Suitcase of cash sparks new scandal in Argentina

An Argentine scandal over a businessman carrying a suitcase of cash on a government-hired jet has put President Nestor Kirchner on the defensive as he tries to help his wife replace him at this year's election. Claudio Uberti, a highway official who is...

An Argentine scandal over a businessman carrying a suitcase of cash on a government-hired jet has put President Nestor Kirchner on the defensive as he tries to help his wife replace him at this year's election.

Claudio Uberti, a highway official who is one of Mr Kirchner's key negotiators on energy deals with Venezuela, resigned on Thursday after he allowed a Venezuelan businessman carrying almost $800,000 in undeclared cash to travel on a jet hired by Argentine state energy company Enarsa.

The scandal comes a month after Mr Kirchner's economy minister was forced to step down over more than $60,000 found stashed in a bag in her office bathroom. Under renewed pressure, Mr Kirchner defended his record.

"I don't cover up anything. When something happens the people find out about it and we take the appropriate measures. For the first time, Argentina is seriously fighting corruption... whoever is involved," he said in a public speech.

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