Radiy Khabirov met with Kushtau defenders

Radiy Khabirov met with activists, defenders of Shikhan (Mount) Kushtau in the administration of the Head of Bashkiria.

Human Rights Council (HRC) members and journalists attended the meeting.

In his opening remarks, the Head of the Republic instructed to form the previously announced Coordination Meeting, which should include representatives of the Bashkir Soda Company (BSC), the Government of Bashkiria and activists, and within two weeks to find a compromise on Shikhan Kushtau.

If a compromise is not found before September 4, the Head of Bashkiria said that his administration had already prepared documents for giving Kushtau the status of a specially protected natural area.

It should be reminded that last Sunday the Head of the Republic arrived at Mount Kushtau, where a conflict flared up between BSC and a group of activists opposing the industrial exploitation of the mountain. Radiy Khabirov managed to end the clashes and persuaded all sides to leave the mountain. Radiy Khabirov promised that no one would enter the mountain until a compromise solution was found. The first meeting with eco-activists and HRC members took place on Monday evening.