Salaries of Opposition Ministers excluded from cut decision: source

 (Zaman Al Wasl)-  The decision of Syrian opposition’s government to cut salaries of its workers into half, has excluded the ministers and senior officials, source told Zaman al-Wasl.

The Cut Policy adopted recently by the interim government came amid a series of austerity procedures issued by the West-backed group as some millions of dollars went to rebels fighting at Aleppo front.

 Activists said the PM and his cabinet will suffer less than other workers as the cut will be almost %20 of their salaries.

Ahmed To’meh, the Interim Prime Minister said two weeks ago, in an official decision, the cut in the salaries will not exclude any worker including him as it will be implemented by November.

Opposition’s salaries range is between $2500 and $8000, according to sources.

To'meh decision came in accordance with a draft issued by the Coalition's Secretary-General, Nasr al-Hariri, to cut salaries as the revolution enters its fourth year amid decline in funds by the donor countries.

In relevant context, weeks ago, Yahia Maktabi, member in the National Coalition, urged to allocate monthly salary for National Coalition's members in step to avoid extortion as well the ‘political money’.

 Maktab said: "Allocating monthly payment will save members face," They also have families and daily needs as most Syrians, he added.

Makatabi pointed out to the Coalition's employees who get paycheck at the end of the month while the most members can not afford living.

 Makatbi's statement comes along with mounting criticism over members’ expenses and the financial support they get from the West and gulf Arab States, besides some businessmen.

The debate escalated last month as Saudi Arabia granted $700 thousand to members, including Hadi al-Bahra, NC leader, in their latest visit to the Kingdom.

The political Commission had immediately asked the members to give the money to the Coalition Fund, since it’s not a personal gift for them but to help Syrian people.

 According to Zaman al-Wasl sources, Mohamed Qaddah, NC deputy was the only member who gave back the money to coalition’s fund.