Government To Complete Preparations For Third Reading Of Draft Budget Before End Of Week

During a traditional meeting with his vice-premiers and cabinet ministers on Monday, Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Kasyanov gave instructions to the government to complete preparations for the third reading of the draft 2002 budget by the end of the week. Kasyanov said that the preparations should be made with consideration for the agreements reached between the government and State Duma faction leaders. It was pointed out at today's meeting that the second reading of the budget in the State Duma had been constructive.