[NYTr] Argentina's ex-Pres Charged with Illegal Arms Trade

[All the News That Doesn't Fit]

Prensa Latina, Havana
http://www.plenglish.com

Ex-Prez Menem, an Arms Trafficker

Buenos Aires, Sep 9 (Prensa Latina) Argentina reopened the case against
ex-President Carlos Saul Menem (1989-1999) for illegal arms sales to
Ecuador and Croatia during his government.

Judge Rafael Caputo tagged him accessory of arms trafficking in the
first degree. He was first arrested and jailed in 2001 but released
through a polemic verdict from the Supreme Court of Justice.

The Judge told the morning paper Clarin that Menem "orchestrated the
illegal sale of 6,500 tons of rifles, cannons, grenades, antitank
missiles and ammo to Croatia and Ecuador."

Trafficking was disguised with a contract with Panama and Venezuela via
secret decrees signed by Menem and several ministers between 1991 and
1995.

Then, Ecuador and Peru had an armed conflict and Argentina, along
Brazil, Chile and the US, was part of UN peace keeping troops at the ex
Jugoslavia for the war between Croatia and Serbia.

This time, all his properties, assessed in $115 million, plus another
three (worth $150,000) were confiscated, he can not exit Argentina and
his passport is withheld.

hr emw rmh PL-1

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BBC News - Sep 9, 2007 via rick kissell
http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/pr/fr/-/2/hi/americas/6985487.stm

Menem charged with weapons sales

By Daniel Schweimler
BBC News, Buenos Aires

Argentina's former President Carlos Menem has been charged with 
involvement in the illegal sale of weapons to Croatia and Ecuador
during the 1990s.

His passport has been withdrawn and assets worth $120m (£60m) frozen to 
pay for any fine resulting from the case.

Mr Menem faced similar charges six years ago, but was allowed to walk 
free by a panel of judges mostly appointed during his 1989-1999
presidency.

The former president, 77, has denied any wrongdoing.

Mr Menem is accused of involvement in selling 6,500 tonnes of rifles, 
cannons, anti-tank rockets and ammunition to Ecuador and Croatia
between 1991 and 1995.

At the time Ecuador was involved in a conflict with neighbouring Peru 
and Croatia in the violent break-up of the former Yugoslavia.

Those involved in the transactions are accused of falsely stating that 
the shipments were going to Panama and Venezuela.

The judge bringing the charges said much of the $37m earned from the 
illegal transactions were spent in bribes.

Mr Menem had said he would stand again for president next month but he 
suffered a crushing defeat in recent elections for governor in his home 
province of La Rioja and is viewed with disdain by many Argentines.

His 10 years in office are remembered for a string of alleged and
proven corruption scandals.

© BBC MMVII