5 May 1999
DAILY REVIEW FROM TATARSTAN
Kazan Pilots Deliver Humanitarian Goods To Albania
Tatar television reported that several transport IL-76s belonging to the Kazan Aerostan air company were loaded and delivered as humanitarian aid to Albania. Aerostan is currently the only Russian air company flying to Tirana's airport.
Several years ago, Aerostan pilots were involved in the delivery of humanitarian aid to Afghanistan. After being seized by members of the Taliban, they held in captivity for one year.
The state advisor to the president of Tatarstan on international affairs, Timur Akulov, said in an interview with Tatar television on 4 May that pilots are forced to risk their lives so that they can feed their families.
Tatar Companies Participate In Hannover Exhibition
Tatarstan will increase exports of optical devices, rubber, technology for the search, extraction, transport and storage of oil due to the presence at the Hannover international exhibition of Tatarstan's Nizhnekamskneftekhim, Tatneft, the Kazan optic plant, and the Kazan medical instruments factory. The Alabuga off-shore zone was also presented at the exhibition. Proposals for cooperation with Tatar enterprises discussed in Hannover are being analyzed, Tatar-inform reported.
Gas Prices To Increase
Prices for gasoline and other oil products are expected to rise in mid-May, Tatar television reported. Officials from the association of oil product suppliers said at a press conference on 4 May that the main gas suppliers in the republic increased their prices fourfold. But the officials said there will not be a sudden change in the prices in Tatarstan as was recently the case in Moscow and St. Petersburg. An upper limit of 6-8 rubles per liter was set, while current prices are just over 3 rubles.
Nizhnekamskneftekhim To Renew Production Of Alfa-Olefins
Tatarstan's petrochemical company Nizhnekamskneftekhim will renew production of alfa-olefins in mid-May, Tatar radio reported. Production was halted after an explosion in one of the company's shops two weeks ago. Manufacturers plans to double the output of alfa-olefins, which are the most expensive oil products.
Chally Residents To Ride Free To Dachas
The mayor of Chally, Rashid Khamadeyev, decreed that people going to their country homes will not have to pay fares on public transport. The measure is scheduled to last until the end of the month. If the initiative is supported by officials at Chally transport companies then the term of the "free rides" may be extended till the end of summer, Tatar-inform reported.
WWII Veterans Given Free Phone Calls
Tatarstan's veterans and invalids from World War II will be allowed to make free phone calls to other parts of Russia and to CIS countries on 9 May, the anniversary of the Great Patriotic War, Tatar-inform reports. The measure is being provided by the state communications monopoly Tattelecom.
Compiled by Gulnara Khasanova