Luanda — The National Assembly (parliament) this Friday approved, by majority, the draft State budget and the respective financial plan for 2009, with 158 votes in favour, none against and 27 abstentions.

Chaired by the parliament speaker, Fernando da Piedade Dias dos Santos, the session started with political declarations by leaders of parliamentary groups, which were followed, respectively, by individual speeches by MPs and explanations of the government.

The MPs urged, in general, the government for strictness in the implementation ofsocial, public investment and national reconciliation programmes, balanced budget provisions foreseeing to reduce regional unevenness and obtain positive results in efforts of social inclusion.