Compensate us and then take part in our competitions

The Prime Minister introduced the beginning of a tough legal and possibly judicial collision with Siemens in order for the company to be allowed to participate in any public competitions for supplies in the public sector.

 The company should compensate Greece, as has been the case with other countries, for the damage caused to the state, said the PM in the cabinet meeting on Tuesday.

Mr.Papandreou implied that only if these problems between the Greek state and the company are solved, will Siemens be able to take on public sector projects.
 
Minister Pamboukis will be responsible for coordinating the effort, and he already sent out an official letter to the board of Siemens on Monday. However, two more ministers will take part in the process and that is Justice Minister Mr.Kastanidis, who will be responsible for all legal action for the compensations, and the Minister of Development Mr.Chrisochoidis, who will request an inquest from the Competitions Committee  for the offence of obstructing healthy competition.

Also, Minister of Finance Mr.Papakostantinou will be asking the Legal Board of the country to introduce a lawsuit of compensations for morall damage of the Greek state.

Mr.Papandreou also added that through these actions, the relationship between the company and Greece will be healthier since “there are competitions that have already been carried out and need to be cancelled, unless they are re-examined and found absolutely legal and healthy in every way”.

Mr.Papandreou also stated his expectations from justice, and that all actions need to be faster in order for this crucial case to be settled once and for all. In reference to the results of the inquiry committee on Siemens, he reiterated that his party, PASOK, was the one that asked for this case to open and be solved. “We will do everything that is humanly possible for the truth to shine and all the responsible parties to be led to justice”.