FRANCE AND PORTUGAL have become embroiled in a diplomatic row in the wake of allegations of French sanctions-busting by supplying helicopters and defence equipment to South Africa between 1989 and 1993.
Political sources in Lisbon claim that the French authorities, which allegedly were aware of the illicit sales of Aerospatiale Super Pumas to Pretoria, are trying to blame Portugal. The officials claim that France is now saying that Portuguese assurances about the end users cannot be trusted, and is apparently dragging its feet on signing off helicopter spares bound for the Portuguese air force.
The alleged sales of the Super Puma emerged following a court case brought by Portuguese firm Beverley Securities against Eurocopter over non-payment of commission claims (Flight International, 1-7 May).
Gen Brochado Miranda, the former Portuguese air force chief of staff, is quoted by local newspaper Expresso as confirming that he authorised state-owned company OGMA to participate in the alleged sanctions-breaking deal.
Source: Flight International