Almaty will keep a status of financial capital and the mayor - Nazarbaev

/IRBIS, Feb.17, 00/ - REUTERS informs, with the reference to the president of the country, that Almaty will keep the status of financial and cultural capital of the country and current mayor of the city Victor Khrapunov will continue to be a head of the city. As a support to the words of the president, it is said the National Bank, Academy of science and theaters would stay in Almaty. Astana will have new theaters. The president said he would continue to render support to Almaty as the major city of the country. He also said the current mayor of the city would remain at his office and he would support him. Rumors about possible resignation of the mayor is said to be false. The president said he would not let the heads of major administrative- territorial centers to be elected. The heads of regional administrations and mayors of Astana and Almaty is to be appointed by the president. Almaty has more than 1.3 mln population.