The Czech government on Monday approved...

Defense Minister Martin Bartak said the spending was authorized in the framework of Quick Impact Projects (QIP) for the Czech Provincial Reconstruction Team (PRT).

The spending was only approved for the current year. The military had originally asked for $110,000 annually.

Last year, the Czech government earmarked the same amount for civil-military cooperation (CIMIC).

According to the Defense Ministry, apart from aid to local residents, such projects enhance the units" safety and "create a positive image for the country"s armed forces."

PRAGUE/MOSCOW, January 4 (RIA Novosti)