Mexico agrees Portillo's return

Mr Portillo has said he cannot get a fair trial in Guatemala

Mexico has authorised the extradition of former Guatemalan President Alfonso Portillo to face corruption charges in his home country.

Mr Portillo is wanted over the disappearance of $15.7m (£9m) earmarked for the defence ministry which was then transferred into foreign bank accounts.

He sought asylum in Mexico in 2004 when his political immunity was lifted after his four-year term in office ended.

Mr Portillo denies any wrongdoing. He says he will oppose the extradition.

Guatemala's judiciary made several attempts to have Mr Portillo extradited.

The Mexican decision follows a visit to Guatemala earlier this month by the outgoing Mexican President, Vicente Fox, who reportedly discussed the issue with his Guatemalan counterpart, Oscar Berger.

It is one of many corruption cases that emerged during Mr Portillo's term in office from 2000 to 2004.

The former president has said he fled because he could not get a fair trial in Guatemala.