Ukraine's parliament approves its annual budget at UAH 600 million

17:02

The Verkhovna Rada, Ukraine's parliament, has approved its budget for 2009.

A total of 347 MPs out of the 440 registered in the parliament's session hall voted for a resolution to that effect on Friday.

The head of the parliament's regulations committee, Regions Party MP Oleksandr Yefremov, said on Friday that the Verkhovna Rada's budget had been significantly cut.

He said that of the expected UAH 800 million needed to ensure the parliament's activity, the MPs approved the budget at UAH 600 million.

"There is a lack of funds for the residence of MPs in hotel, funds on transport expenditure were reduced, and the amount of funds for flights by deputies is insufficient," Yefremov said.

He said that no funds had been allocated to complete the construction of the building of parliamentary committees at 3a Sadova Street.

Yefremov said that the parliament now has to seek ways to clear existing debts.

20.02.2009