Political cowardice again demonstrated.
All contrcats with Saudi Arabia must have BIG commissions, it is well known.
If it were you or I we would be in jail.
2006-12-14 20:45:35 · 10 answers · asked by ian d 3 in Politics & Government ➔ Politics
I just love this question!!!!
Another big example of the double standards and hypocrisy of the so called civilised west. The British government provided the Saudi Shaikhs with prostitutes, luxury hotels as a bribe to allow the sale of the air planes...would you trust a government that uses this low cheap methods to sell its products?
2006-12-15 07:22:29 · answer #1 · answered by Abularaby 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have worked in the Gulf.
Commissions are the norm. They are not seen as bribes but an integral part of overall price negotiations.
The governments in these countries are absolute rulers. They own the countries.
If you want to do business you have to abide with local custom and practice.
I personally think that monarchy sucks and its place is in history books.
The scandal is that the Serious Fraud Office has once again spent millions investigating an alleged crime without any action or success. WHY? Probably because they all have to sign the Offical Secrets Act and thus have no independence from central government control.
Saudi Arabia is a soverign State and will not change its business practices any more than it will reject Islam.
2006-12-14 20:58:32 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
Well the Saudis buying bombs and and weapons from British Aerospace is super big business. I dont think its Saudi corruption taking place. Its more a question that British Aerospace authorised such high levels of payments as bribes to officials in Saudi Arabia.
The UK government is highllighting once again its inability to conduct politics in a professional manner. Mistakes are made yes, though this government keeps making a right dogs dinner out of politics.
2006-12-15 03:43:51 · answer #3 · answered by costrason11 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I can understand the UK Govt not wanting to loose the contracts as they are worth so much to the UK - BUT it does leave a bitter after taste and seems to send out the wrong message.
What makes it worse is the way the news was released - the day The Stephen's report was published.
Seems a CLEAR attempt to 'bury bad news'.
2006-12-14 21:45:54 · answer #4 · answered by David 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
National security my ars*, the boy Tony's Bush's pup now he's Saudi's too. Corruption across de nation.
So now we have no more honour than the slimy scum in Saudi
2006-12-15 00:29:20 · answer #5 · answered by dr evil 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The investigation was terminated for reasons of National Security.
If they'd looked any further, they might have find that we'd sold honours to the entire Saud family.
2006-12-14 20:56:46 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Looks like you are underestimating your government. You should be proud at their ranking as one of the most sophisticated intelligence and policing systems in the world. They may not be perfect but they are about the best in the world. Be glad.
2006-12-14 21:43:32 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
The choice was, either you terminat investigations or we teminate oil supply.
You know who won.
2006-12-14 22:31:38 · answer #8 · answered by Jomtien C 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
And this comes to you as a surprise!
2006-12-14 23:28:45 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yep, This STINKS
2006-12-14 20:50:30 · answer #10 · answered by David 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋