In response to media’s coverage on “inspection expenses and report on Humvee donation”, the Ministry of National Defense (MND) today (2^nd) explains as follows:

        Making donations to countries with diplomatic relationships is part of national policy, and is carried out according as planned by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA). Donations in the past have always been supported by MOFA, who draws up budgets according the income and expenditure plans submitted by the donation recipient. All equipment donations’ expenses have been reimbursed according to the actual expenditures on parts and components. Hence the discrepancy that exists between the original plans submitted and the actual reimbursement is normal and part of the operation procedure.

        The Ministry of National Defense (MND) points out that the settlement on the budget of donation to the Dominican Republic in question, with regard to transport expenses and the components acquired from abroad, has now been completed. The third stage, or domestic procurement reimbursement on parts and components and inspection on delivered goods, is now currently taking place, and is expected to be settled finally on October 31. There is no such “MOFA and MND fighting over the matter” or inflated issues, as claimed by media.

        The MND stresses that the overall donation is a mission that MND and MOFA both work closely on so as to follow the existing policy, and asks the public and media’s support.