Minister withdraws Konsalnet security agency's license

The agency was accused of employing staff with criminal records. The firm, headed by former State Security Office (UOP) commander Jerzy Konieczny says the decision was a clear cut case of politics and revenge. According to the vice-president of Konsalnet, Tomasz Banaszkieicz the shortcomings revealed by the Interior Ministry's audit of the firm were merely a pretense for the action. He added current Ministry officers think that security agencies have contacts with left-wing politicians and that this may impact on state security in case of social riots. Konsalnet lawyer Jan Widacki said his client does not rule out the possibility of an appeal. (Gazeta Wyborcza, Aug. 28-29, page 3, Rzeczpospolita, Aug.28-29 , page A2)