22 Jul 2002

Vanuatu's PM says the conviction of a former leader for fraud as a step forward

10:42 am on 22 July 2002

Vanuatu's Prime Minister, Edward Natapei, has welcomed the conviction of a former leader for fraud as a step forward for the country.

Barak Sope is expected to lodge an appeal after being jailed for three years by the Supreme Court.

The Port Vila businessman and parliamentarian, who was ousted as Prime Minister in a no confidence vote last year, was found guilty of illegally signing millions of dollars of government guarantees.

Those guarantees were amongst issues at the centre of last year's controversy over the government's links with overseas business associates.

The Supreme Court heard allegations that Sope signed government guarantees worth 23 million US dollars without the required approval of Cabinet and the signature of the finance minister.

Mr Natapei said the conviction would provide an example to leaders to deter them from becoming involved in any sort of similar activity