Gaydamak: Authorities to blame for Leviev's departure

"His departure is simply the perfect example of the defunct conduct of the authorities."

"Not only does the conduct of the authorities create a situation where Jewish businessmen overseas perceive that Israel is not a comfortable place to operate from, but also businessmen who already operate in Israel choose to leave because of this policy," said billionaire oligarch Arcadi Gaydamak to "Globes" in a special interview speaking for the first time about the departure of Africa-Israel Investments Ltd. (TASE:AFIL; Pink Sheets:AFIVY.PK) controlling shareholder Lev Leviev.

"Leviev's departure is very unfortunate. The fact that he chose to relocate overseas is, in my opinion, an example of the manner in which the authorities operate, the tax authority and the police, against the state and against the Jewish interest.

"Leviev is not only an example of a person who is highly identified with the Jewish community in Israel and throughout the world, but he is also a big businessman who creates economic activity, creates income for the state and is responsible for the creation of jobs. His departure is simply the perfect example of the defunct conduct of the authorities, which operate a manner which clearly goes against the interests of the state, and I can elaborate much more," said Gaydamak.

Published by Globes [online], Israel business news - www.globes-online.com - on January 1, 2008

© Copyright of Globes Publisher Itonut (1983) Ltd. 2008

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