Dollar rate fluctuations not to influence 2004 budget

Dollar rate changes will not influence the implementation of the 2003 and 2004 budgets, Russian Finance Minister Alexey Kudrin told journalists. According to him, the Russian government has taken necessary measures to prevent such influence.

Kudrin said that the 2004 budget was aimed at encouraging economic growth, as in 2004 a considerable decrease in the tax burden was planned.

Among priorities of the 2004 budget Kudrin mentioned the strengthening and the modernization of the Russian Armed Forces, support to the court system and fundamental sciences.