Polisario leaders skim international assistance, Spanish daily

Spanish wide-circulation "El Pais" daily reported that the Polisario has skimmed 64 million Pesetas in aid, initially extended to buy female camels.

The assistance, earmarked by the Spanish Red Crescent to buy 430 she-camels, disappeared, leaving no trace, El Pais quoted a veterinary in charge of following up the operation.

In an attempt to conceal the act, the Polisario leaders pretended to buy herds that already belong to them, the daily said, adding that Embarek Maalainine, who is in charge of cooperation within the Polisario, "did not deny the accusations."

According to El Pais, the Spanish officials did not want to disclose the affair and chose not to inform donors and the media.

The first part of the sum was collected in 1995 during a fund raising operation through a Spanish television program. The second part was earmarked by the international cooperation agency of the Spanish foreign affairs department.