[an error occurred while processing this directive]

Russia's 2006 inflation no more than 9%, GDP growth 6.9-7% - Gref

MOSCOW, December 18 (RIA Novosti) - Russia's inflation rate will not exceed 9% in 2006, and GDP growth will be 6.9-7%, the economics minister said Monday.

"GDP growth was 6.8% in 11 months," German Gref said, adding that the figure may be 6.9-7%, depending on the results of December.

He said in November that GDP growth was 7.8%, year-on-year.

In early December, the Economic Development and Trade Ministry increased the 2006 GDP growth forecast to 6.8%.

The ministry has forecast 2007 GDP growth at 6% and inflation at 6.5%