Police launch investigation of Pandur military vehicle deal

"What's a "one-sided gear"? How could a gear have only one side?"

That's right buddy.That is why those I mentioned have no idea what they are talking about.Count yourself in.

"Mainly,I am bringing a common sense to this blog to counteract the shortsighted opinions that are based in the minds that are "stuck" in onesided gears."

What's a "one-sided gear"? How could a gear have only one side?

I love your comments: they are so brainless! Keep up the good work.

".Obviously it did happen,reading this blog", that may well be so, but I have also noticed certain people, and one in particular, who use this blog to defend absolutely anything the Czech Republic, its politicians or its people do, which is just as tiresome."

Mainly,I am bringing a common sense to this blog to counteract the shortsighted opinions that are based in the minds that are "stuck" in onesided gears.
If that is tiresome,it's too bad.It will continue as long as there are inane comments of others.

"And to Mr. Hubacek, who says "that may be so,however many conspiracy theorists on this blog will use any means to promote their loony left,neo-nazi,or anarchy viewpoints on this blog.Obviously it did happen,reading this blog", that may well be so, but I have also noticed certain people, and one in particular, who use this blog to defend absolutely anything the Czech Republic, its politicians or its people do, which is just as tiresome."

In general,I know that no government is perfect and that corruption is present in ALL countries,no matter what political system is.Such is a nature of many people.
My defending of "anything" in Czech Republic is more a reaction to people that you mention above who are involved in constant carping about "anything" in Czech Republic.
At least we have some more balanced opinions not just snotty opinions from the people from other countries.
You,at least acknowledge that they exist.

To Mr. Fry, if you are suggesting that those of an origin other than Czech have no right to comment on issues such as this, I would like to remind you that some "Anglo-Saxon contributors" pay taxes here in the Czech Republic. As such, it is completely unreasonable to ask or expect them to shut up and go away. If their money is paying to line the pockets of corrupt politicians, it is their business and right to voice their opinions!
And to Mr. Hubacek, who says "that may be so,however many conspiracy theorists on this blog will use any means to promote their loony left,neo-nazi,or anarchy viewpoints on this blog.Obviously it did happen,reading this blog", that may well be so, but I have also noticed certain people, and one in particular, who use this blog to defend absolutely anything the Czech Republic, its politicians or its people do, which is just as tiresome.

"Jiri; regarding the two bankers; thier concerns were much deeper than the Pandur Deal. The ethical direction of banking had become unacceptable, they feared banking was in collusion with practice that they were duty bound to 'redflag'. In time the details will become public; that is why there are 'government' enquires'; the subject matter affects all countries and some good may come from it."

You are setting two opposing viewpoints against each other.That is acceptable in opinion comments which are based largelly on subjective opinions, and what will come ahead when investigation will conclude.
Your opinion may well be correct one but the result will always will be tainted by the probability of "sour grapes" of loosers that made those charges and later said that they were only "kidding."
Probably worrying about possibility of libel?

"This article deals with the fact that the Czech Government payed way too much for some military hardware."

That may be so,however many conspiracy theorists on this blog will use any means to promote their loony left,neo-nazi,or anarchy viewpoints on this blog.Obviously it did happen,reading this blog.

As far as your opinion about the need or not to need theses military vehicles for any reason it lies well out of the range of your "expertize" so it is taken just as any other opinion although you do have valid reasoning in other aspects of your comments.

Jiri; regarding the two bankers; thier concerns were much deeper than the Pandur Deal. The ethical direction of banking had become unacceptable, they feared banking was in collusion with practice that they were duty bound to 'redflag'. In time the details will become public; that is why there are 'government' enquires'; the subject matter affects all countries and some good may come from it.

Only Jan Fleur makes sense in this debate.

Whether Taliban lives in holes or caves, whether Clinton should have destroyed Al Qaeda or not or whether the Americans staged 9/11 themselves is frankly irrelevant. This article deals with the fact that the Czech Government payed way too much for some military hardware.

Given the economic reality world wide and the size of the Czech budget deficit - around 35% of the nation's GDP, it is more than fair to ask why is so much tax payer's money being wasted on paying for military hardware, instead of for schools, roads, aged care and hospitals.
What the article doesn't unfortunately go into is why are these vehicles needed for a US led imperial war in Afghanistan instead of for internal defence of the country. Given the Czech Republic is not surrounded by any real enemies within the immediate proximities of it's national borders, I would suggest that most of these vehicles were not needed in the first place. Fighting external wars of aggression aside, of course.

To the Anglo-Saxon contributors in this blog, I would strongly like to suggest that they keep the corruption in their own countries in check first, instead of sweeping it under the carpet and pretending that it doesn't exist whilst mockingly pointing their hypocritical fingers at others. Corruption is a problem in ALL countries of the world some more some less.

Being open about it in the public media in no reason for mockery. It just shows that the Czech Republic has a transparent and democratically minded media that at least attempts to keep the corrupt politicians, businessmen and bureaucrats honest; a great feat given it's recent past.

The Czech media is still doing a lot better job then the "infotainment" that one gets on Fox News or CNN in the USA, The Daily Mirror or other tabloids in the UK, The Daily Telegraph or Seven News in Australia or similar "quality" censored corporate publications or broadcast equivalents in Canada and elsewhere.

"all democratic governments are oppressive ones"

Jiri: you are the only one who believes that. However, I and other people believe that the distinction between "democratic" and "non-democratic" is not as black-and-white as you like to think.

Incidentally, do you still have that old green car?

"Al Quaida(or its hidding holes)exist?"

I am not sure what "hidding" holes are. Perhaps you are trying to say "hiding" holes (by which I presume you mean "tunnels').

According to the British Foreign Minister, Robin Cook, Al Quaida was the database of Mujahideen fighters who were receiving funding from Saudi Arabia and the CIA. Even the FBI accepts that there is no evidence linking Osama bin Laden to 9/11.

http://www.fbi.gov/wanted/terrorists/terbinladen.htm

So frankly, it matters little whether the tunnels exist or not. This, plus the fact that Osama bin Laden was killed several years ago probably explain why nobody in the US military is interested in trying to find either him or the mythical "hidding" tunnels that you are so obsessed with.

"So why did it matter so much that Clinton didn't destroy them?

You have to make you mind up on this one: either they exist (and Clinton is to blame for everything because he didn't destroy them) or they don't."

Peggy,another of yours silly,illogical questions.You mean that you do not believe that Al Quaida(or its hidding holes)exist?Do you realize what a large area you are talking about-both in Afghanistan and Pakistan?
This is not A Europe overthere.It is a large area of mountainous country as large as several European countries taken together.You are claiming that you are Canadian.You should have some inclinations of distances and areas unless you spent your life just in big city.

As far as Clinton goes,he is not responsible for Al Quida actions.
However,it was under his government that Al Quaida orchestrated the bombing attack on USA embassy in Africa and the previous attempt at bombing of World Center in its basement.While it did not succeed and Clinton did not realize the possibility of another attack in USA(or was willing to sweep it under the carpet-so to speak)his government blind inactivity contributed to the next attack -just few months after new administration got in power-that succeeded.The rest is a history for anybody to see.

However,perhaps the lesson was learned as there was no serious attempt made in the territory of USA that succeeded-although it did in Europe.

"Uncovering an international regime that advocates murder in free democratic countries should not be hampered by sub-standard equipment that endangers personnel in the line of duty."

Jan,you need to identify what you mean by "sub-standard equipment." This is not a question of "sub-standard equipment" but rather of price that was paid for it and possibility of corruption that originated in Austria.Portugal also purchased these vehicles.
Is your opinion more valuable than opinion of two separate countries?
If you believe that then you belong in the camp of those others on this blog that want to believe that all democratic governments are oppressive ones-in true conspiracy theory belief.

Also,we need to question the statements of two FORMER employees who obviously have some hard feelings toward their former employer.If you take it at the face value,you are marginally naive.

The constitution in its conception took into account differing viewpoints and the dangers of central power. The coming elections offer more voter choice and maybe the constitution will be reflected in a wider choice.
The VV party appear to have a strong platform of anti-corruption and public accountability. The strong government that many crave may well be in the actions of the politicians that are trusted by the electorate.
The direction of parliament is in the hands of the Czech people; a stronger centre ground of political accountability would do no harm.

and the pilfering of state coffers still goes on while you guys argue about the best defense system.......really pitiful.

"Where ever they are, they are ineffective as far as USA is concerned."

So why did it matter so much that Clinton didn't destroy them?

You have to make you mind up on this one: either they exist (and Clinton is to blame for everything because he didn't destroy them) or they don't.

"So let's see: nobody has ever seen these tunnels, despite over a hundred thousand troops having apparently been looking for them for over nine years. They should have asked Jiri where to find them"

Where ever they are, they are ineffective as far as USA is concerned.Ideology of extremism is failing.It may impact some individuals but overall it is a loosing cause in the large picture.

I am sorry that you are disappointed about that,Peggy. You can always fall back on those conspiracy websites to keep your mind occupied.

"Generally speaking, if you don't know anything about a particular topic, it's best to keep your mouth shut to avoid looking like an idiot."

Right,you would be better off to be quiet.In your case the best would be not to draw any attention to your shortcomings.

The use of the word 'cowards' is offensive; Chamberlain appeased and sold the Czechs to Hitler leaving no time for defense. Czech and Polish fighter pilots were crucial in the battle of Britain when the U.K. needed every pilot it could get.

"The ability to scramble quality fighter jets that the country owned; or dispense a fleet of 'troop carriers' with limited defence air capability to the nearest threatened border point?"

Neither would be of any value. The Czechs are a nation of cowards who have lost virtually every war they have ever fought.

"Al Quaida is now still hiding in tunels after being eliminated by combined air and ground attack that also more or less cri"

So let's see: nobody has ever seen these tunnels, despite over a hundred thousand troops having apparently been looking for them for over nine years. They should have asked Jiri where to find them!

I expect that they're on the moon, Jiri, along with Elvis Presley.

"Al Quaida with no result that had any impact whatsover on Al quaida.The result?Twin Towers attack few years later."

My word, you do live in a fantasy world, don't you!

You might need to do a bit of background reading before you spout this ignorant nonsense. Hint: steel-framed buildings don't fall down just because they get hit by planes.

Generally speaking, if you don't know anything about a particular topic, it's best to keep your mouth shut to avoid looking like an idiot.

Jiri; it is for defence departments to decide value and capability of equipment purchased. These elected officials are paid good salaries with generous expenses to do this work on behalf of the people who elected them. Service personnel give feedback to the defence departments as to the performance and suitability of equipment. Service personnel are often in a position that stops those that would murder the very same government employees that purchase the defence equipment. Uncovering an international regime that advocates murder in free democratic countries should not be hampered by sub-standard equipment that endangers personnel in the line of duty.

"If an air strike; or threat was presented to the C.R; what would be the better defence deterrent?. The ability to scramble quality fighter jets that the country owned; or dispense a fleet of 'troop carriers' with limited defence air capability to the nearest threatened border point?"

The former Clinton's government launched a missile attack on Afghanistan's bases of Al Quaida with no result that had any impact whatsover on Al quaida.The result?Twin Towers attack few years later.
Al Quaida is now still hiding in tunels after being eliminated by combined air and ground attack that also more or less crippled Taliban.
There was no credible attack on USA since that time launched on USA although there was in other countries.

"If an air strike; or threat was presented to the C.R; what would be the better defence deterrent?. The ability to scramble quality fighter jets that the country owned; or dispense a fleet of 'troop carriers' with limited defence air capability to the nearest threatened border point?"

From the military view point you need both.Air warfare has limited impact.It is only troops on ground that will make the final determination.

The father-in-law of a prominent banker had privileged information as to banking conduct; they both worked for the same bank with international connections. Large profits can be posted if a bank gets the transaction contracts of governments; in particular; defence contracts. Private accounts are also valuable; if in particular the bank can offer secrecy and multi-layered company structures that make ownership hard to identify.
What was it that drove two bank employees to file suit against their former employers? Why did the bank try and smear the two bankers and fail? What was it that the father-in-law knew? The accusation for firing the bankers was thrown out of court in the Austrian courts. The two bank employees filed suit in the USA as the bank's ownership was more than 50% owned by Austrian investors
The bank involved; Erste; also happens to have acquired Sporitelna, the international banking services it offers have ensured high dividends for its shareholders. An Austrian Count; Alfons Mesdorff-Poulliy was investigated by international agencies into wrong doing in government procurement deals. He is facing criminal charges while acting as a 'confidential agent' for BAE systems in negotiations with a number of governments departments across Europe. The interest in secret banking facilities by governments is understandable when large amounts of public money are involved. Governments across Europe have requested information regarding accounts that their tax departments want to ask legitimate questions of. It is also of concern when defence and national security questions arise from contracts that do not appear to serve the defence capability of the country.
Through democratic values governments produce law that is written on the statute books of that country, many of the laws have international binding clauses as they are part of a shared value system that is agreed at diplomatic level.
If an air strike; or threat was presented to the C.R; what would be the better defence deterrent?. The ability to scramble quality fighter jets that the country owned; or dispense a fleet of 'troop carriers' with limited defence air capability to the nearest threatened border point?
These are matters for the defence department of a free democratic country to decide. It may be worth remembering what it takes to remain democratic and free; governments have a responsibility to protect their citizens through responsible actions. Ensuring that this process is in line with acceptable actions through constitutional law is the best defence of democratic values. Overall the ordinary citizen just wants to know if elected officials are acting in their best interests. Trying to encourage democratic government in Iraq and Afghanistan may be honourable and worthwhile goal; the sacrifices paid by serving soldiers is the highest possible; loss of life in service. It is only right that those returning, and in memory of those fallen; can be sure the principles applied by government are democratic and accountable. The performance of the Pandur personal carriers have been criticised much by those who put their lives on the line for democracy every day. It is to those service personnel that investigation has to be carried out; their lives deserve the best equipment.

"A major arms dealer, Pavel Musela, whom investigators would like to talk to, was seriously injured in a hunting accident, and has lost his memory, according to reports."

Now, isn't that a coincidence!

As ever, the Czech Republic is mired in corruption from top to bottom. They are competing with Bulgaria to be the most corrupt country in the EU.