Duma To Consider 2002 Budget Draft On Final Reading On December 14

The State Duma will consider the 2002 budget draft on the fourth, and final, reading on December 14, Duma Speaker Gennady Seleznyov announced at an RBC Internet press conference. He is sure the budget draft will be approved by the Federation Council, the Upper House of parliament, and signed by the president before the New Year. At the same time, Seleznyov expressed his concernes that the government will have to propose the budget sequestration to the State Duma in the event the situation on international energy markets is unfavorable for Russia in the first quarter of 2002.