Vanstone says Skase chase moves a step forward

AAP General News (Australia)
12-18-1998
Vanstone says Skase chase moves a step forward

CANBERRA, Dec 18 AAP - A Spanish court has lifted an order
suspending moves to expel fugitive Australian businessman
Christopher Skase from his safe haven in Majorca, Justice Minister
Amanda Vanstone said today.

"I am informed that this means that Spanish authorities can now
proceed to issue an order that Mr Skase leave Spain," Ms Vanstone
said in a statement.

"I must stress again that future action in this process is a
matter for the Spanish government and for Spanish Courts.

"I am not able to predict the outcome.

"However, this latest court decision is clearly another setback
for Mr Skase in his efforts to cling to a safe haven in Majorca."

Skase fled Australia in 1991 to escape court action and massive
debts after his Qintex media empire crumbled.

He has since evaded Australian attempts to extradite him from
Majorca on the basis of poor health.

Spanish authorities seized his Australian passport earlier this
year and refused to renew his residency visa in July.

Skase then made a new residency application after he obtained
citizenship of the Caribbean island of Dominica.

This application was rejected in November but Skase's appeal is
still before the Spanish courts.

AAP

KEYWORD: SKASE VANSTONE

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