Former Argentine leader in court

Menem is seeking a third term as president

Argentina's former President Carlos Menem has appeared in court in Buenos Aires, after receiving an ultimatum to turn up.

But Mr Menem refused to testify before the judge leading an investigation into an undeclared Swiss bank account in his name.

Instead, he is reported to have presented a written statement to the court, questioning the competence of the judge, Norberto Oyarbide.

On Monday, Mr Menem was ordered to appear - or face the possibility of being found in contempt of court - after failing to turn up twice last week.

Outside the court building there were scuffles between his supporters and journalists covering the event.

Compensation award

Mr Menem's supporters say the investigation is politically motivated, with the aim of stopping him from running for president next year.

Menem facts

Born in 1930 of Syrian parents

Trained as a lawyer

President for 10 years until 1999

Still leader of his Peronist Party

Married Chilean ex-beauty queen Cecilia Bolocco

Plans to run for president in 2003

Mr Menem has admitted his family had an account in Switzerland for some $600,000.

He says the money was compensation he was awarded for being imprisoned by military juntas which ruled Argentina from 1976 to 1984.

However, it is alleged that accounts linked to the 72-year-old former president contain up to $10m.

Arms diverted

In 2001, Mr Menem spent five months under house arrest, while the judicial authorities looked into his possible involvement in the sale of arms to Croatia and Ecuador during his presidency, despite a UN embargo.

The 6,500 tons of weapons were officially destined for Panama and Venezuela, and Mr Menem said he was unaware the arms had been diverted to other countries.

In November that year, the Argentine Supreme court ruled that there was no case to answer.

The case was re-opened this year, but three weeks ago a court ruled that there was no evidence to prove he had knowingly authorised the weapons sales.

Mr Menem has announced his intention of putting himself forward for the primary election in the Peronist party, due to be held in November.

He has many powerful adversaries within the party, including the current President, Eduardo Duhalde.

Mr Menem has said he is the "only man who can save Argentina" which is beset by acute economic problems.