Roll up, roll up!

Monday, February 27, 2006

World Myth No.2: The Land Of The Free

Republican and Democrat politicians continue to criticise the transaction which would hand control of 21 US ports, including New York and New Jersey, to the United Arab Emirates firm Dubai Ports World, claiming it would make the country more vulnerable to terrorism.

Despite granting additional time for the security aspects of the deal to be scrutinised, DPW said it was determined to proceed with the acquisition.

“We consider our company to be a friend of the United States," Michael Moore, a company executive told BBC Five Live.

"We are simply trying to be helpful," he said of the 45-day review.

"It is clear that the nature of who we are, our operations and responsibilities is clearly being misunderstood."

Despite this, New Jersey officials are taking legal action to try and block the deal, while the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey is seeking to annul P&O's 30-year operating licence, claiming that it failed to seek permission for the transfer of ownership.

"There is a real prospect that the arrangement will lead to US port authorities revoking licences and leases held by joint venture companies which will cause sever financial losses," its petition states.

The Bush administration is backing the takeover, arguing that it poses no threat to US security interests.

0 Comments:

Post a Comment

<< Home