Gov't urges lawmakers to pass 2010 budget by deadline

SEOUL, Nov. 17 (Yonhap) -- The South Korean government called on lawmakers Tuesday to endorse its 2010 budget by early next month as it needs to continue efforts to kick-start the still struggling economy.

The National Assembly is required to pass the budget proposal by Dec. 2., which
calls for a 2.5 percent increase from this year's spending to bolster economic
growth and stabilize the livelihood of ordinary people.
"Next year is an important period for us to fully get over the continuing
economic crisis and brace for a new future," said a government statement jointly
issued by five ministries, including the Ministry of Strategy and Finance.
"We want our budget proposal to be normally deliberated as soon as possible and
endorsed by the legal deadline so that it can keep the economic recovery trend
alive," the statement added, asking for lawmakers to cooperate in passing the
291.8 trillion won (US$253.2 billion) budget proposal.
The process of deliberation for the budget proposal has been in limbo as ruling
and opposition lawmakers lock in a fight over controversial spending plans by the
government such as the reconstruction of the nation's four major rivers.
kokobj@yna.co.kr
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