President Putin on consideration of draft 2003 budget by parliament

President Vladimir Putin of Russia called on the government to prepare thoroughly for consideration of the draft 2003 budget in the State Duma (lower parliamentary house).

On opening a traditional conference with Cabinet members in the Kremlin Monday, the Russian president recalled that the first reading of the draft budget, which is the "most important" according to him, will be considered Wednesday.

"I reckon that the government worked (with the parliament) in the summer period," the head of state said. It is necessary that these efforts should not be wasted, but be a success, he emphasised.

Vladimir Putin proposed to the government to discuss with deputies the other day all the issues which may arise with respect to the budget. "One should not rest on the agreements reached before this," the president called on the government members. "I'm not sure that every deputy fully realises all the nuances," he added.