UK tries to sabotage BAE bribes inquiry

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Source: The Guardian

Attempt to oust legal expert heading European corruption investigation
The UK is covertly trying to oust the head of the world's main anti-bribery watchdog to prevent criticism of ministers and Britain's biggest arms company, BAE, the Guardian has learned.

The effort to remove Mark Pieth comes as his organisation has stepped up its investigation into the British government's decision to kill off a major inquiry into allegations that BAE paid massive bribes to land Saudi arms deals.

British diplomats are seeking to remove Professor Pieth, a Swiss legal expert who chairs the anti-corruption watchdog of the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), claiming he is too outspoken.

At the OECD meeting in Paris last month, British officials tried to stop Prof Pieth addressing a press conference at which he announced his agency was to conduct a formal inquiry into the government's decision to terminate the BAE investigation. They then privately briefed other diplomats involved with the OECD, saying he should be removed.

Read more: http://www.guardian.co.uk/frontpage/story/0,,2064193,00.html

[Greeby]

1. Read as - Tony Blair tries to sabotage....

Sick of that use of the word "UK" as if his actions represent us