Rustam Minnikhanov: The increase of radical religious movements is a serious destabilizing factor that must not be allowed

Notwithstanding alarming processes happening in the global economy, the Republic of Tatarstan plans to finish 2012 with a stable 5 percent growth, the Tatarstan President Rustam Minnikhanov stated presenting his annual message to deputies at a session of the Tatarstan State Council.

The session took place in a big concert hall named after Salikh Saidashev. Representatives of federal and republican authorities, local self-government, public and religious organisations, trade unions, business, education, health care, culture and mass media, by and large, about 700 people, were invited to the event.

Due to importance of the considered issue live TV and radio broadcast of the session was organised. On-line broadcast was also available on the website of the RT State Council.

Rustam Minnikhanov said that 2012 is rather successful for Tatarstan. He also noted that achievements of republic have always been assessed by economic parameters, high level of social development and public-political stability.

“Last period was characterized by growth of public activity and important political events. Today Tatarstan is one of the leading regions making weighty contribution to consolidation and development of the Russian Federation. It has become possible because of contract relations between Tatarstan and Russian state authorities. Results of federal electoral period of 2011-2012 showed that the majority of Tatarstaners share the policy of the country’s leadership and positively assess current changes in republic. Amid the growth of protest moods in some Russian regions, most Tatarstan citizens realize that serious social-economic and political problems are not solved in the streets. We must support such social mood,” the Tatarstan President said.

Head of republic also focused on considerable changes in IT industry. Electronic resources and social networks have become a serious competitor for traditional mass media and influential social force.

Rustam Minnikhanov noted that religious sphere is becoming more actual, first of all in terms of activity aimed at promotion of traditional moral and spiritual values of main religious organisations – the Tatarstan Muslim religious Board and metropolia of the Russian Orthodox Church.

The Tatarstan President reminded that terrorist attacks against Muslim religious leaders were a serious challenge for republican peace and harmony.

“It turned out that we were not prepared for such course of events. The increase of radical religious movements is a serious destabilizing factor that must not be allowed. State and municipal authorities, law enforcement bodies, the Tatarstan Muslim religious Board must prevent penetration of the alien ideology. Society must be intolerant to any displays of religious and national extremism,” he said.

“We should favour proper development of religious education, training of religious leaders who will understand high level of personal responsibility for the situation in such a delicate sphere,” the President said. He believes that much emphasis must be put on the subject “The basis of religious cultures and secular ethics”.