Kasyanov speaks on financing of 'Children of Russia' program in 2003

1.5bn rubles (about $47.6m) are supposed to be spent on the 'Children ofRussia' federal task program next year, Russian Prime Minister MikhailKasyanov declared while opening a government session today. According tohim, the main aim of the program in 2003-2006 is to reduce the infantiledeath rate by 6.5 percent, the juvenile death rate - by 20 percent andfeminine diseases - by 5 percent. 6-7bn rubles (about $206.3bn) will bespent on this program over the next three years. "We hope to approve thisprogram today and start financing it in the near future," the PrimeMinister said..