28 December 1998
DAILY REVIEW FROM TATARSTAN
Shaimiev Comments On Russia-Belarus Treaty
If the agreement signed between Russia and Belarus means the creation of an allied state between them, Tatarstan will seek the same powers as the allied republics will have, Tatarstan President Mintimer Shaimiev told the press 26 December. Commenting the Declaration on unification and other documents signed by Boris Yeltsin and Alyaksandr Lukashenka, Shaimiev said the documents contain many indefinite and uncertain principles.
If they mean economic integration, it should be welcomed, he said. But if creation of allied state is supposed, that would cause many problems, Shaimiev added. If so, Tatarstan, as well as a number of Russia's other republics, will declare their place and participation in a new state, Shaimiev said. In Shaimiev's words, taking into account the experience of the 1991 referendum on the USSR preservation and events followed, it is necessary to foresee political and economic consequences of the Russia-Belarus unification.
Tatarstan To Boost Oil Production In 1999
Tatarstan radio reported that the government forecasts more than 26 million tons of petroleum will be extracted next year in Tatarstan - approximately half-million tons more than in 1998. The share of Tatarstan oil monopoly Tatneft in petroleum production will fall a little because of Tatneft restructuring and creation of new petroleum companies. The petroleum branch remains priority for the republic, Tatarstan President Mintimer Shaimiev told the press 26 December. Tatarstan's 1999 budget will help stabilize the situation.
Tatarstan and Russian Academy of Sciences To Cooperate
Tatarstan President Mintimer Shaimiev and the president of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Yuri Osipov, met in Kazan on 25 December to discuss the state support of science and agreed to joint financing of a special telecommunications network, Tatarstan media reported.
G.Khasanova