Mintimer Shaimiev: “I’ll try to support new Tatarstan Head in any way”

The Republic of Tatarstan President Mintimer Shaimiev gave a press-conference for Russian and Tatarstan journalists at Kazan Kremlin on Saturday January 23. Mintimer Shaimiev made comments on his decision to reject the nomination for post of the republican head.

After State Council session on January 22 in Moscow, Russia President held a working meeting with Tatarstan President. Mintimer Shaimiev made a request not to consider his candidacy for the post of the republican leader after his presidential term expiry on Mar 25, 2010. Russia President will recommend RT Prime Minister Rustam Minnikhanov for the post of Tatarstan Headt in connection with Mintimer Shaimiev’s rejection of nomination.

In December 2009, "United Russia: political party introduced three candidates for RT Head position to the Russian Federation President: current head of Tatarstan Mintimer Shaimiev, RT Prime Minister Rustam Minnikhanov, and Tatarstan State Council Chairman Farid Moukhametshin.

According to Mintimer Shaimiev’s statement, the federal centre was pleasantly surprised to get acquainted with the candidates from Tatarstan. "Literally, the said: you have a wonderful pleiad of cadres, Mintimer Sharipovich. That was their assessment. Fortunately, there are worthy candidates in the republic," he said.

To the question about what Tatarstan President is planning to do after leaving big-time politics, he answered: "I will try to support new Tatarstan Head and the traditions he shares in order to consolidate the republic."

Head of the republic emphasized that it is important to appreciate the creative processes and the inter-confessional and inter-ethnic peace that have been established in the region. These traditions must be preserved and strengthened.

Tatarstan President informed he would be looking for a form of his further activities. He will definitely work on one project: "I have a large desire to revive Bulgar Museum-Reserve (the place where Islam was adopted in 922) and Sviyazhsk Monastery of the 16th century."