Jordan Bans Former Iraqi Minister from Exercising Political Activities

Asharq Al-Awsat. ^ | 110/11/05 | Faris Sharan / Sami Mahasinah

[Valin]

Amman, Asharq Al-Awsat- The Jordanian authorities have told former Iraqi Defense Minister Hazim al-Shalan not to exercise any political or media activities on Jordanian territories in light of reports about a possible Iraqi request for his extradition in connection with charges of financial and administrative corruption at the Defense Ministry under his leadership.

Jordanian sources told Asharq al-Awsat that the government had prevented al-Shalan from announcing from Jordan the establishment of a new Iraqi political organization called the "Parliament" and prohibited him from meeting with journalists or giving press interviews on Jordanian soil. The sources added that al-Shalan had complied with the Jordanian request and canceled a number of political and media functions and activities, including the announcement about his organization and a news conference with Iraqi Army officers discharged under Ibrahim Al-Jafari's current government.

The sources added that these measures are intended to avoid any embarrassment for the Jordanian Government resulting from al-Shalan's presence on Jordanian territory, particularly if the Iraqi authorities request his extradition from Jordan to stand trial. al-Shalan intended to announce the establishment of his organization, the Parliament, at a news conference in Amman attended by representatives of the media, satellite channels, and news agencies. However, the Jordanian authorities' measures restricting his freedom prevented him from holding the news conference.

For his part, Marwan al-Muashar, Jordanian Deputy Prime Minister and government spokesman, said that Jordan has not received an official Iraqi request to extradite Al-Shalan. He pointed out that if Jordan receives such request the Jordanian Government will look into it and adopt the appropriate measure.

[Valin]

Ex-Iraqi Officials Sought in $1B Theft

11/10/2005
http://www.asharqalawsat.com/english/news.asp?section=1&id=2088

BAGHDAD, Iraq, AP - Iraq has issued arrest warrants against the defense minister and 27 other officials from the U.S.-backed government of former Prime Minister Iyad Allawi over the alleged disappearance or misappropriation of $1 billion in military procurement funds, officials said Monday.

(snip)
Meanwhile, those accused include four other ministers from Allawi's government, which was replaced by an elected Cabinet led by Shiite parties in April, said Ali al-Lami of Iraq's Integrity Commission. Many of the officials are believed to have left Iraq, including Hazem Shaalan, the former defense minister who moved to Jordan shortly after the new government was installed.

For months, Iraqi investigators have been looking into allegations that millions of dollars were spent on overpriced deals for shoddy weapons and military hardware, apparently to launder cash, at a time when Iraq was battling a bloody insurgency that still persists.....