Defense Minister Says Army 'Unconcerned' With Budget If Not Discussed with Him

Defense Minister Elias Bou Saad replied to the Finance Minister’s remarks, without naming him, and disagreed with him over possible austerity measures against the military.

“Talks being circulated that an agreement with the army was reached to cut wages of military personnel, or about annulling Measure No 3, is a sham,” said Bou Saab.

He said the budget must be discussed with him first before enforcing any measure that affects the military and security forces.

“The army is not concerned with any budget that does not get discussed with defense minister,” stressed Bou Saab.

In a televised interview on Thursday, Finance Minister Ali Hassan Khalil revealed shocking figures related to salaries of some state employees, suggesting plans to cut pays as part of strict austerity measures to counter an economic collapse.

Khalil got to mention wages and pensions of military and security personnel, referring to a so-called Measure No 3 that grants retirement pensions multiplied by three for some of the military and security personnel.