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Article: Samper Asks Probe, Trial By Colombian Legislature; Lawmaker Says She Was Told to Take Illegal Money
- Article from:
- The Washington Post
- Article date:
- January 31, 1996
- Author:
CopyrightThis material is published under license from the Washington Post. All inquiries regarding rights should be directed to the Washington Post. (Hide copyright information)
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President Ernesto Samper, fighting for his political life,
asked Colombia's Congress today to reopen an investigation into
charges that he knowingly received campaign money from the Cali
cocaine cartel and to give him a "fair and swift" trial based on the
results.
Samper made his proposal in a 28-minute speech to a joint
session of Congress that was called into special session to deal
with a paralyzing political crisis that has arisen from the charges
against him. In his emotional address, Samper repeatedly stated his
innocence but also said he is willing to abide by the findings of
legislators who would resume the inquiry.
That marked the first time Samper has acknowledged he ...