23 June 1999
DAILY REVIEW FROM TATARSTAN
Shaimiev Attends Ceremony Marking Day Of Memory And Sorrow
Tatarstan's president, Mintimer Shaimiev, attended a ceremony on 22 June marking the beginning of the Soviet Union's participation in World War II (the Great Patriotic War), known as the Day of Memory and Sorrow, Tatar-inform reported. Shaimiev expressed thanks to the people who came to pay homage to those who died during the war. He said such a terrible event must never again occur and added that all generations should remember the names of those who gave their own lives for liberty and independence.
Tatar Prime Minister Meets With Russian Fuel Minister
Tatar Prime Minister Rustam Minnikhanov met in Moscow on 22 June with the Russian minister of fuel and energy, Viktor Kaluzhny, to discuss prospects for the development of the Tatneft oil company. The issue of cooperation between Moscow and Tatneft based on the model of Norsi Oil in the fields of oil delivery and refining was discussed. The same day, Minnikhanov held negotiations with potential partners and investors for Tatarstan, Tatar Television reported.
Gazizullin Comments On Russia's Regional Policy
The Russian minister of state property (and formerly Tatarstan's official in charge of state property), Farid Gazizullin, said the cabinets headed by both Yevgenii Primakov and Sergei Stepashin did everything within their power to ensure that the voice of Russia's regions were heard in the Duma. Gazizullin told Tatar Television on 22 June that "it is necessary to elect to the Duma people who would allow us to carry out economic reform and would create the legislative basis [for it]." Gazizullin said the Russian government facilitates much to allow for the successful work of regions. In his opinion, the voice of the regions recently has been enhanced inside certain official bodies in Moscow largely due to the influence of President Shaimiev.
YelAZ-GM To Make Opels
Assembly of the Opel Vectra will begin in a few days at the YelAZ-General Motors joint venture in Alabuga, Tatar Television reported. Plans call for the factory to produce about 100 new cars in the next few months. The first consignment of spare parts was delivered to the company from Germany on 22 June. The Opel Vectra will reportedly cost half as much as YelAZ-GM's first model, the Chevrolet Blazer.
Tax Collection Increases In Tatarstan
The head of Tatarstan's state tax inspection, Renat Khairov, said the collection of taxes at all levels of the state budget rose by 30 percent compared to the same period last year. Khairov made his comments at a press conference in Kazan on 22 June. He said payment of taxes into the republican budget was 70 percent higher this year than it was in 1998. Khairov said that an investigation of the firms exploiting Tatarstan's leading companies will continue. An investigation into affiliate firms of Tatneft led to some 100 million rubles ($4 million) being added to Tatarstan's budget.
Compiled by Gulnara Khasanova