Germany says can influence EADS through contracts

BERLIN, Feb 13 (Reuters) German Economy Minister Michael Glos said in a television interview on Tuesday that the government could influence Airbus parent EADS through the granting of orders, but stressed he did not want a government-steered company.

''Influence can be exercised ... through the granting of contracts and of research funds,'' Michael Glos told Germany's ZDF public television.

''We don't want a government-steered company, rather we want a company that is well positioned against its main competitor Boeing. Airbus is a German product, not just a French product, and we will ensure this is respected.'' REUTERS PV DS1303