Varela had his chance to question Finmeccanica contract – Minister

VICE PRESIDENT Juan Carlos Varela had his chance to question the controversial defense contract the government signed with Italian consortium Finmeccanica at the time, said Minister of the Presidency Roberto Henríquez on Monday, March 31.

He said that at the time the contract was signed, it was endorsed by members of the opposition Panameñista party as well as by the ruling CD. Tthe minister of Economy and Finance was Panameñista official Alberto Vallarino and the deputy minister was Dulcidio De la Guardia, also a member of that party.

He noted that, the Panameñista presidential candidate, also could have objected to the contract at the time of its signing.
Henríquez said that Varela, who has since criticized the deal, should discuss it with the members of his party who helped negotiate it.
"If Juan Carlos Varela would like to know if there were any irregularities with this contract, he can simply pick up the phone and talk to some of his supporters who can explain to him that it was done in a correct and transparent manner," said Henriquez.