-Caveat Lector- http://my.cnn.com/jbcl/cnews/Go?template=nmDet&hd=0&sname=World&sbc_id=26412 &art_id=4629381&uid=939147285520 EC Whistleblower Says Did Not Break Rules LONDON, Oct 5 (Reuters) - The man who blew the whistle on fraud and corruption in the European Commission, triggering the humiliating resignation of the whole body, said on Tuesday he did not breach commission rules. Paul van Buitenen, a middle-ranking accountant in the European Commission's internal auditing department, was formally reprimanded by the EC on Monday for "clearly and knowingly" breaching rules governing Commission staff. But van Buitenen, who was allowed to keep his job, told BBC radio on Tuesday he had not broken the "very old-fashioned" rules of the commission. "The rules at the time were very old-fashioned and came from the '50s. Even though these rules were very old-fashioned, I didn't breach them. I obeyed them," he said. "There is a regulation that says if there is a breach between the orders of your hierarchy and criminal law, you may breach the orders of your hierarchy and that is what I did," the Dutch civil servant added. Van Buitenen handed over papers to European Parliament deputies last December giving details of corruption in the commission, the European Union's executive body. A subsequent parliament report found proof of widespread nepotism, fraud and mismanagement.In March, all 20 commissioners, led by Jacques Santer, resigned. Van Buitenen, who said he was angry, had cautionary words for any future whistleblowers. "There are no changes in place so future whistleblowers will be in an even more serious situation than I am," he said. "The only possibility whistleblowers have is to go to their own hierarchy which is not a real alternative or call to the so-called independent anti-fraud office which is not independent at all and I have proof of that," he said. Asked if he thought the kind of fraud he so explosively revealed would continue, van Buitenen said: "Of course." Copyright 1999 Reuters. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. ======================= Robert F. Tatman Computer Help Desk Desktop & LAN Services Systems Department Philadelphia Newspapers, Inc. [EMAIL PROTECTED] 215.854.2729 215.854.2788 The contents of this message represent the opinion only of the writer, and may not be construed to indicate the endorsement of Knight-Ridder, Inc.; Philadelphia Newspapers, Inc.; The Philadelphia Inquirer; or the Philadelphia Daily News. "Artificial intelligence is no match for natural stupidity." DECLARATION & DISCLAIMER ========== CTRL is a discussion and informational exchange list. Proselyzting propagandic screeds are not allowed. Substance—not soapboxing! These are sordid matters and 'conspiracy theory', with its many half-truths, misdirections and outright frauds is used politically by different groups with major and minor effects spread throughout the spectrum of time and thought. That being said, CTRL gives no endorsement to the validity of posts, and always suggests to readers; be wary of what you read. CTRL gives no credeence to Holocaust denial and nazi's need not apply. Let us please be civil and as always, Caveat Lector. ======================================================================== Archives Available at: http://home.ease.lsoft.com/archives/CTRL.html http:[EMAIL PROTECTED]/ ======================================================================== To subscribe to Conspiracy Theory Research List[CTRL] send email: SUBSCRIBE CTRL [to:] [EMAIL PROTECTED] To UNsubscribe to Conspiracy Theory Research List[CTRL] send email: SIGNOFF CTRL [to:] [EMAIL PROTECTED] Om
