05 April 2004 12:59
Putin discusses tax, social issues with ministers
[Presenter] The government will discuss a package of draft laws on taxation on Thursday [8 April]. In particular, the
draft laws deal with cuts in the single social tax. This is what Deputy Prime Minister Aleksandr Zhukov said at
today's meeting between the president and government members. Zhukov said that later this week the documents would
be sent to the Duma [lower house of Russian parliament].
[Putin] I am pleased to note that, after discussing the short-term and medium-term plans for economic development at
a joint board of the Finance Ministry and Ministry for Economy, some headway has been made. Our plans, which were
discussed in general at the board are reflected in the documents prepared for discussion by the government, as far as I
know. These issues are now being discussed with the Duma deputies. Aleksandr Dmitriyevich, could you please comment on
what is going on in this area.
[Aleksandr Zhukov, deputy prime minister] The first package of draft laws on changes in taxation has already been
prepared, including on cuts in the single social tax - something we discussed at the board, roughly within the limits we
mentioned. These draft laws, together with proposed changes in the pension system, additional payments to pensioners,
benefits and so on, were discussed with representatives of the parliamentary majority and were met with support. In
fact, the idea behind the package of draft laws was supported by a special working group which had been set up to deal
with these matters. We can now discuss the texts of the draft laws which have been put forward. On Thursday [5 April] a
government meeting will discuss the tax draft laws. After they are approved, they will be sent to the Duma [lower house
of Russian parliament].
[Presenter] Minister of Health and Social Development Mikhail Zurabov told Vladimir Putin that the incomes of the
Pension Fund reached a record high in March. Zurabov said this would allow pensions to be paid, which have been
increased since 1 April, without a hitch. For his part, Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov reported on the outcome of a
meeting of the Russia-NATO Council. He said Moscow had been assured by NATO that the four new members will join the
Treaty on Conventional Armed Forces in Europe.
[RTR Russia TV] |
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