MOSCOW, December 4 (Sputnik) – The misappropriation of or stealing budget funds in the arms export sphere should be handled on the same level as if financing terrorism, Russian President Vladimir Putin said Thursday.
“The ineffective use or the stealing of budget assignations for state arms orders are a direct strike against national security and these facts should be treated seriously and rigidly just as in fighting the financing of terrorism,” Putin said during his annual state of the nation address to the Federal Assembly.
The Russian president instructed the Defense Ministry, the Federal Financial Monitoring Service and other relevant authorities to define a system of "strict and effective control" over the use of budgetary funds in state defense orders. Putin called on authorities responsible to strengthen the accountability of arms suppliers when using state budget funds.
4 December 2014, 09:59 GMT
According to the Russian constitution, the president addresses parliament every year with a speech focusing on the country’s current situation and on the main aspects of domestic and foreign policy. Leaders of the Constitutional, Supreme and Arbitration courts, regional governors, heads of traditional religions and other prominent public figures take part in the event along with deputies and senators.
The first address was made by Boris Yeltsin on February 24, 1994. This year, this tradition celebrates its 20th anniversary.
The first address was made by Boris Yeltsin on February 24, 1994. This year, this tradition celebrates its 20th anniversary.
