Duma approves amendments to 2003 budget

The State Duma has passed government amendments to the 2003 federal budget on the first reading. The amendments submitted to the Duma on June 10, 2003, envisage finding some extra RUR35.708bn ($1.18bn) for financing several budget items, including combating terrorism and ensuring security at borders in the North Caucasus. This sum will be attracted during the implementation of the 2003 federal budget.

According to Chairman of the Duma's Budget Committee Alexander Zhukov, the amendments do not indicate the sources of extra money, and the adoption of these amendments may require the redistribution of budgetary expenses. It will not, however, affect the main parameters of the budget, Zhukov said.