Mintimer Shaimiev: "We must have effective instruments of influence at the federal level"

November 15, the Co-chairman of the Higher Council of the "United Russia" political party, Mintimer Shaimiev, sent greeting to participants of the V Congress of the social-political movement "Tatarstan - New Age".

"The Forum of the social-political movement "Tatarstan - New Age" takes place in a crucial period of the pre-election campaign. Results of the elections of deputies to the State Duma will determine alignment of political forces, and so, character of activity of federal and republican authority up to the end of 2007". This was said in the greeting announced at the congress by the Head of Administration of the RT President Ekzam Gubaidullin.

"In accordance with the Federal Law "On political parties", tougher requirements were introduced to activity of the political organisations, only federal parties can participate in elections, - it is written in Mintimer Shaimiev's message to the V congress of TNA. - It does not detract from the political life of the republican social-political movement "Tatarstan - New Age", which has openly supported the "United Russia" party, and F.Mukhametshin headed its Tatarstan regional branch. Development of partner relations of TNA with the "United Russia" party strengthens efficiency of the work of the movement, gives it a new political meaning. It is specially important in connection with approach of the elections to the RT State Council, where half of deputies corpus will be formed under the party lists.

Our participation in the "United Russia" party is quite natural. We were the initiators of establishing the "All Russia" movement, which then acted as one of founders of the "United Russia". Time inevitably proves that we cannot stay away from big politics. We must have effective instruments of influence at the federal level.

The authority of the "United Russia" grows steadily. President V.Putin has actively supported the party's goals at the previous congress, it is very important for us. But, it is quite obvious that the victory will not be easy. Consolidation of all sound forces of the society is necessary, as well as unification and support of the "United Russia" party aimed at continuation of the reforms conducted in new Russia.

We are entering the most crucial stage of the pre-election campaign. Many things in the life of the republic and the country as a whole will depend on how we carry it out".