61.   Both government and State Duma leaders expect deputies to reject the budget proposal when it comes up for a first reading Thursday.

62.   But communist speaker Gennady Seleznyov, who has worked closely with the government on the plan, nonetheless predicted it would squeak through on first reading.

63.   Choreographer Maurice Bejart gave the first reading.

64.   Committee chairman Hanan Porat said the first reading could be held within two weeks.

65.   Committee chairman Hanan Porat said the first reading of the bill could be held within two weeks.

66.   However, the strong backing for the Duma bill at its first reading indicates that the chamber could ultimately override a presidential veto.

67.   If approved, in the first reading, they would go to a second and decisive reading, requiring a two-thirds majority, in early September.

68.   If the resolution passes on first reading, the Duma will spend the summer revising the tax code before bringing it up for two more votes in the fall.

69.   However, the first reading has traditionally been the easiest hurdle to clear.

70.   In addition, the Georgian parliament recently has passed at first reading a draft law banning capital punishment in the former Soviet republic, it said.