U.S. Lobbied EU Over Microsoft Fine

ukhackster writes "European commissioner Neelie Kroes has claimed that she was lobbied by the US government over the Microsoft antitrust case. ZDNet UK is reporting that Kroes 'did not appreciate' being asked to be 'nicer' to Microsoft. Given that Microsoft was fined 280m euros, perhaps this tactic backfired." From the article: "The commissioner criticised the approach. 'This is of course an intervention which is not possible,' Kroes told Dutch newspaper Financieele Dagblad this week. When asked if she was annoyed by the Embassy's approach, she said 'In my work, I cannot have a preference. I have, however, a personal opinion, but that is for Saturday night.'"

Somebody at DoJ is thinkin'

[nharmon]

What sweet revenge after the failed antitrust case; try and lobby a foreign court into being easy on Microsoft knowing they'll do the precise opposite.

The year is 2007...

[jd]

I have, however, a personal opinion, but that is for Saturday night.

"In a startling new development, Microsoft's appeal against the record anti-trust fine is to be heard this Saturday, at 7pm GMT. Early reports indicate that the judges hearing the appeal had been seen buying Linux t-shirts and double-bladed battle axes."

Re:Pfft. Nothing New Here

[Anonymous Coward]

The British had to establish an empire to be able to actually trade with the countries they invaded. i.e. the British love their tea, so they took over India so people back in Britain could drink tea.

Yes... that's exactly why they did it...