About problems of Russians - constructively and without prejudice

On November 27 in the Kazan Kremlin RT President RT Mintimer Shaimiev met the leaders of the Society of Russian Culture (SRC).

The meeting was intended to consider and study the problem of development of the Russian people, its language and culture in Tatarstan together with the SRC leaders. Opening the meeting, M.Shaimiev noted that if problems arise, they cannot be ignored but have to be solved in due time.

Representatives of the SRC Alexander Salagayev, M.Scheglov, N.Kuzmina, E.Ignatyev, A.Smirnov spoke of the problems, including creation of Russian schools, transfer of the Bogoyavlensky bell tower to the believers, solving the question on construction of the Temple to the perished soldiers in Kazan, opportunity of opening of the Russian cultural centre in Kazan as well as change of information policy in the republican mass media for the benefit of coverage of the theme of Russian culture.

Each question was considered thoroughly and scrupulously, the President penetrated into their essence, trying to find acceptable or compromise variants. At the same time, in his opinion, the Society of Russian culture should more actively address the federal centre with their problems.

With regard to mass media, the Tatarstan President was firm: no infringement into the freedom of speech is possible. Russians as well as representatives of all other nationalities should have an opportunity to discuss their problems in newspapers and on air. However, he did not supported the creation of special Russian media.

Another question raised during the meeting concerned the national structure of the republican parliament, insufficient representation of the Russian population. M.Shaimiev expressed his concern. The situation will change already in the next elections, with the enactment of the new law, according to which not less than half of deputies will be elected on party proposals.

The SRC leaders marked that the number of mosques in Tatarstan significantly exceeds the number of churches. Though it has a simple explanation - it is relatively simple to build a mosque, while cathedrals and orthodox temples have fundamental architecture. During the meeting, they search for the approaches and decision of this problem. Though the President noted that the SRC should not substitute the Diocese and its leaders.

All questions raised and discussed during the meeting will be studied in details with participation of the state bodies and the SRC leaders, decisions on them will be accepted with the account of opportunities and necessities, and maintaining peace and stability in the republic.