Rustam Minnikhanov: We have to ensure safety of athletes, participants, our guests and citizens during the 2015 FINA World Aquatics Championship in Kazan

On May 5, Acting Tatarstan President Rustam Minnikhanov held a regular meeting of the Tatarstan Security Council. State Counsellor Mintimer Shaimiev, Prime Minister Ildar Khalikov, Chairman of State Council Farid Mukhametshin, and Council Secretary Airat Shafigullin took part in the meeting.

The meeting discussed the course of implementing measures aimed to ensure general security, prepare the staff and equipment, as well as extra measures to prevent possible terror acts during the FINA World Aquatics Championship in Kazan and FINA World Masters Championship.

A report on fire safety, transport, epidemiology, industrial, energy and informational safety was delivered at the meeting. The focus was on anti-terrorist protection of championship’s venues, as well as readiness of the staff and facilities.

“This year, Kazan will host the World Aquatics Championship,” Minnikhanov said. “Our most important task is to manage it up to the highest standard. Athletes and visitors are expected to arrive from 288 countries. Sporting events with so many participants are held in our country not often. First and foremost, we have to ensure safety of athletes, participants, our guests and citizens, and the safety of the sports facilities. No high-profile crimes are allowable during this period. Safety needs to be guaranteed in every area – transport, ecology, industry, energy and information.”

According to the Acting President, with all the importance of the measures to be taken, individuals’ constitutional rights need to be observed as well.

“The law enforcers need to be firm but polite,” Rustam Minnikhanov demanded.

It was important that the law enforcement agencies detect and prevent possible crimes conceived by terrorist and extremist groups, he went on to say. Propaganda of vigilance among the general public needs to be increased, he said.