Russia's 2005 budget earmarks $68 million for anti-terror program

MOSCOW. Aug 26 (Interfax-AVN) - The Finance Ministry has earmarked over two billion rubles ($68.47 million) for a new anti- terrorism program in the draft federal budget for 2005, Finance Minister Alexei Kudrin told journalists on Thursday.

In addition, next year's budget envisions funds for anti- terrorism measures in public places, including the metro, he said. "This money has been earmarked in the budget for next year," the minister said.

He added that Russia is observing a day of mourning today for the victims of Tuesday's air crashes.