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Russia to Fully Finance Army Despite Crisis

By AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE
Published: 27 Jan 18:57 EST (23:57 GMT)

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MOSCOW - Russia will fully finance development programs for its military despite the economic crisis, Russian President Dmitry Medvedev pledged in a meeting with navy cadets Jan. 27.

"Today, despite the difficulties facing our state, the funds that had been set aside to develop the navy and the armed forces as a whole will all be invested," Medvedev was quoted as saying by the Interfax news agency.

"Perhaps something will be done a tad slower, but the chief programs will be financed in full," the Russian leader assured.

Last month, Kremlin officials warned that falling oil prices would mean a budget deficit for Russia in 2009 after years of surplus.