President And Chief Mufti Of Tatarstan Discussed The Situation In Afghanistan

Tatarstan's President Mintimer Shaimiyev and Gusman-hazrat Iskhaki, chief mufti of this Islamic republic in the composition of the Russian Federation, discussed the situation in Afghanistan during their meeting in Kazan. While talking to the RIA Novosti correspondent Iskhaki expressed regret that the sacred for all Muslims Ramazan month which was commencing on 16 November would not become a month of peace in Afghanistan as military actions in this country would not be completed. The Tatar religious leader was of the opinion that "to his great grief the forecasts regarding the possible unification between Taliban and Pushtuns were going to take place which would lead to expansion of the conflict". He reported that at the meeting with the President they were talking a also about the forthcoming congress of the Tatarstan Muslims. In this connection the President of Tatarstan was of the opinion that it was necessary to strengthen the Russian Islamic university located in Kazan and that in their turn federal authorities should contribute into development of the university. According to the information from Kazan, there are presently about 20 million of Muslims in Russia.