Polish Prime Minister "astonished" by Prodi fighter jet reproach

WARSAW (AFP) Apr 22, 2003
Polish Prime Minister Leszek Miller said on Tuesday he was "astonished" at criticism by European Commission President Romano Prodi of Poland's purchase of US F-16 fighter jets, a day after Poland signed EU entry papers.

In an interview to Italian newspaper "La Repubblica" on Saturday Prodi said he was "not happy at the signature by Poland of the massive purchase contract to buy US fighter jets a day after the Athens summit".

Miller told Polish public radio: "I am even more astonished (at these remarks) given that the tender decision dates from December 27 and everyone knew about it.

"Secondly, and I would like to stress this, none of the participants of the tender protested. That means that we cannot reproach the tender procedure for any dishonesty or vice."

Prodi made his remarks after Poland had signed on Friday 3.5-billion-dollar (3.24-billion-euro) contract to buy 48 multi-role Lockheed Martin F-16 planes.

The US giant knocked out Swedish-British consortium BAE Systems-SAAB, which wanted to sell the Jas-39 Gripen, and France's Dassault Aviation, which wanted to sell the Mirage 2000-5.

SPACE.WIRE