HTTP://WWW.STOPNATO.ORG.UK ---------------------------
[Other than lobbying for military contracts and employing the death machines in question to kill innocent civilians abroad, what else is the role of a head of state of a NATO nation?] Czech Happenings Blair's office denies improper lobbying in Prague - 14.4. LONDON, April 14 (CTK) - British Prime Minister Tony Blair's office today dismissed criticism that the government was improperly lobbying in favour of Labour Party donors, including criticism for Blair's recent talks in Prague, the Internet version of the Independent writes today. Blair discussed the supply of fighters made by the British- Swedish consortium BAE Systems-Saab in Prague recently. According to the agency AP, Blair's office admitted today that the purchase of the Jas-39 Gripen fighters was discussed in Prague and that related contracts were the subject of final talks these weeks. Blair's spokesman nevertheless said that there was nothing improper about the conversation between Blair and Czech Premier Milos Zeman. He said that Blair "makes no apology for promoting Britain and British business." Blair's political opponents have, however, said that Blair had used his influence inappropriately and called for an investigation. Czech government spokesman Libor Roucek was quoted by AP as saying that it was natural when business relations are discussed during a visit by a prime ministers. Roucek said that BAE Systems-Saab was the only group that met the government's conditions. Czech government decided to buy the jets from the BAE Systems-Saab group in December last year. Four major aviation companies, including U.S. Boeing and Lockheed Martin, withdrew from the tender in May last year, leaving BAE Systems-Saab the only bidder. Blair, who visited Prague on Monday, expressed support for the purchase of Gripens worth almost 77 billion crowns. Blair had also recommended Zeman to buy Gripens in December 1999, that is before the end of the tender. On Monday he nevertheless stressed that it was up to the Czech Republic what equipment it would buy for its army. The Independent writes that a British part of BAE Systems- Saab donated over 5,000 pounds to the Labour Party in 1998-1999 and 2000-2001 and also paid 12 million pounds as a sponsor of the Millennium Dome, one of Blair's pet projects during millennium celebrations. __________________________________________________ Do You Yahoo!? Yahoo! Tax Center - online filing with TurboTax http://taxes.yahoo.com/ --------------------------- ANTI-NATO INFORMATION LIST ==^================================================================ This email was sent to: archive@jab.org EASY UNSUBSCRIBE click here: http://topica.com/u/?a84x2u.a9617B Or send an email to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] T O P I C A -- Register now to manage your mail! http://www.topica.com/partner/tag02/register ==^================================================================
