(November 15, 2004) Russia’s macroeconomic performance in recent years now allows it to begin repaying its debt early.
Italian firms in Lesotho dam corruption case
(November 14, 2004) Italy’s biggest construction company, Impregilo, was hauled before the Lesotho High Court this week as authorities launched their sixth corruption prosecution relating to the multibillion-dollar Lesotho Highlands Water Project.
Arafat’s millions: Hard to find, harder to claim
(November 14, 2004) In his four decades as Palestinian leader, Yasser Arafat ran a murky financial empire that includes far-flung Palestine Liberation Organization investments in airlines, banana plantations and high-tech companies, and money hidden across the globe.
Proposal to declare foreign debt incurred by military regime odious
(November 11, 2004) Legislation contesting the legitimacy of Argentine foreign debt contracted during seven years of military rule will be debated next week by the National Congress of Argentina.
Authoritarianism and Corruption: Venezuela’s case
(November 11, 2004) In Venezuela, President Chávez already has far too much political power, checks and balances do no exist and he is the only one who decides how money will be used: analyst.
Senators accuse Annan of impeding investigation
(November 11, 2004) Leaders of a U.S. subcommittee investigating allegations of fraud in the oil-for-food program in Iraq have accused the United Nations secretary general, Kofi Annan, of obstructing their inquiry.
The mystery of Arafat’s money
(November 11, 2004) During his years as head of the Palestinian Liberation Organisation, experts say, large amounts of money donated, or raised through business and taxes, were paid directly into accounts in Mr Arafat’s own name.
Argentina debt swap sets stage for big legal battle
(November 10, 2004) Argentina’s $US100 billion debt restructuring will not only be the biggest and most contested in modern history. It is also likely to unleash a legal battle without precedents between a state and its creditors.
Riggs National subject of investigation
(November 9, 2004) Riggs National Corp., the parent of Riggs Bank, disclosed Tuesday that both the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia and the Department of Justice are conducting an investigation into the bank holding company.
Chirac, other European leaders try to make nice with Bush
(November 4, 2004) For months, most European leaders had barely concealed their preference for Sen. John Kerry. Moments after Kerry’s call to Bush to concede the election, however, they rushed congratulatory letters and calls to Washington.
New details about Saddam Hussein, gleaned from the CIA
(November 3, 2004) Iraq’s dictator developed an aversion to using telephones and a penchant for writing novels as he sparred with the UN.
How Northern donors promote corruption: tales from the new Mozambique
(November 1, 2004) In recent years, Northern aid donors have become more and more vocal about the need for Southern countries to clean themselves up. Yet they have refused to change their own policies that encourage corruption.
Lender beware
(November 1, 2004) It’s hard to justify asking an oppressed people to pay debts incurred by a tyrant in the process of oppressing them.
James Baker’s double life
(November 1, 2004) Until now, there has been no concrete evidence that James Baker’s loyalties are split, or that his power as Special Presidential Envoy on Iraq’s debts has been used to benefit any of his corporate clients or employers.
Enhancing accountability at the World Bank
(October 29, 2004) There is an old saying that “the road to hell is paved with good intentions”. Sadly, this is all too true when we consider the track record of the multi-lateral development banks.


