Argentine courts back off Menem

BUENOS AIRES, June 21 (UPI) -- Argentine courts will not pursue the extradition of former President Carlos Menem, wanted on fraud and corruption charges, the daily La Nacion said Monday.

Argentine justice officials said there is nothing else they can do since the Chilean Supreme court has twice rejected requests for Menem to be extradited.

Menem is accused of corruption and of embezzling state funds during his 1989-1999 administration.

The former leader, however, said last week from Chile that he was forming a new branch of Argentina's leading Peronist Party and that he was intent on returning home.