Panama leader kidnap plot arrests

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Three men accused of plotting to kidnap the president of Panama - including two of his bodyguards - have been arrested.

Trade and Industry Minister Roberto Henriquez said the bodyguards had admitted planning to seize President Ricardo Martinelli.

A Puerto Rican man had "infiltrated" their group, whose "absolutely real" plot had been to hand the president to "some unofficial group", he said.

But the opposition party in Panama has cast doubt on the validity of the plot.

Frenadeso party leader, Saul Mendez, said: "Let's hope this isn't just another publicity stunt by a government that likes toying around with the country to manipulate it."