MOSCOW, July 2 (Itar-Tass) - The State Duma on Tuesday, July 2, declared economic amnesty.

The draft resolution was passed with just one amendment by 298 votes for, no votes against and one abstention.

The factions of the Communist Party and the Liberal Democratic Party said earlier they would not vote.

The resolution will enter into force on the day of official publication. Under the Constitution, the granting of amnesty is entirely within the jurisdiction of the State Duma.

The draft resolution was submitted to the lower house of parliament by the president on June 25. It amnesties persons convicted for the first time for criminal or entrepreneurial offences.