Mintimer Shaimiev: "Sovereignty is a measure of our maturity, of what we deserve"

On the eve of August 30, President of Tatarstan Mintimer Shaimiev gave press conference devoted to the 11-th anniversary of the Declaration of State Sovereignty of the Republic of Tatarstan.

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The President said that the revival of republic's statehood took place during hard days of August 1990, when the people were gathering on the square. -We sought independence and took responsibility for the destiny of our people. Today we respond for our actions and see that we are able to implement these ideas to the benefit of the people. Despite general industrial recession in Russia, our republic worked in constructive mode during all this period. This year, for example, on the eve of the holiday, the republic opened twenty new schools, numerous social objects - it is an example of real essence of our sovereignty.

It is necessary to remember that Tatarstan never overstepped the framework of the Russian Constitution, never declared full independence, never declared succession from the Russian Federation, Mintimer Shaimiev underlined. Our Declaration does not destroy the integrity of Russia. But within its powers delegated by the Treaty, the Republic as a state, according to the Constitution of the Russian Federation and the Republic of Tatarstan, has remained sovereign.

We got used to economic independence, in policy we do not destroy, but create, in many respects, we are a self-sufficient republic. And we shall not give up our achievements. We shall not renounce the Treaty on delimitation of powers and jurisdiction subjects.

In President's opinion, today only Tatarstan and Bashkortostan are free from the rule of large Russian oligarchs. If earlier production of oil in Tatarstan left only salty springs and polluted fields, today the republican government works in coordination with Tatneft for the benefit of all people. Agricultural branch of the republic functions successfully, thousand of families have received new flats according to a special program, almost all villages are provided with gas. - I look in the future with great confidence, the President concluded.

The President of Tatarstan connects the future of Russia with the development of federation. As a unitary state Russia can not join democratic world community. I am convinced, - the President said, - that after a certain period of power consolidation, President Putin will face the problem of constructing a true federation in Russia. And this will happen soon and for a long time. I am sure Vladimir Vladimirovich understands it.