree on Latin Tatar �existed but has not been signed yet.�
...As Tatar Intelligentsia Promotes Switchover in Regions
A group of Tatar scholars and public activists signed a petition on 18 July urging Tatars of Russia's regions "to support the transition to Latin Tatar script and oppose attempts by some certain political forces to derail it."
Tatar Public Center Activities
Some 40 Tatar Public Center activists gathered near the Kamal Theater in Kazan on 18 July with placards protesting the possible transportation of nuclear waste through the republic�s territory, calls for introduction of Latin Tatar script and demands that Tatarstan gain exclusive ownership of its mineral wealth. TPC leaders said that "growing pressure from the federal center is creating a new wave of ethnic political activism in Tatarstan."
Shaimiev Says Tatarstan Will Transfer More To Moscow In Future
President Mintimer Shaimiev told Interfax on 18 July that the recently adopted federal program for Tatarstan�s economic development �stimulated industrial growth in the republic.� But he added that if the program is successful, Kazan would annually transfer 36 billion rubles ($1,23 billion) in taxes to the federal center by 2006.
China Expected to Place Large Orders at Kazan Aircraft Plant
According to Tatnews on 18 July, China is expected to purchase up to 1000 Russian aircraft, including the Kazan-produced Tu-214 airplane.
Alcohol Producers Merge To Survive
As a result of Tatarstan�s state Tatspirtprom company restructuring, 14 alcohol plants in the republic will loose the status of independent plants and become Tatspritprom�s affiliates, Tatarstan State TV reported on 18 July. The takeover of smaller alcohol companies is to help the industry survive the conditions created by the new tax code of Russia.
Compiled by Iskender Nurmi
DAILY REVIEW FROM BASHKORTOSTAN
Bashkirenergo Ready For Compromise
Shamil Abdurashitov, an advisor to Bashkirenergo general manager, told "Trud" on 17 July that his company believes that one third of the money UES says Bashkirenergo owes is incorrect and will appeal. He said the issues involved are "very complex" and that his company is ready to discuss "a mutually appropriate solution
New Head in Kuyurgazy District
Prime Minister Rafael Baidavletov on 17 July in Kuyurgazy District introduced at a meeting of companies, organizations and farms heads new district administration head Akhat Kutluakhmetov who replaced his predecessor Vladimir Filatov on the post, Bashinform reported. Kutluakhmetov had served as a deputy district administration head. Baidavletov criticized district leaders for the decline in agricultural production and inefficient economic policy saying that only 5 of 13 district farms are unprofitable. Filatov the same day was also dismissed from the position of district council chairman.
Wage Arrears Decline
The state Control Committee board on 18 July said that wage arrears had fallen by 34 percent over the last 18 months to 920 million rubles ($31.7 million) and that the republic largest companies had fully repaid back wages, Bashinform reported.
Demographic Growth Reported
Rashida Sultanova, the head of the government register offices board, said on 18 July that the republic is experiencing a "demographic explosion" that is the result of the policy promoted by the government on support and protecting families, mothers and children, Bashinform reported. She said that Burzyan District with 19.2 newborn babies per 1000 is the republic's leader.
Bashkortostan Ranks 31st Among Federal Units by Salary
The same committee said that Bashkortostan had 31st highest salary rate in Russia and fourth in Volga Federal District, Bashinform reported on 18 July.
Bashkortostan Residents Consume Local Production
According to results of a food-staffs market monitoring survey published by Foreign Relations and Trade Ministry on 18 July, 80 percent of Bashkortostan residents prefer locally produced food, Bashinform reported.
Compiled by Gulnara Khasanova