(9 May 1996) Spanish/Nat
One of Peru's leading political leaders is to be investigated for corruption.
Second Vice President Cesar Paredes Canto faces a congressional investigation for allegedly trying to use his position to win favours for an air transport company.
It's the kind of scandal that will further tarnish the none-too-clean image of Peruvian politics.
Second Vice-President Cesar Paredes Canto has been accused of using his office to try to win favours for an air transport company.
According to the accusations, Paredes Canto wrote to former Transportation Minister Manuel Vara Ochoa urging him to grant operating licenses for a company called Export Air.
SOUNDBITE: Spanish
"On the subject of Paredes Canto, evidently there is a trafficking of influence - this is the legal name of the case."
SUPER CAPTION: Gustavo Mohme, Congressman, Union for Peru
Beyond the letter itself, Mohme says another important issue is what Paredes Canto's relationship is with Export Air.
The company, has close links to another cargo air carrier, Fine Air of Miami, which was accused by the government last year of transporting arms to Ecuador.
Those arms shipments, which originated in Argentina, occurred while Peru and Ecuador were involved in a bloody border dispute in February of 1995.
SOUNDBITE: Spanish
"I believe that the President (Fujimori) has been very emphatic on many occasions when he has addressed this issue, forbidding all officials, congressmen, or people within the government from sending letters of recommendation. I think we have to respect this order of the President."
SUPER CAPTION: Daniel Espichan, Congressman, Cambio 90 Nueva Mayoria
Two high-ranking government officials -- both from the Transportation Ministry -- resigned last week and reports say their departure may have been linked to the allegations.
Newspapers have reported that Export Air did not meet the requirement for operating in Peru, yet was given repeated permission to due so.
Paredes has denied any wrongdoing, saying he wrote the letter but his intention was being misinterpreted.
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