However presidential adviser Raphael Khakimov stated that the point is to capitalize whenever possible on the republic s Islamic identity not so much in the interests of Muslim fraternal feelings as to promote foreign investment and trade in Tatars tan. It was stated that Tatar refugees were largely ignored by the Tatars tan government, and the refugee programwas said to lack funds. It is said to be discriminatory against Russians living there since most Tatars speak Russian fluently, while many fewer Russians speak Tatar . The Kazan City Council adopted a Program for Preserving, Studying and Developing the Languages of the People Living in the City of Kazan. Risk Assessment Observers believe the main issue is economic independence and the referendum on self-government was intended to build legitimacy for at least greater control over Tatar oil and other resources, if not outright secession from Russia.
Intermarriage is common and there is little ethnic tension in the republic.