16 August 2000
DAILY REVIEW FROM TATARSTAN
Tatar Premier To Discuss Interbudget Relations In Moscow
Tatarstan's prime minister, Rustam Minnikhanov, is in Moscow to discuss interbudget relations between Tatarstan and Moscow, the daily "Vechernyaya Kazan" reported on 15 August. According to the daily, which cites unofficial sources, the top issue to be resolved is whether Tatarstan will join Russia's united budget space or will it continue dividing taxes according to an exclusive interbudget agreement like it has done for the last six years. Minnikhanov is accompanied by Economics Minister Sergei Kogogin and deputy finance minister in charge of the budget, Aleksei Shishkin.
Premier Concerned By Unprofitable Companies
Tatar Prime Minister Rustam Minnikhanov said that 40 percent of the companies working in the republic are unprofitable and 20,000 companies don't operate at all even though they are registered in tax bodies, the daily "Respublica Tatarstan" reported on 15 August. Minnikhanov made his comments at a session of Tatarstan's Cabinet of Ministers, which discussed ways of restructuring companies' debtors. Minnikhanov criticized the republican Committee on Bankruptcy and Financial Normalization for a lack of activity towards such enterprises.
Communications Ministry To Install More Rural Telephone Stations
Tatarstan's communications minister, Renat Zalyalov, told Tatar Radio on 15 August that the ministry will bring telephone capacity in the republic to 1 million by 30 August when the 10th anniversary of Tatarstan's sovereignty is celebrated. Zalyalov said the cost for installing a telephone will probably be reduced next year by 30-40 percent in an effort to attract new consumers. He added that the ministry plans to increase the installation of telephones in villages. Zalyalov added that the ministry couldn't find investors to finance the rural project and it will be impossible to develop it without government support. He said 60 percent of the telephone stations in Tatarstan's countryside have not been upgraded in more than 30-35 years and have become physically worn out.
Chally To Congratulate People Born, Married On Tatarstan Sovereignty Day
The Chally Registry Office will organize an initiation ceremony for those city residents who were born on 30 August 1990 in order to mark the 10th anniversary of Tatarstan's sovereignty, Tatar Radio reported on 15 August. Up to now, 21 children in Chally were found to have been born on the day when the Sovereignty Declaration was adopted. A second wedding is planned for the couples who got married in August 10 years ago as well.
By Gulnara Khasanova