YEREVAN, SEPTEMBER 6, NOYAN TAPAN. In 2006, programs on culture, information, sports and religion were financed from the RA state budget in the amount of 13.6 bln drams (about 38.85 mln USD) or 99.5% of the envisaged amount. Expenditures of the sphere grew by 30.6% or about 3.2 bln drams as compared with 2005. Expenditures on art, museums, exhibitions, other cultural establishemnts, and on restoration and preservation of monuments and cultural values accounted for most part of this growth. The RA deputy minister of finance and economy, chief treasurer Atom Janjughazian stated this at the September 5 joint sitting of the RA National Assembly standing committees when presenting the execution of the 2006 state budget of the RA. According to him, 1.9 bln drams was allocated from the state budget for the program on museums and exhibitions, which was 100% of the envisaged amount. About 3 bln drams was allocated for financing the program on art. The fulfilment index made 99.7%. Most of the indicated expenditures was spent on subsidizing cultural organizations. Cinematography received all the envisaged sum of 482.9 mln drams. Allocations for restoration and preservation of monuments and cultural values made over 775.6 mln drams. 1.2 bln drams or 98.1% of the annual program was allocated from the state budget to sports. The deviation from the program was due to savings. In 2006, state budgetary expenditures on television programs amounted to 3.2 bln drams, on publications and editing - 625.4 mln drams, on youth programs - 316.2 mln drams. 180.2 mln drams was allocated to political parties that received 3% and over of votes at the parliamentary elections, as well as to NGOs and trade unions as material assistance.

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