Former ministers flee as Iraq begins corruption inquiry

[emad]

By Patrick Cockburn in Baghdad
09 May 2005


Former Iraqi ministers are fleeing the country because of reports that the new administration may prevent them going abroad while accusations of corruption are being investigated.

The incoming government of Ibrahim al-Jaafari, who completed his cabinet yesterday, has pledged to fight pervasive corruption among officials. The outgoing administration of Iyad Allawi was regarded as highly corrupt by Iraqis.

Officials say that some former ministers have left Iraq in the past few days because they fear they will be detained if they try to leave later. "I have heard that are considering preventing any minister of the former government leaving the country," said Adnan Pachachi, a former foreign minister and veteran political leader. The new administration is able to do this under emergency legislation introduced by Mr Allawi.

Iraqi businessmen say that since the overthrow of Saddam Hussein the government machinery has become corrupt. "I am thinking of pulling out of business entirely in Iraq," said one businessman. "Officials at every level demand bribes just to do their jobs so there is no profit left for my company at the end of the day."

http://news.independent.co.uk/world/middle_east/story.jsp?story=636841

OIL for Fraud? That's Shrub ok...

[Toots]

1. Filled with corruption..gee they really are trying to become like the US

Monkey see monkey do.

[Norquist Nemesis]

2. Don't forget Mr. Extortion Extraordinair in charge of oil n/t

[LynnTheDem]

3. Who will be investigating the CURRENT corrupt ministers, president, & PM?

Talabani.

Jaafari.

Chalabi.

Chalabi's nephew.

Etc.

[stillcool]

4. They should send James Baker III over there....

show them how a pro chairs an investagating committee with a guaranteed result.