Menem freed by friends

Carlos Menem and members of his government signed four decrees between 1991 and 1995 authorising the sale of arms to Panama and Venezuela, which was perfectly legal. What was not legal and was hidden at the time, was the fact that the arms in question went to Croatia and Equador, two states involved in wars and as such under an international arms embargo. Equador was at war with Peru at the time and Argentina was acting as the peace broker. Croatia was involved in the Balkans wars.

After finishing his mandate, the case surfaced and Menem was placed under house arrest last July. The case against Menem went before the Supreme Court this week and was declared void because there was no evidence of gang activity. Menem has always declared his innocence.

Most of the members of the Supreme Court were appointed during Menem’s presidency. His lawyers have called for his house arrest to be terminated, which could take place this weekend.

On November 22nd, Menem declared that he would be a possible candidate for the next elections.

Marcia MIRANDA PRAVDA.Ru BRAZIL