Ironical as never before, economy minister Codrut Seres said in yesterday's press conference that he was the ally of president Traian Basescu in the fight of corruption. As for the prices of imported natural gases, investigations should see to Romanian companies who bought it, outlined the minister, admitting he was after checks on all import contracts since 2001 up to the present. When asked if he was suspicious about these contracts, Seres wouldn't answer because he had no evidence. He invited the president to unveil information about the group of interests close to the Economy Ministry: "I am certain Mr. President Traian Basescu has got information at hand and I think he can release it to the public opinion. Which are those groups of interests? Unless you mention them after almost one year of suspense, things can get serious indeed." While paying an usual visit to Valea Jiului, the president reacted to Seres's request: "One could never say something sillier! I'm really disinterested in the industry minister (meaning the economy minister). Honestly speaking, I don't believe anything anymore. I know one thing: we pay the highest price for gases." (...)

Dan COSTE