Claes, Willy
Born: Nov 24, 1938 AD
Currently alive, at 74 years of age.
Nationality:
Belgian
Categories:
Politician
1938 - Born on November 24th in Hasselt, Belgium. Belgian diplomat and socialist politician.
1973 - Belgian economic affairs minister.
1991 - Belgian foreign minister.
1994 - Was the secretary general of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) with a proven reputation as a consensus-builder.
1995 - He was a clear favorite for the post, but subsequent allegations about his involvement (while Belgian foreign minister) in illegal dealings with Agusta, the Italian aircraft manufacturer, eventually forced his resignation in November.
- Prior to becoming secretary general, he was foreign affairs minister and deputy prime minister. A Flemish-speaking socialist, he had risen to high political office via the trade-union movement.
1998 - He went on trial, charged with receiving illegal income in the late 1980's on purchases of French and Italian arms.
Page last updated: 11:27pm, 20th Jun '07