MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency
Malvinas-veteran new Army chief; former head resigns amid claims of human rights violations
A brief army statement issued on Tuesday says Maj. Gen. Cesar Milani submitted his resignation for 'strictly' personal reasons. 
President Cristina Fernandez's decision in July 2013 to name intelligence expert Milani head of the army was sharply criticized by human rights groups 
Division General Ricardo Luis Cundom and member of Milani's staff will take the post as the new chief of the Argentine Army in coming days. The head of Argentina's army, Major General Cesar Milani long accused of human rights violations, has resigned and will be replaced by General Ricardo Luis Cundom, a Malvinas conflict veteran.
A brief army statement issued on Tuesday says Maj. Gen. Cesar Milani submitted his resignation for 'strictly' personal reasons. An intelligence expert, Milani has been repeatedly accused of human rights violations and of having won President Cristina Fernandez favor by mounting a sophisticated 'spy' organization targeted on her political opponents and enemies.
The 60-year-old Milani has been charged in the disappearance of soldier Alberto Ledo in 1976 in the northern province of Tucuman and in 1977 with torturing two members of the same family in the northeastern province of La Rioja. The cases have yet to be tried in court. Milani denies the allegations, but in May a couple of witnesses surfaced, father and son, who pinpointed him as the interrogator at the Construction Engineers Battalion in La Rioja.
President Cristina Fernandez's decision in July 2013 to name him head of the army was sharply criticized by human rights groups. Thousands of people were killed or disappeared during Argentina's military dictatorship between 1976 and 1983. In the mid 1970s, Milani was a lieutenant and belonged to military intelligence.
The outgoing Milani is also being investigated in Congress for alleged 'illegitimate' enrichment, since his declared assets do not correspond to his earnings and benefits as a military officer.
Following the news of General Milani's retirement, President Cristina Fernández named Division General Ricardo Luis Cundom as the new chief of the Argentine Army. Cundom was operational head of Milani's Joint Chiefs of Staff. There was speculation that the Army's number two, General Gustavo Motta would succeed Milani, but Cundom was named.
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Read all commentsApparently General Condom was the co-ordinater of the 3 Armed Forces that attacked the FALKLANDS. Why do they keep supporting the failures of people in Argentina?
Jun 24th, 2015 - 08:29 am 0I love all the CFK supporters who criticise the Argentinean junta (or those of neighbouring countries), which she seems to put on pedestals.
Jun 24th, 2015 - 09:46 am 0CFK minions, please note you need to tow the official line or your are unpatriotic. Henceforth you shall praise Argentina's military past as your dear leader does.
The witch hunt in Argentina has destroyed The morale of all services. Menem was criticized for his amnesty, but this kind of prosecution contravenes statutes of limitations. If you hate Argentina you should send a love note of thanks to Cristina because she and her one eyed husband has destroyed the Argentine military, as well as destroying the country's economy and reputation.
Jun 24th, 2015 - 09:59 am 0Commenting for this story is now closed.
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