NGO Fundasaun Mahein considers the Defence and Security allocation out of the 2014 General State Budget unrealistic so it urgently met with Commission B (Defence, National Security and Foreign affairs) of the National Parliament to discuss this matter.
“We informed them so they can debate the maintenance of equipments and of vehicles. So far there isn’t much certainty,” said the Executive Director of Fundasaun Mahein, Nelson Belo, at the National Parliament.
Director Belo also raised concerns with budget allocations for the purchase of military vehicles and weaponry.
The total General State Budget for 2014 is $1.5 billion with $75.127 million allocated to the Defence and Security sectors.
“We ask the Parliament to reinforce the budget allocation to community police units established in Aileu, Baucau, Liquisa and Viqueque,” Director Belo added.
Meanwhile member of Commission B, MP David Dias Ximenes, said the meeting with Fundasaun Mahein, as a monitor of the areas of defence and security, was very informative.
He added according to information provided by FM to Commission B some defence and security equipment and weapons are being used for hunting wild animals.
The MP urged all institutions to not do this. The MP did not specify which institutions within the defence forces F-FDTL or national police PNTL was carrying the illegal hunting.
“Hunting should be forbidden, other countries have forbidden it, except Timor,” said MP Ximenes.
Meanwhile President of Commission A, MP Carmelita Moniz, urged civil society not to talk only but also monitor the implementation of laws.
“I know very well they control all social institutions in the country but they also know about the laws,” said MP Moniz.
