Maputo — Demobilised soldiers are threatening to hold demonstrations in Maputo in the near future to demand money they claim the government owes them - but the Ministry of Veterans' Affairs says there is no good reason for such demonstrations, since discussions between the government and the former soldiers are continuing.

At a meeting chaired by the permanent secretary of the Ministry last Friday, the Ministry announced that a fund of 4.1 million meticais (about 113,000 US dollars) is available for associations of demobilised soldiers. (The demobilised troops are chronically divided, and there are no less than 13 separate associations claiming to represent former soldiers).

The money is to be invested in projects to give employment to veterans. Interviewed by the independent television station STV, the Deputy Minister for Veterans' Affairs, Marcelino Lipola, said "these projects were presented by the various associations of demobilised soldiers".

At the meeting, he added, "the government reiterated once more its commitment to finance investment projects to improve the lives of the demobilized".

The former soldiers rejected this, and demanded pensions instead. Liphola, however, argued that the military pension "will not solve the problems of the demobilized troops".

Some of the demobilized already receive pensions, but protest that they are too small. Others are not yet eligible for pensions. Lipola said that legislation is currently being drafted to clarify the question of military pensions.

According to Herminio dos Santos, leader of one of the associations, cited in Monday's issue of the independent newsheet "Mediafax", while rumours that the demobilized would begin their demonstrations on Monday were untrue, "we are drawing up the guidelines for a peaceful demonstration to demand that the government pay what is ours".

Lipola said the question of demonstrations was not even mentioned during the Friday meeting. Talks between the government and the demobilized had not been broken off, "and so we think there is no need for demonstrations. This understanding is shared by several leaders of the associations".

"We Mozambicans solve our problems through dialogue, and this matter will be no exception", he added.

Dos Santos also told "Mediafax" that he had been shot in the foot by a police rubber bullet during the riots that shook Maputo and the neighbouring city of Matola on Wednesday.

He said he was not taking part in the riots, and was just buying pre-paid mobile phone cards from a street vendor when a policeman in the escort of the mayor of Matola, Arao Nhancale, opened fire against him. Dos Santos said he is still undergoing treatment for his injured foot.

"I know why they shot me", he said. "I am a target to be taken down, but if this happens, they will know the consequences that may flow from this".