https://freerepublic.com/tag/cuarlespasqua/ en-us Fri, 18 Nov 2005 02:23:55 GMT Focus Forum 15 https://freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1524221/posts One of France's most distinguished diplomats has confessed to an investigating judge that he accepted oil allocations from Saddam Hussein, it emerged yesterday. Jean-Bernard Mérimée is thought to be the first senior figure to admit his role in the oil-for-food scandal, a United Nations humanitarian aid scheme hijacked by Saddam to buy influence. The Frenchman, who holds the title "ambassador for life", told authorities that he regretted taking payments amounting to $156,000 (then worth about £108,000) in 2002. The money was used to renovate a holiday home he owned in southern Morocco. At the time, Mr Mérimée was a special... The Telegraph (UK) https://freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1524221/posts#comment Fri, 18 Nov 2005 02:23:55 GMT