~theguardian-world | Bookmarks (2)

Documents show officials stressing need to ‘keep the Saudis on side’ after revelations about notorious al-Yamamah dealBritain’s Ministry of Defence moved questionable payments through its own bank account amid one of the biggest corruption scandals in history, despite concerns the money could be pocketed by the Saudi royal family.Previously confidential documents show how the MoD agreed to make the payments to a Saudi bank...

Air Astana, which is 49% owned by the British defence firm, announces plans to float on London stock marketKazakhstan’s national airline has announced plans to float on the London stock market, bringing a potential windfall to BAE Systems, which has been an investor for more than two decades.Air Astana, which is 49% owned by the British defence company, hopes to list in London and...