Aleman admits spending government money

Former Nicaraguan President Arnoldo Aleman acknowledged for the first time Saturday that he spent $1.8 million in government money on jewelry and meals, mostly while he was abroad seeking aid following the devastation of Hurricane Mitch in 1998.

The spending included a honeymoon trip, $37,630 worth of crafts bought in India, and $9,360 in jewelry. Aleman suggested they were justifiable travel expenses because his trips coincided with an inflow of aid after the hurricane.

"Investments of $1.9 billion were brought to the country," Aleman told the Spanish-language network Univision at his ranch 30 miles southwest of the capital, Managua.

In 2003, Aleman was convicted of money laundering and embezzlement during his 1998-2002 presidency. He was sentenced to 20 years in prison but was later granted parole.

Aleman said he would like to return to the presidency.

Prosecutors have said Aleman stole about $100 million in government money. Aleman denies stealing any public funds and says his personal wealth totals $886,425, mostly from properties.

Hurricane Mitch killed 5,657 people and caused $6.5 billion in damage in Nicaragua.

The disaster brought an outpouring of international aid, but Nicaragua remains one of the poorest countries in the hemisphere.