Romanian Pres Asks His Brother To Give Up Shares In Military Co

The press wrote about the company called Defense, Security and Intelligence CO – Desintco SRL, suggesting it might be part of various military contracts and a conflict of interests, as the head of state runs the Supreme Defense Council (CSAT).

“President Traian Basescu regrets that a member of his family owns shares in a company connected to the military sector. The president was assured that the company was not involved in contracts with military products. The president also asked Mr. Mircea Basescu to give up immediately his shareholder position in the respective company,” according to a statement of the Presidency.

The head of state also thanks the media for drawing attention to this case and showed regret for the situation.

The president’s brother, Mircea Basescu, owns shares in the company together with the daughter of Aurel Cazacu, former head of National Company for Military Technique Romarm, and a former general within the National Defense Ministry, Sandu Ion Eftimie, who was in charge of the Armaments Department until the beginning of 2009, when he retired.

According to the Trade Registry, the associates are Oita Romeo, Sandu Ion-Eftimie, Mircea Basescu, Geamanu-Grigore-Andrei-Cristian and Cazacu Maria Cristina.

Filmed with a hidden camera by Antena 3 private television channel, Mircea Basescu stated on Thursday evening he has no collaboration with any general and no activity in military affairs.

He denied the partnership even when he saw the documents printed from the website of the Trade Registry, which prove he is shareholder in the company.

The president’s brother said he knew only “Geamanu”, who made him a business proposition which he did not accept.

On Friday, after the presidency issued the official statement, Mircea Basescu said he received a call from his brother and will commence procedures to withdraw from the respective company.

Aurel Cazacu, who holds a top position in the Economy Ministry, told Realitatea TV channel he will take his daughter out of the business.