Kalousek gives the run-around

Ex-Finance Min. Miroslav Kalousek's recent interview about his sale of ČSA Cargo to a buyer with unknown owners is an instant classic. Some excerpts: "Of course I see it as a problem. That, that, uh, uh. Not that I don't see it as a problem. That we (TOP 09) came to the opinion that the state must deal only with people with a clear ownership structure, uh, is of course something we gradually arrived at and something I stand by." When asked when his view changed, he said it didn't. "I always thought this," he said. "I don't see the sale [of ČSA Cargo] in and of itself as a problem," he added. "What I see as a problem are contracts to companies with an intransparent structure." So, in retrospect, would he now object to the sale of ČSA Cargo in this way? "I must admit," he said, "that this concrete situation wouldn't bother me." Nor, presumably his good friend Richard Háva, who is widely believed to be the lucky new owner. [Czech Republic Omnipol Czech Airlines ministry minister]