Reuters Staff
SEPTEMBER 19, 2017 / 12:57 PM
VIENNA (Reuters) - Austria’s defense minister said on
Tuesday he stands by his legal complaint against Airbus (AIR.PA) about
allegations of fraud over a $2 billion fighter deal but still considers an
eventual out-of-court settlement an option.
Vienna prosecutors are investigating Airbus and the
Eurofighter consortium (BAES.L) (LDOF.MI) following a complaint by the defense
ministry, which is seeking up to 1.1 billion euros, over the 2003 jet purchase.
In a submission to the prosecutors on Monday, Airbus
denied any wrongdoing and threatened Defence Minister Hans Peter Doskozil with
legal action for disregarding the presumption of innocence in this case.
Speaking to OFR radio on Tuesday, Doskozil appeared
undaunted in pursuit of a settlement either in or out of court.
“Of course we are sticking to our representations of the
facts (to prosecutors) and our criminal charge”, the minister said.
“It does not matter to me in what way the damage to the
tax payer will be repaid eventually, in a settlement outside of court or via a
court decision.”
Airbus has clashed with other European governments,
notably Germany, before, but the row with Austria is unique in its fury.
Doskozil said Austria was also preparing a lawsuit based on U.S. rules.
One of Austria’s main allegations is that Airbus deceived
it about so-called offset deals intended to boost the local economy which were
required to agree the purchase.
Offset deals, where a defense supplier will select local
companies to do some of the work, are a common requirement of governments
looking to support domestic skills and technology.
Reporting By Shadia Nasralla; Editing by Simon
Cameron-Moore
Original post: reuters.com
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