2009 budget faces 31% deficit – legislator

BAGHDAD / IraqiNews.com: The 2009 state budget is facing a 31% deficit, according to an Iraqi parliament’s Financial Committee member on Sunday, adding the budget was modified by adding about $2 billion totaling $62.8 billion. “The increase in the budget mainly aims to afford employee salaries’ differentials and some social benefits,” Sami al-Atroushi told IraqiNews.com news agency. Atroushi, a lawmaker from the Kurdistan Islamic Party, which occupies five out of the parliament’s total 275 seats, pointed out that 80% of the budget will go to ministries’ operational matters. AmR (P) 1