AZERBAIJAN CUTS DEFENSE AND SECURITY SPENDING OUTLOOK

ArmInfo
2008-10-20 17:15:00

ArmInfo. Azerbaijan has cut defense and security spending outlook by
10.3% in the 2009 state budget blueprint, compared to the approved
forecast for 2008, APA reports. Zahid Oruj, member of a parliamentary
commission for defense and security, told APA-ECONOMICS that AZN 1
205.520 million is earmarked for next year.

"Of this, AZN 1 115.948 million will go to defense forces, AZN 84.561
million to national security, AZN 2.633 million to applied research and
AZN 2.379 million to other expenses. The reason for a year-over-year
decline in defense spending is that fixed capital investment was made
in previous years. However, the defense sector will be in the focus of
attention and social security of service men will be further improved,"
he added.

In the category of Defense Expenditures, the year-over-year decline
was 19% for defense forces, 12% for national security, 31% for other
subcategories and 2% for applied research.

The draft budget has been submitted to the parliament for approval
last week.