Tatarstan leaders: on importation of nuclear waste

Tatarstan President M.Shaimiev does not support the importation of nuclear waste to Russia and thinks that the Federation Council should consider the law on importation of nuclear waste "without fail". "Deciding such a key problem, we necessarily have to consider an opinion of the upper chamber," he told the Interfax. "This is my civil position and I consider waste only as waste with all the implications."

M.Shaimiev doubts the statements that the nuclear waste importation will benefit Russia. In this connection, the Tatarstan leader asks: "If it is so profitable, why other developed states with high-tech recycling do not admit nuclear waste in their territories?" He is sure that in pursuing "sound and competent" economic policy, Russia can and should do without the importation of nuclear waste and attend to dumping and recycling of its own waste accumulated in large quantities.

Member of the Federation Council, Tatarstan State Council Chairman Farid Mukhametshin also expressed his view. He reminded that the Tatarstan parliament and other authorities were against this law and sent their appeal to the Russian President, Government and both chambers of the Federal Assembly. He also referred to the opinion of scientists and experts engaged in the problem. "These are the people of authority, whose opinion should be considered, and they insist that Russia today does not have efficient and absolutely safe dumping technologies".