27 December 1999
DAILY REVIEW FROM TATARSTAN
Shaimiev Doubts Russian Budget Can Be Balanced
Tatarstan President Mintimer Shaimiev said on 25 December that the Russian 2000 budget approved last week by Federation Council is unlikely to balance unless internatinal lenders extend large credits. He told a news conference that the budget was based on the assumption that the IMF will extend its promised loans, that production will rise, and that energy prices will remain at their current levels.
Republican Party Of Tatarstan To Leave Tatarstan-New Century
At a 24 December news conference, Republican Party leaders blamed violations in the electoral law for the failure of their candidates to win in the 19 December poll. The issue on withdrawal from TNV movement will be discussed at a Republican Party's congress shortly after the New Year. Several independent candidates for State Duma, State Council, and local councils also claimed on 24 December in Kazan that falsifications of the elections results took place in the republic. They told the press on their decision to appeal with a complaint to the Russian Central Election Committee and to picket the Tatarstan president's residence.
Tatarstan Company to Drill for Oil in Iraq -- After Embargo Ends
Tatarstan's main oil company Tatneft signed in November a contract with Zarubezhneft to drill 45 wells in Iraq. Tatneft's general manager, Shafagat Takhautdinov, said last week that Tatneft intends to take root in Iraq after the cancellation of the embargo.
Akchurin Becomes Tatar Science Academy Honorary Member
Renat Akchurin, the director of Russian High Technologies Surgery Institute, was elected an honorary member of Tatarstan's Academy of Sciences at its general meeting, Tatar-inform reported on 24 December. Akchurin's research has focused on microsurgery, but he is most famous for the multiple bypass surgery he performed on Russian President Boris Yeltsin in 1996.