Russia to cope with domestic and foreign debts next year - Putin

[Chris Doss]

Russia to cope with domestic and foreign debts next year - Putin
MEZHDURECHENSK (KEMEROVO REGION). Aug 30 (Interfax) - Russian President 
Vladimir Putin believes that Russia will cope with the repayments on its 
domestic and foreign debts next year without damaging the social sphere.

   "The state of the Russian economy is such that we have the right to count 
on repayments on the domestic and foreign debts without slashing social 
programs," Putin said in an interview with Siberian regional TV channels on 
Thursday.

   Putin recalled that the draft budget for next year provides for hiking 
wages in the budget sector by 33% and for increasing stipends for students 
and subsidies for regions.

   The televised interview lasted about an hour. Putin answered 14 
questions, most of them concerning the social and economic situation in 
Siberia. <>

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