NEWS

On December 14 in the Kazan Kremlin, sixty cultural and arts workers, scientists, physicians, directors of industrial and agricultural enterprises received Russian and republican state awards from the hands of Tatarstan President Mintimer Shaimiev.

Receiving a delegation of the Islamic Republic of Iran led by Foreign Affairs Deputy Minister Seyed Sadeg Harrazi in the Kazan Kremlin, Tatarstan President Mintimer Shaimiev called recent contacts between Tatarstan and Iran the beginning of revival of fruitful bilateral cooperation.

Pursuing the state youth policy of the Republic of Tatarstan, with the purposes to increase the role of the youth in society, consolidate generation ties and successions, Tatarstan President Mintimer Shaimiev decreed to announce 2001 the Year of Youth in the Republic of Tatarstan.

On December 13, a museum of great Tatar poet Khasan Tufan was opened in his native land - Old Kiremet village. Celebrations devoted to his 100th anniversary were held in Nurlat the day before, with participation of well-known poets, writers and actors.
Tatarstan President Mintimer Shaimiev attended the opening ceremony.

On December 7, a literary-musical soiree devoted to the 100-th anniversary of Tatar poet Khasan Tufan was held at the Tatar Kamal State Academic Theatre. Tatarstan President Mintimer Shaimiev took part in it.

Tatarstan President Mintimer Shaimiev held a republican meeting on December 7 in the Kazan Kremlin, concerning the current year results and prospects for the next year.
In general, all industries in 2000 showed production rate growth, physical index for 11 months made 109,4 per cent to the last year level. Cash income per capita for 10 months was up over 50 per cent in year-on-year terms and made 1656 rubles, with 21,1 per cent increase in real income and 61 per cent increase in average wages.

Further consolidation of cooperation between Tatarstan and the German Airline Lufthanza was discussed on December 6 in the Kazan Kremlin, where Tatarstan President Mintimer Shaimiev received General Manager of the Airline in the Volga region, Tatarstan and Siberia Ronald Shults.

A unique 332-hectares leisure centre is to open by the 1000th anniversary of Kazan in the place of the old airport. It will boast a hippodrome, teem park, sports park, hotel complex and various leisure services.

"Nezavisimaya Gazeta" has published the results of a regular research on working efficiency of the representatives of commercial and state structures aimed at lobbying the projects presenting interests of certain industries, regions or society levels. This is the so-called "civilized lobbying", which does not imply bribery of officials or deputies.

November 30 the grand opening of Perinatal center under the Republican hospital was conducted. This unique medical institution is oriented on preventive maintaince and treatment of pregnancy's pathologies, helping the women and newborn of the Republic.