On November 21, before the beginning of the RF State Council Presidium session, Tatarstan President Mintimer Shaimiev commented upon his idea of relationship between the centre and regions.

- I think it is necessary to specify the responsibility of the centre (its exclusive authorities - strategic problems and issues concerning integrity, defense, border protection) and regions. And there are certainly subjects of joint jurisdiction. We can not do without it in our economy. This work is being carried out by a strong expert group and we shall try to offer a concept of clear legislative delimitation of center-regions functions.

I think there will never be a deadlock of undecidable problem, Mintimer Shaimiev noted. We should specify precisely: these authorities belong to the centre, these - to regions. And it will be impossible in any case to shift our own problems to the center. I have supported this approach for a long time and we have practiced it in Tatarstan for all this years. The same mechanism should be applied throughout the state. The responsibilities should be specified. As to the subjects of joint jurisdiction, they will certainly require conciliation. Evidently a standing commission is necessary to settle these issues on the basis of various agreements, including treaties. And these contracts are possible not only between the centre and regions, but if necessary, with certain ministries.