26 May 1999
DAILY REVIEW FROM TATARSTAN
Opposition Makes Accusations Against Tatarstan's Leaders
Tatarstan�s opposition parties and movements issued a statement at a united roundtable meeting stating that the republic�s leaders "only welcome in word the reforms the state's structure proposed by Russian President Vladimir Putin," Tatar-inform reported on 25 May. The statement said that the authorities are organizing "a new upsurge of the nationalist movement [in Tatarstan] with the participation of the pro-governmental organization Tatar Public Center."
The Tatar Public Center (TPC), however, agreed with an earlier statement claiming that Tatarstan's leaders hold a "conciliatory position, indulge imperial ambitions and threats by Russians. ..." The TPC Chally branch said that Russia is "becoming a huge, senile mechanical dinosaur that is repaired from time to time by new and newer reforms," and claimed that Putin's decree violates the main principles of the Russian Constitution.
Tatarstan And Chinese Province Seek To Expand Cooperation
Tatarstan's permanent representative in Moscow, Nazif Mirikhanov, discussed prospects for cooperation at a meeting with a delegation from China's Shandung province, Tatar-inform reported on 25 May. The Chinese emphasized the significance the Shangdung authorities place on developing mutually beneficial relations with such a developed Russian region as Tatarstan. The delegation is on a visit to Moscow to participate in the 2nd Russian-Chinese Business Forum. A group of representatives from the province's administration and the heads of several Shangdung companies are to visit Tatarstan during the forum to negotiate trade/economic and cultural cooperation with Tatarstan officials as well as visit large companies in Kazan and Alabuga.
Tatar Delegation To Attend International Islamic Forum In Moscow
A delegation of Tatarstan�s leading Muslim leaders and scientists will participate in an international Islamic forum called "The Future of Russian Muslims in a New Millenium," Tatar-inform reported on 25 May. Tatarstan�s mufti, Gusman khazrat, will address the forum. The vice rector of the Russian Islamic University in Kazan, Suleiman khazrat, will speak about the prospects of developing higher Islamic education in Tatarstan and the Russian Federation. Rafik Mukhametshin, an Islamic researcher, will give a paper titled: "History and Special Features of Tatar Islam and Islam in Povolzhye."
Compiled by Gulnara Khasanova