Russian PM Medvedev Signs Directive on Key Points of Anti-Crisis Plan

Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev has signed a document approving provisions of the revised governmental anti-crisis plan. The document is expected to be posted on the government's website on Wednesday.

MOSCOW, January 27 (Sputnik) — Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev on Tuesday signed a directive approving key provisions of the revised governmental anti-crisis plan, his press secretary said.

Natalia Timakova said the full text of the document would be posted on the government's website on Wednesday.

"Dmitry Medvedev will hold a video conference on Wednesday with regional governors to discuss the regional aspect of the plan's implementation," Timakova said.

According to Russian Finance Minister Anton Siluanov, the plan forecasts a non-deficit budget by 2017 if oil prices remain above $70 a barrel.

On January 22, Medvedev said that the implementation of Russia's anti-crisis measures might require the preparation of about 60 bills and a number of presidential decrees.

On January 21, Russian First Deputy Prime Minister Igor Shuvalov said the Russian government needed some $21 billion for anti-crisis measures, with part of the funds to be taken from the Russian National Wealth Fund.

Since the Russian budget is highly dependent on energy exports and oil prices have recently experienced a dramatic drop, the country is currently facing an economic downturn.