MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Former Argentine Defence Minister arrested.

Former Argentine Defence Minister Antonio Erman Gonzalez was preventively arrested this Wednesday in Buenos Aires in connection with a war material smuggling case. Mr. Erman Gonzalez a very close aid of former President Carlos Menem, was informed of his arrest after voluntarily assisting to a Federal Commerce Court to "notify himself of his situation" in the case involving illegal sale of weapons and explosives to Croatia. Mr. Erman Gonzalez was formally accused of violating Customs legislation, "aggravated contraband", and if found guilty could be sentenced to at least four years in prison. Magistrate Julio Speroni also stamped a preventive embargo of one million US dollars on Mr. Erman Gonzalez's assets. From Court Mr. Erman Gonzalez was taken directly to prison in the Buenos Aires Gendarmería headquarters, joining other "distinguished" indicted such as a former Judge and a former Head of Argentina's Social Services. Defence attorneys anticipated they will appeal the preventive arrest decision. Mr. Erman Gonzalez has a long relation with Mr. Menem. They both grew up in La Rioja; he was manager of some of the Menem family companies and when Mr. Menem moved to Casa Rosada, Mr. Erman Gonzalez acted as Defence Minister, Economy Minister and Ambassador in Italy. Mr. Erman Gonzalez is also one of the main suspects for the same case but under Penal Magistrate Jorge Urso. Other suspects of the illegal sale of weapons, to Croatia and Ecuador, include former Army Chief General Martín Balza; another former Defence minister, Oscar Camillón and former Foreign Secretary Dr. Guido Di Tella. Judge Urso has summoned Mr. Menem to Court next July 13th, .

Malvinas veterans end hunger strike

Malvinas veterans lifted the 15 days hunger strike after Argentine president Fernando De la Rúa signed a decree normalising the War Veterans Committee. The committee is now entitled to collect and store for the benefit of its members, all the information regarding health, housing, jobs, social service and education programs. All federal, provincial and municipal institutions and officials must collaborate with the objectives of the Committee. However the War Veterans Associations National Co-ord