Ion Iliescu clears things up about the interview granted to the German publication “Der Spiegel", in a blog posting.
The former President declares himself unpleasantly surprised by how his statements were commented upon and wanted to provide some clarifications : "I want to be crystal clear: I have not confirmed the existence of any illegal CIA prisons in Romania, prison which would have applied unlawful interrogation techniques, such as torture. I stated just as clearly that if I had known what the destination of the facility requested by the US was, I would have certainly taken a different decision. Knowing what I had approved – granting a facility for the CIA representation in Romania - explains why, in all these years, I have denied the existence of CIA prisons on the territory of Romania.
I reject with the utmost determination the interpretation of this gesture - a natural one between partners and allies - as a form of "bribe" to the Americans for Romania to be accepted into NATO. (...) It is ridiculous and degrading for Romania, especially dangerous for its interests, the affirmation that my statement " is playing the Russians game," former President Ion Iliescu writes on his blog.