"I believe that in marking this anniversary, we should not bring everything down to the financing and staging of sumptuous festivities. The emphasis needs to be placed instead on outstanding social and economic issues," Mr. Rakhimov said. He described Bashkortostan's annexation to Russia as a momentous historical event and said it had played a crucial role in determining the future of the republic's multi-ethnic population.
The year 2007 will mark 450 years since Bashkortostan became part of Russia.
Earlier this week, Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a decree on the jubilee. According to Kremlin spokespeople, the federal Cabinet has been instructed to appoint an organizing committee and to approve a celebration program.
