YEREVAN, NOVEMBER 15, NOYAN TAPAN. The RA National Assembly on November 15 completed the 1st stage of discussion of the 2007 draft state budget. In his summarizing speech, the RA Minister of Finance and Economy Vardan Khachatrian said that "the discussions had very little relation to the 2007 state budget." In response to claims of some opposition deputies, the minister assured that "this government can be accused of anything but lack of programs", as the government has implemented many approved programs for 7 years on end. At the same time, he did not deny that there are problems in any sector, as well as the implementation of a new program of reforms in economy is urgent. "I we are able to overcome the challenges in the economy, at the current economic development rate, we'll be among medium-developed European countries in 5-6 years," the minister stated, adding that it is up to the opponents to believe it or not. Although the government has not yet submitted to the parliament the final version of the 2007 draft state budget revised based on the proposals, the Justice faction has already stated that it cannot support such a draft. In the words of the faction's secretary Grigor Harutyunian, the state budget first of all should be a program to ensure the development of the economy, whereas the draft submitted by the governrmnt is a consumer and survival budget. The Orintas Yerkir faction explained its final position by the fact that the government has accepted its proposals.

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