Civic Democrat leader calls for overhaul of rules for arms contracts

Separately, Civic Democrat leader Mirek Topolánek said the whole current system of awarding arms contracts is flawed and should be reformed. He said standard public tenders for contracts should be take place the same as for public contracts in other sectors. Mr Topolánek added that stepped up internal audits of contracts should also take place within the ministry of defence. Special rules apply to arms tenders, supposedly because of their sensitivity and the need for secrecy. Scandals have surrounded many large Czech arms contracts including the final deal in 2004 to lease 14 Gripen fighter jets.