Government coordinates Siemens strategy
The Greek government held a high-level meeting late on Wednesday to decide on its strategy relating to legal action against Siemens over the alleged bribes it paid to secure contracts in Greece.
State Minister Haris Paboukis hosted the meeting, which was attended by Finance Minister Giorgos Papaconstantinou and two other ministers.
The government officials discussed the strategy Athens will adopt in relation to the German electronics and engineering giant. Sources said the government wants to be in a position within three months whereby it can take Siemens to court or reach an out-of-court settlement with the firm.
The Siemens scandal continues to be an open wound for Greece as it has not reached any settlement with the German company despite claim that is has paid millions of euros in bribes to Greek officials.
Earlier this month, Justice Minister Haris Kastanidis sent a letter to Siemens to ask the firm to provide details about any illegal activities in Greece with a view to reaching a financial settlement.
Kastanidis was reported to have asked Siemens to cooperate by the end of May or else face the prospect of being fined by the Greek government in accordance with the country?s anti-money laundering legislation.
