Wolfowitz: Get rid of corruption and spread your wings!

The statements of the US ambassador to Bucharest Michael Guest on corruption in Romania do not stand as a personal opinion but as the official point of view of the United States of America, US Defence deputy secretary Paul Wolfowitz told Ziarul Financiar.
“His statements did not spring from hostility or contradiction, but from friendship,” Wolfowitz added. As a deputy secretary of Donald Rumsfeld, he is one of the most influential people in the Bush administration, hailed as “the ideologist of the new American defence policy.”
One month ago, Michael Guest surprised the Romanian political staff when he told a press conference that the Romanian economy growth was hindered by the “lobbying and nepotism system.” Just like Guest, Wolfowitz believes that the eradication of corruption should be one of Romania’s main priorities.
“We are not the ones to expect a change from Romania. You shouldn’t do anything special just to please us. If corruption and bureaucracy are eradicated, this country can spread its wings and fly,” the American official added.
“Corruption is a plague that can destroy economy. It cannot be eradicated overnight, but efforts are worth making. If you ask me what is essential for Romania in the long run I will answer this: a healthy economy and the eradication of corruption,” the American state secretary stated.
Wolfowitz said he was “impressed” upon hearing that Romanian politicians must declare their possessions.
“I know that some may be bothered by this request but, without transparency at the political level, it is hard to keep control on things. Experience taught me that transparency is the most efficient control strategy.” lucian@zf.ro