Ukrainian Parliament Approves Amended 2007 Budget

Ukrainian President Viktor Yushchenko vetoed an earlier version of the budget on December 6 (file photo) (official site) December 19, 2006 (RFE/RL) -- Ukraine's parliament today approved an amended 2007 budget which reports say does not differ significantly from legislation vetoed earlier this month by President Viktor Yushchenko, RFE/RL's Ukrainian Service reported.

Yushchenko refused to sign into law the spending bill passed by parliament on December 6, demanding a number of changes, including increases in minimum monthly wages and pensions.

The governing coalition slammed Yushchenko's demands as populist and a week later tried, but failed, to override the presidential veto.

Today, 245 deputies in the 450-seat Verhovna Rada endorsed the amended budget.

Yushchenko's aides said the president could again veto the bill.

(with material from UNIAN, "Ukraiinska pravda")