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Peru Lava Jato Prosecutor: Odebrecht's lawsuit is senseless

Photo: EFE

12:52 | Lima, Feb. 6.

Peruvian Lava Jato Case Special Prosecution Group Coordinator Rafael Vela on Thursday said the lawsuit —filed by Odebrecht against the Peruvian State before the International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID)— makes no sense.

The Lava Jato team investigates the alleged bribes paid by the company to former Peruvian Government officials in exchange for projects.

In remarks to RPP radio and TV station,

the magistrate recalled that the Brazilian company acknowledged —to the special team and through an agreement— its guilt in the case involving the Southern Gas Pipeline Project, which is linked to the lawsuit.

"It makes no sense (...). There is not only the admission of guilt by Odebrecht, but also by Graña y Montero (company) and by the brothers Jose and Hernando Graña," he expressed.

The magistrate said that —after learning about the lawsuit— the team has requested the corporation to clarify the content of the signed guilt-related document. However, they have not yet received a response, which could arrive today or tomorrow.

The prosecutor mentioned that the relationship with Odebrecht "is difficult, not trustworthy," and there are many tensions within the development of the collaboration process.

In July 2019, the Public Ministry made known that Odebrecht signed a document to acknowledge the illegal payments made for the Southern Gas Pipeline Project.

Regarding lawsuit filed before the ICSID, the Economy and Finance Ministry informed that the Peruvian State is respectful of its contractual and international commitments, and will exercise its right of defense.

Odebrecht demands more than US$1.2 billion in compensation, arguing that Peru violated its obligations under the Agreement between Peru and the Belgian-Luxembourg Economic Union on the Reciprocal Promotion and Protection of Investments, in relation to the Southern Gas Pipeline Project.

The State terminated the contract because the consortium failed to obtain the financing and accredit the financial closure within the term established in the concession contract, even after two extensions granted by the State.

(END) VVS/MVB

Publicado: 6/2/2020