Rolandas Paksas

The ouster of President Rolandas Paksas in a secret ballot came less than three weeks before the country joins the European Union on May 1.

The 47-year-old former stunt pilot lost three separate votes in the 141-member Parliament.

Paksas was accused of illegally arranging citizenship for one of his chief financial backers, Russian businessman Yuri Borisov; divulging state secrets; and using his office for financial gain.

The accusations stemmed from Borisov's role in Paksas' campaign, including, government reports found, that the Russian was linked to organized crime.

Borisov, who denied any wrongdoing, donated $400,000 to Paksas' campaign last year. Afterward, Paksas helped Borisov get Lithuanian citizenship, although it was later revoked.

The charge of divulging state secrets was tied to Paksas' apparent warning to Borisov that he was being watched by state security agents. The third involved his role in the privatization of a building company.

The Japan Times Weekly: April 17, 2004
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