Azerbaijan, Baku / Тrend corr I. Alizade / Increase in oil prices in the world markets will enable an increase in Azerbaijan's military expenditures envisaged for 2008, the Azerbaijani Finance Minster Samir Sharifov said during the discussions over the public budget for 2008 at the Azerbaijani Parliament on 30 November.
A total of AZN 1.2bln was envisaged for military purposes in the Azerbaijani public budget for 2008. The public budget for 2008 will make up 7.393bln.
Oil price in world markets makes up $95 per barrel. According to experts, in 2008 oil price will not drop below $75.
"In the public budget for 2008, oil price for 1 barrel was envisaged as $50. Oil prices are increasing in the world markets, and given the situation in the international market, the Azerbaijani public budget may receive rather good additional incomes. These incomes may be used to increase salaries for military men," he said.
According to Sharifov, the issue on increase of military expenses and salaries for servicemen is in the centre of attention of the Azerbaijan President Ilham Aliyev.