Consultation on Draft Budget Started

(Tbilisi. January 4. Civil Georgia) – State Minister Avtandil Jorbenadze started consultations with the Parliamentary factions and Committees on the draft of the 2002 state budget on January 4.

The State Minister met representatives of the Industrialists, Alliance for New Georgia, Tanadgoma factions and members of the Committee on Security and Defense.

The Industrialists insist on increasing domestic budgetary investment by 50 million Lari (approximately $24 million). The Alliance for New Georgia faction demands to increase salaries for teaches. The Parliamentary committee on Security and Defense will not support the 2002 budget if the military spending is not increased from 57 million to 71 million Lari (approximately $33 million).

Majority of MPs are against the proposed draft. The Parliament is to discuss the draft budget in mid-January.

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