Finnish chancellor of justice clears government from responsibility in Sonera UMTS decisions

Nordic Business Report, Oct 8, 2002

NORDIC BUSINESS REPORT-8 October 2002-Finnish chancellor of justice clears government from responsibility in Sonera UMTS decisions (C)1994-2002 M2 COMMUNICATIONS LTD http://www.m2.com

Finnish chancellor of justice Paavo Nikula announced today (8 October) the result of the investigation concerning the involvement of the members of the government and civil servants in the forming of the Finnish state-controlled telecomms operator Sonera`s UMTS decisions.

According to the investigation, the members of the government and the civil servants working at the ministry of transport and communications had not breached their official duty or acted in an otherwise inappropriate manner in connection with the UMTS decisions, Nikula said.

The office of the chancellor of justice had requested written statements from a total of 33 former or current ministers and civil servants, and had held oral interviews. Representatives of Sonera`s administrative bodies were also given an opportunity to express their own views, Nikula added.

Nikula would not comment on the suitability of the government`s financial decisions nor the decision made by Sonera`s administrative bodies, since they were outside of his jurisdiction as the chancellor of justice.

Sonera's investments in 3G telecomms have forced the company to make write-downs amounting to EUR4.2bn this year.

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