The Riigikogu passed with 73 votes in favour the Minimum Stocks of Liquid Fuel Act Amendment Act (194 SE), initiated by the Government of the Republic. Pursuant to the Act, the term for ensuring the quantities of minimum stocks of liquid fuel for the first five days, established by the state, is extended from January 1 to May 1, 2004, and the timetable for the establishment of the minimum stocks of liquid fuel is brought into conformity with the timetable set out in the EU Accession Agreement, where the quantities of the minimum stocks are bigger by five days than the ones provided for in the Act so far in force. The Act enters into force on January 1, 2004, subsection 1(2) enters into force upon the accession to the European Union. Nobody voted against the Act and nobody abstained.

On the motion of the Cultural Affairs Committee as leading committee the second reading of the Bill on Amendments to the Broadcasting Act (167 SE), initiated by the same Committee, was concluded. The Bill was sent to the third reading.

On the motion of the Estonian People’s Union Faction the second reading of the Bill on Amendments to the European Parliament Election Act (138 SE), initiated by the Isamaaliit Faction, was suspended. 43 members of the Riigikogu voted in favour of the suspension of the Act and 35 members of the Riigikogu against it. Nobody abstained. Motions to amend are to be submitted to the leading committee by today, 11 December, 18.00.

On the motion of the Constitutional Committee as leading committee the second reading of the Bill on Amendments to § 12 of the Aliens Act (189 SE), initiated by the same Committee, was concluded. The Bill was sent to the third reading.

On the motion of the Environment Committee as leading committee the second reading of the Bill on Amendments to the Packaging Act, Consumer Protection Act and Value Added Tax Act (178 SE), initiated by the Estonian Reform Party Faction, Estonian People’s Union Faction and the Union for the Republic ? Res Publica Faction, was concluded. The Bill was sent to the third reading.

On the motion of the Constitutional Committee as leading committee the second reading of the consolidated Persons Repressed by Occupation Regimes Bill (21 SE and 187 SE), initiated by the Estonian Centre Party Faction and the Government of the Republic, was concluded. The Bill was sent to the third reading.

Due to the end of the working hours of the plenary meeting, the first reading of the Bill on Amendments to the State Budget Act and Income Tax Act (137 SE), initiated by the Mõõdukad Faction, was adjourned. The deliberation will be resumed on Tuesday, 16 December, at the sitting beginning at 10.00.

The Riigikogu Press Service