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MAPUTO, Mozambique (AP) A former Cabinet minister and four other defendants are standing trial in the biggest corruption case to go to court in Mozambique since independence in 1975.

Former Transport Minister Antonio Munguambe and four former officials of the company that runs this southeast African country's airports are accused of stealing nearly $2 million from the company.

Prosecutors say some of the money is believed to have benefited Frelimo, the party that has ruled Mozambique since independence from Portugal. The trial began Monday.

Marcelo Mosse, an independent Mozambican anti-graft campaigner, says only small cases have gone to court before.

President Armando Guebuza, who first came to power in 2005 and won re-election last month, has promised to root out corruption.

(Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.) APNP 11-17-09 0942CST | save this article / add to your favorites list