News Release
No.
77/03
December 10, 2003
IRAQ RECONSTRUCTION: EU COMMISSION REACTS TO
DEFENSE DEPARTMENT FINDINGS ON CONTRACTS
The
United States Department of Defense yesterday made findings regarding the limitation
of competition for procurement for the reconstruction of
Iraq to companies from the United States, Iraq, coalition partners and force-contributing
nations. This limitation is said to be based on the protection of essential security
interests of the United States and in the public interest.
The
European Commission will now examine the 26 contracts at stake to examine whether
these limitations to procurement for the reconstruction of Iraq are in line with
the commitments undertaken by the United States
in the content of the World Trade Organization (WTO) Government Procurement Agreement
(GPA). As a first measure the European Commission will be requesting all necessary
information from the US authorities concerned on the grounds for these limitations.
For more information on WTO Public Procurement:
http://europa.eu.int/comm/trade/issues/sectoral/gov_proc/index_en.htm
Press Contacts: |
Anthony Gooch
202-862-9523
|
Maeve O'Beirne
202-862-9549
|
