The Hindu : International : Arrest warrant against Menem

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Friday, Apr 23, 2004

International

International

Arrest warrant against Menem

Buenos Aires: An international arrest warrant has been issued by a court in Argentina against the former President Carlos Menem, who is under investigation for charges of corruption during his 10-year rule in the 1990s. Mr. Menem, a 73-year-old free market advocate from the Peronist party, abandoned Argentina for Chile last May after quitting a presidential race that he hoped would win him a third term in office. Although he won the first round of the election by a slim margin, polls predicted a humiliating loss for him against left-leaning Nestor Kirchner in the second round. Mr Menem, who had never lost an election during his long political life, bowed out, leaving the presidency to Mr Kirchner, who went on to win despite polling fewer votes. Mr. Menem is wanted in Buenos Aires by Judge Jorge Urso, who is investigating the alleged embezzlement of up to $60m in the construction of two prisons during his administration. The judge has asked Interpol to hold Mr. Menem under arrest until Argentina places a formal extradition request.

Guardian Newspapers Limited 2004

Printer friendly page
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

International