New Year Address by Mintimer Shaimiev, the President of the Republic of Tatarstan

Good evening, dear people of Tatarstan!

Just a few moments separate us from the New year of 2009.

The year that began so successfully happened to be not an easy one. The heightened tensions in the Caucasus unfortunately resulted in conflicts that were painful to us. The laws of the world economy have reminded of themselves and the global financial crisis is deeper felt. In these conditions we began to realize and appreciate in a larger extent the results our republic achieved over the recent years.

They are seen in people's larger income, amount of new housing built under the social mortgage programme, record harvest and new industrial productions. And the most important is that the number of new-born children has risen noticeably.

As a whole the Russian Federation entered a new stage of its political development. Having elected the new president, the country secured continuity and stability of its political course. Tatarstan is making a significant contribution to it being a republic of sustainable social and economic development, social consent and ethnic and faith peace.

The passing year will be remembered as a year when Kazan won the right to host the 27th Summer Universiade. Together with the whole country we celebrated our sportsmen's Olympic achievements. The victory of Tatarstan's Rubin in the National Football Championship became a historical event.

The coming year will be the Year of Sport and Healthy Lifestyle in Tatarstan which is an important part of the developing society. I have confidence that this initiative is going to be enjoyed by all, the evidence to it is the Year of Family that promoted the best traditions of respect to elder people, maternity and childhood, filled our hearts warmth and care for people around us.

Next March will see elections to the State Council of the republic of the fourth convocation. We hope that they will be carried out, as always, with active support of voters and our government’s representative body will become even more professional and responsible before the society.

Financial and economic and social problems are certain to be in the center of attention in the new year. Keeping in mind that Tatarstan's economic structure is focused on export, the deepening global crisis will largely affect us. It is a serious strength test. Together with the Government of the Russian Federation we are undertaking all necessary measures to fulfill social guarantees before the population. First of all, it is in spheres of education, public health services, science, culture, business and labour employment. We pay special attention to care about the veterans.

Dear friends!

I would like to say to all of you and personally to each of you words of sincere gratitude for everything you do in the name of development of our home republic. We always feel your support in all undertakings and transformations. And it is of big value and a big responsibly. I am confident that in the coming year, whatever difficult it will be, we will manage to respond to its challenges, though it will be the year of Ox.

May the New Year holiday bring warmth, joy, belief, love and good to our homes. Good health, happiness and well-being to you!

Happy New 2009 Year!