ANKARA - State Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Abdullatif Sener said on Wednesday that any revision in the budget was out of question.
When asked how five percent growth would be achieved and whether or not there would be revision in the budget, Sener told reporters that five percent growth rate was foreseen in measures about budgetary aggregates and in other economic measures, and this target would be reached by the end of the year, and even a growth rate more then five percent could be achieved.
When a reporter asked whether or not motion would be submitted to the parliament once again, Sener said he did not want to comment on motion issue.
Responding to a question if increase in interest rates in yesterday's bond auction by the Treasury meant lack of confidence, Sener said, ''no, markets have already purchased the situation that appeared after discussion of the motion in the parliament. Markets will feel more comfortable in coming period.''
''A few points of difference in yesterday's auction is not so important regarding balances in 2003. We estimate that there would be lower interest rates in coming days,'' he said.
Replying another question, Sener said that letter of intent to be submitted to the IMF was about to finish, adding, ''the draft is clear, but final work on the draft continues.''
Replying a question about public price increases, Sener said that the price of one barrel of crude oil which had been 20 U.S. dollars when the government was formed, rose to 36 U.S. dollars and decreased to 33 U.S. dollars after motion was discussed in the parliament.
Noting that prices would increase a little for 15-20 days in case of any war, Sener said oil price would reduce below 20 U.S. dollars one month later.
(MS-AÖ) 05.03.2003