11.   Businessmen and economists say current tax law stifles the economy, fuels massive evasion and contributes to a severe revenue shortfall.

12.   Central Bank Chairman Sergei Dubinin called for spending cuts to ensure the deficit could be financed without driving interest rates up sharply and stifling the economy.

13.   German officials have agreed on an ambitious plan to cut and streamline income taxes that the government says are stifling the economy, according to a draft released Thursday.

14.   He said the present system of taxation is inefficient, stifles the economy and makes a mockery of personal savings.

15.   The decision comes despite pressure for lower rates from industrialists who claim high interest rates are hampering export growth and stifling the economy, the Post said.

16.   Though he was widely criticized for blocking dissent, clamping down on the media and stifling the economy, he is believed to retain a strong core of support.

17.   We must pare back the tax and regulatory burdens that are stifling our economy, and threatening the future of our economic system.