The fight for integrity

The Federation Council on Wednesday refused to approve an agreement on the division of powers between government bodies of the Russian Federation and the Republic of Tatarstan for a period of ten years. With the required 90 votes, the document was supported by only 13 senators. Now the agreement will be returned to the State Duma. Senators fear that the treaty, which guarantees Tatarstan a “special status,” will cause a “parade of sovereignties.” The agreement between the federal center and Tatarstan was approved by the State Council of the republic back in October 2005.