04-12-2004, 09:38 PM
<b>Five new facts in the Bofors case</b>
<i>From Seema Mustafa</i>
http://www.deccan.com/home/homedetails.asp...w%20facts%20in%
20the%20Bofors%20case
The Swedish investigator Sten Lindstrom's startling revelations have established several new facts, and provided a unique perspective and wealth of detail to a story that has haunted India for nearly 18 years. Lindstrom has given interviews in the past, but this is the first time ever in 18 years that he has given such a lengthy and exhaustive interview.
There are many new disclosures in his interview that have been printed over the last four days. Five broad points that can be made immediately are:
* It is the first time that Lindstrom has pointed to conclusive evidence establishing that money was paid from Bofors to A.E. Services to Colbar Investment, of which Ottavio Quattrocchi is the direct beneficiary.
* It is the first time that Lindstrom has identified three persons who have the full picture about the Bofors kickbacks â Sonia Gandhi, Ottavio Quattrocchi and Martin Ardbo. He has never said this before.
* It is the first time that Lindstrom has given details about his interrogation of Martin Ardbo and his links with the Indian and Swedish governments; that the deal between Bofors and A.E. Services was signed secretly, at a late date, and by Ardbo instead of by the Bofors sales manager as was the practice.
* It is the first time that Lindstrom has spoken in detail about the parent company of AE Services, CIAOU, its lawyer Bob Wilson, and the links with Quattrocchi and Delhi.
* It is the first time that the Swedish investigator has shared details of the cover-up that has taken place, of pressure from his own government, non-cooperation, and the difficulties encountered in the investigation.
But the most important question is the one he underlines over and over again: why was any money paid to Quattrocchi? It is this mysterious `generosity' that links the money to Quattrocchi's close friend, Sonia Gandhi, who allowed the most extraordinary access to this businessman of dubious repute. Not only did he move freely through the PM's residence but also through the corridors of power. Was he the front man for Sonia Gandhi?
<i>From Seema Mustafa</i>
http://www.deccan.com/home/homedetails.asp...w%20facts%20in%
20the%20Bofors%20case
The Swedish investigator Sten Lindstrom's startling revelations have established several new facts, and provided a unique perspective and wealth of detail to a story that has haunted India for nearly 18 years. Lindstrom has given interviews in the past, but this is the first time ever in 18 years that he has given such a lengthy and exhaustive interview.
There are many new disclosures in his interview that have been printed over the last four days. Five broad points that can be made immediately are:
* It is the first time that Lindstrom has pointed to conclusive evidence establishing that money was paid from Bofors to A.E. Services to Colbar Investment, of which Ottavio Quattrocchi is the direct beneficiary.
* It is the first time that Lindstrom has identified three persons who have the full picture about the Bofors kickbacks â Sonia Gandhi, Ottavio Quattrocchi and Martin Ardbo. He has never said this before.
* It is the first time that Lindstrom has given details about his interrogation of Martin Ardbo and his links with the Indian and Swedish governments; that the deal between Bofors and A.E. Services was signed secretly, at a late date, and by Ardbo instead of by the Bofors sales manager as was the practice.
* It is the first time that Lindstrom has spoken in detail about the parent company of AE Services, CIAOU, its lawyer Bob Wilson, and the links with Quattrocchi and Delhi.
* It is the first time that the Swedish investigator has shared details of the cover-up that has taken place, of pressure from his own government, non-cooperation, and the difficulties encountered in the investigation.
But the most important question is the one he underlines over and over again: why was any money paid to Quattrocchi? It is this mysterious `generosity' that links the money to Quattrocchi's close friend, Sonia Gandhi, who allowed the most extraordinary access to this businessman of dubious repute. Not only did he move freely through the PM's residence but also through the corridors of power. Was he the front man for Sonia Gandhi?