Dutch authorities contend that they were lied to by Icelandic officials about the stability of Landsbanki shortly before the collapse. RÚV reports that this information could be used in their favor if Icesave should end up going before a court.
Minister of Finance Steingrímur J. Sigfússon told reporters that while the Dutch have not openly threatened to use this as a weapon in Icesave discussions he has had so far, they have implied that there are serious flaws with the information and regulatory system of Iceland’s financial world.
Björgvin G. Sigurðsson, who was Minister of Business before and during the bank collapse, told reporters that he never lied to Dutch authorities, but rather was using the information Landsbanki had given him.
Conservative chairman Bjarni Benediktsson told RÚV he sees no special cause for concern in the matter.