Mr Putin called on the government to settle the question of raising servicemen’s wages within the shortest possible time. Wages should increase by at least 20 percent by September 1, 2005.
The meeting also discussed the possibilities for raising pensions and student allowances following the replacement of earlier benefits with cash payments.
Also on the agenda were foreign policy issues. The President instructed the government to update proposals for cooperation with Ukraine. Relations with Syria were also discussed in connection with the Syrian President’s upcoming visit to Russia.