The PNC/R last week indicated at a news conference that it will attend the National Assembly today but was keeping its options open on taking part in the debate on the $68.9Bln budget, the largest ever in Guyana's history.

It said it had adopted a method of "reviewing" its position daily until some outstanding matters and grouses with the Government are resolved and "there will be no business as usual".

The PNC/R, the main Parliamentary Opposition party, walked out of the National Assembly two Fridays ago during the 2002 Budget presentation, citing a number of grouses against the governing People's Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) and fuelling speculation then that it might not return to Parliament when it reconvenes today.

PNC/R leader, Mr. Desmond Hoyte headed the walkout by his party members when Finance Minister, Mr. Saisnarine Kowlessar stood up to present his $68.9 billion budget, which is said to have set in place a framework that will ensure that the country experiences macro-economic stability, reduce poverty, attract investment and sustain social welfare

Parliamentary Affairs Minister, Mr. Reepu Daman Persaud is urging the PNC/R to attend the National Assembly and participate meaningfully in the budget debate.

"In this new era, there is a deliberate attempt to create a new parliamentary culture in which the Government involves the Opposition in the total parliamentary process.

"This we intend to consolidate and strengthen and would urge the Opposition to play a constructive role," Persaud said in a statement last week.

In that statement, Persaud reacted sharply to PNC/R charges that Parliament is subject to the "whims and fancies" of the Government saying this is "not only ridiculous but a misrepresentation of the reality".

He also challenged grounds the Opposition party outlined for its `wait and see' stand on participating in Parliament.

PNC/R member, Mr. Raphael Trotman told a news conference at his party's Congress Place Sophia headquarters last Thursday that the PNC/R has set out a menu of measures it "wishes to see implemented" by the Government, adding there are outstanding matters which are "vitally necessary and imperative if we are to make any progress".