He said after a visit to the ministry that the military was previously always connected with corruption and property mismanagement. Topolanek is making "a tour" of ministries Report: German Soldier Killed in Afghanistan ...
Germany Pledges 420 Million Euros for Afghan Reconstruction ... this summer.
He said today the aim is to assess the ministers and to look at whether they are fulfilling the government's policy statement. Topolanek praised the fact that the Czech military was capable of fulfilling tasks within "domestic" defence as well as in foreign missions. He said other long-term duties include the building of a professional military and attention paid to security risks in the world. The Czech military has contingents in Afghanistan, Iraq and Kosovo. The security situation is difficult particularly in Afghanistan where two Czech soldiers have died this year. The police are currently investigating several tens of people over alleged corruption at the Defence Ministry. Ministry clerks in cooperation with businessmen allegedly built buildings for the military worth hundreds of millions crowns though some of them were not needed at all. Corruption allegedly spread in 2004-06 when the ministry was headed by Karel Kuehnl (Freedom Union-Democratic Union, US-DEU). The police also investigate black funds that were allegedly formed at the general staff from fraudulently gained money in 2003-07. The money was allegedly used to fund parties, luxury gifts and expensive holidays. The staff was then headed by Pavel Stefka who will become a defence consultant to the Government Office in September. Other cases involving the military include thefts of aircraft petrol from the reserves of the government squad. The case is being proceeded by court. (USD1=16.613 crowns)
(Ceske Noviny)
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