Defense and security allocations to surge in 2010 budget

Azzaman, December 30, 2009

There will be a substantial increase in allocations for the ministries of defense and interior in the 2010 budget, Interior Minister Baqer Jaber said.

Jaber did not give specific figures but said the government was determined to “develop the combat and security capabilities of the two ministries to fight terror and crime and reinstate the authority of law across the country.”

The parliament  has yet to vote on the budget. The delay is reported to have forced ministries such as health to curtail some projects and services.

Jaber said the delay may also hit the ministries of interior and defense and urged the parliament to expedite approval.

However, he said the surge in money earmarked for defense and interior will be used to supply the armed forces with advanced weapons and intensify training.