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Presentation of the Republic of Karelia within the framework of the joint project of the Upper chamber of the Russian parliament and the Union of journalists of Russia Region: Sight from the Council of Federation was held in Moscow on March 15. After presentation the Head of Karelia Sergey Katanandov has held a press conference for the Moscow press in the Central House of Journalists. The vice-president of the Council of Federation, members of the Council of Federation from the Republic of Karelia, representatives of executive and legislative authorities of the republic have taken part in the press conference.
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In the beginning of the press conference the vice-president of the Council of Federation Alexander Torshin has told about purposes and tasks of the project which our republic was the first participant. As the vice-speaker of the Upper chamber of the Federal assembly has declared: "This project is imposed by life itself. It is not a secret that we are not always capable of listening to our regions, as you were able to observe the reaction of the subjects of Federation to the recent laws. If the center does not have a proper feedback with regions when their opinion is not taken into consideration, imperfect laws will keep appearing." In Alexander Torshin's opinion, "Karelia became the first participant of the project as, in comparison with other regions, it has managed to present the most interesting and substantial project." Senator considers that "first of all, it is the merit of the Head of Karelia Sergey Katanandov and the Legislative Assembly of the Republic Chairman Nikolay Levin who work a lot with mass media and the federal center, as well as a contribution of Karelian senators Victor Stepanov and Vladimir Fedorov. Dynamical development of the region, great interest of regional authorities, and activity of senators are the components predetermining the region's choice to launch the project." Alexander Torshin has emphasized, that "development of Karelia can set an example for many regions of the Russian Federation."
During the press conference the Head of Karelia has told the Moscow press representatives of the basic economic, investment and cultural features of the republic, has mentioned the main achievements and problems of its development. In 2004 Karelia managed to achieve the highest rates of growth of manufacture within the past 5 years, avoid delays of wage payment in the budgetary sphere, increase social transfers essentially and cut down state management expenses distinctly. However, budget of the republic still remains one of the most complicated in Russia. It is paradoxical, but it is explained by the success in Karelia. Alongside with 30 other regions of Russia, the republic is included into the group of territories capable to provide most of its expenses. Today Karelia earns about 77% of necessary means, and, accordingly, receives less than other regions aid from the federal budget. At the same time, northern status of the republic entails the highest in Russia expenses to cover wage payment in the view of all extra charges. However, in Sergey Katanandov's opinion, the intense budget has its advantages, as it keeps the strained attention of the authority and enables constant search for new sources to replenish the treasury. For example, creation of new workplaces and new enterprises also at the foreign capital participation in Karelia serves for it. In 2004 growth of influx of investments into the republic economy has made 3,5 billion roubles and has totaled 12,5 billion roubles.
Cooperation with the Council of Federation is especially important for Karelia, as no bill passed by the State Duma will get the signature of the President of Russia without being approved by senators. Therefore, many questions of the journalists concerned Karelian legislation, and especially legislative initiatives submitted by the republic for consideration of the State Duma. The Karelian Parliament Chairman Nikolay Levin has noted that offers of legislators of the republic mainly concern solution of problems occurring in the social sphere and timber industry. In particular, Nikolay Levin has specified, that last summer Karelia paid attention of the deputies of the State Duma to serious difficulties which could occur at realization of the law on replacement of privileges with monetary indemnifications. Alexander Torshin has added that it was Sergey Katanandov's hard line in the State Council at the President of Russia and active work of the Karelian senators in the Council of Federation that have allowed postponement of passing the new Wood code and have made it possible to improve it in the course of subsequent work. Otherwise, the new code could worsen the wood regions' position essentially.
At the end of the press conference answering the question "What are you proud of?", Sergey Katanandov said: "It is a very broad question, and I understand it the following way: what I work for? Now I consider forming healthy way of life my main task. I cannot reconcile to the fact that men hardly live till the age of 60. There are a few ways discovered and applied in the world to solve this problem. It is necessary to overcome cardiovascular diseases and alcoholism. For this purpose it is necessary provide proper medical services for the people, to enable them to go in for sports. However, there also exists a macrotask to preserve stability and public consent in our region."
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