GAROWE, Somalia, June 26, 2007 – Lawmakers and administration officials in the northern Somali sub-state of Puntland continue to be at odds over the region's finances, our correspondent reported.

Puntland lawmakers have challenged the administration to explain how government employees remain unpaid, despite a 12% increase in the budget.

Both President Mohamud "Adde" Muse and his finance minister, Mohamed "Gaagaab" Ali, told parliamentarians on Saturday that the 2006 budget grew by 12% from the prior fiscal year.

A Puntland legislator confidentially told Garowe Online that the 12% increase combined with employees' salaries from the past four months   equals   nearly 120 billion Somali Shillings (6.3 million US dollars).

The Puntland MP further stated that while the increase is reflected on government documents, there is no explanation of how that money was spent.

President Adde Muse angered lawmakers last Saturday when he claimed that 22 billion So. Shillings (1.1 million US dollars) were spent during a battle on April 14 with Somaliland troops for control of Dhahar, a town in disputed Sanaag region.

MP Bottan, who represents Sanaag region in the Puntland Parliament, challenged the President to explain how that much money was spent during the single-day battle.

President Muse and Finance Minister Gaagaab left Parliament Hall in the capital Garowe in anger after the lawmakers' questions exposed financial discrepancies, sources said.

The Puntland Parliament's 18th session opened earlier this month and lawmakers said they hope to   address major issues, including corruption, ratification of agreements and debate over the multi-party political system called for in the 1998 constitution.

Source: Garowe Online