21 May 1999
DAILY REVIEW FROM TATARSTAN
Shaimiev Meets With U.S. Ambassador
The president of Tatarstan, Mintimer Shaimiev, met on 19 May with the U.S. ambassador to Russia, James Collins, Tatar-inform reported. The ambassador was interested in discussing with Shaimiev the situation in the Russian regions, the role of political parties and movements in Russia, the activities of the Federal Assembly, and Shaimiev's view on the situation in the Balkans. The two also talked about social-economic conditions in Russia and Tatarstan, and the prospects of attracting foreign investment to Tatarstan.
Settling Of KamAZ Debt Discussed With EBRD
Tatar President Shaimiev met with the heads of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development in Moscow on 19 May to discuss a restructuring of the debts of and financial stabilization for the KamAZ truck plant. The sides agreed to continue negotiations next month in Kazan. The meeting was attended by Russia's acting economics minister, Andrei Shapovalyants, and the first deputy prime minister of Tatarstan, Ravil Muratov, Tatar-inform reported.
New Tatar Rep To Moscow Appointed
President Shaimiev appointed Nazif Milikhanov as plenipotentiary representative of Tatarstan in the Russian Federation on 20 May. Milikhanov previously worked as the deputy representative. Tatarstan's former representative in Moscow, Farid Mukhametshin, was transferred to another position, Tatar television reported.
Duma To Examine Shaimiev's Political Involvement
The State Duma will investigate the degree of involvement in politics of some of Russia's regional leaders. Interfax reported that Russian parliament's lower chamber has charged the Committee on Social Associations' Affairs to examine if some governors' activities are in violation of the law. The Duma's list of those to be investigated includes Tatar President Mintimer Shaimiev, Saratov Oblast Governor Dmitrii Ayatskov, Samara Oblast Governor Konstantin Titov, and Moscow Mayor Yurii Luzhkov.
Tatarstan's State Council To Discuss Amendments To Constitution
A draft law on amending Tatarstan's Constitution and the republican Central Electoral Commission will be debated at a session of the State Council on 26 May, Tatar television reported. The bill aims to improve the electoral system in the republic. The agenda for the session was considered by the State Council presidium on 20 May.
Finance Minister Explains Use Of ING Credit
Tatarstan's finance minister, Robert Musin, explained at a State Council session on 20 May how a $100 million credit from the ING bank was allocated. Musin said some $18.5 million was used to finance the leasing of KamAZ trucks and engines to the agricultural sector. He added that more than $20 million was used to refinance the state's internal debt, specifically, to pay off credit from Tatarstan's Sberbank, which was received in 1996. Musin said part of the ING loan was used to repay credits to Mezhkombank and the Zenit bank, which were drawn to finance current expenses of the republican budget, Tatar television reported.
Compiled by Gulnara Khasanova