site.bta Serious Leak of Financial Resources in Defence Ministry - Minister

Serious Leak of Financial Resources in Defence Ministry - Minister

Varna, on the Black Sea, December 5 (BTA) - Defence Minister
Nikolai Nenchev said here Friday that an external audit might be
done at the Defence Ministry. "There is a serious leak of
financial resources in the Defence Ministry," said the Minister.

He would not dwell on the scope of leaks or provide further
details, saying only that checks are underway ay the Military
Medical Academy and the Ministry itself, and that decisions will
be made next week. "The idea for an external audit is not alien
to me," he added.

Nenchev would not back down from his position that personnel
cuts in the army should not be made but there will likely be job
cuts in the administration.

He was adamant that the Defence Ministry will have no financial
problems this year and the military can expect Christmas
bonuses.

Nenchev said that half of the ordnance companies of the
state-owned Terem group make a loss of up to 5.5 million leva
each year and if recovery is unfeasible, "other options would be
sought for them".

Nenchev was in Varna to meet with the navy personnel. Defence
Chief Rear Admiral Roumen Nikolov was there as well.

Nikolov told the press that a contract is about to be signed for
maintenance of the navy helicopters which have been inoperable
since October. Spares will be provided for them and they will
start to be used from the start of next year, he added.