22-04-2003 10:55:00 GMT Invalid Hora local. Fonte LUSA . Notícia SIR-4945452

East Timor: Customs Dept, University face corruption investigations

Dili, April 22 (Lusa) - The East Timorese government has ordered separate investigations and audits into the country's Customs Department and National University in the wake of mounting rumors of irregularities and corruption.

The minister of finance and planning, Madalena Boavida, confirmed the investigations to Lusa Tuesday, saying they were being carried out by Inspector-General Mariano Lopes da Cruz on orders from Prime Minister Mari Alkatiri.

"In East Timor there're always lots of rumors and for this reason we must confirm the information", Boavida said. "We don't say there is corruption, as has been reported, but we want to confirm the situation and openly demonstrate if there is or isn't".

Speculation has been rife, including local media reports, of administrative irregularities and corruption at both institutions.

ASP/SAS Lusa

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