Syrian assembly reviews 1998 budget

In its meeting on Tuesday the Syrian People's Assembly addressed in a statement read by Finance Minister Muhammad Khaled al-Mahayni on the draft law to define the state's general budget appropriations for 1998.

The statement said that the appropriations amounted to SP 237,300 billion, including SP 117,700 billion for current operations and SP 119,600 billion for investment operations.

The statement added that the draft budget was prepared on the basis of the exchange rate with friendly states in US dollars, SP 45-45 for buying and SP 45-50 for selling. It also said the draft budget creates 87,275 job opportunities.

Al-Mahayni noted that the major targets of Syria's national economy at this stage are set to tackle major issues and continue Syria's economic and social development.