Panama authorizes extradition of former Mexican governor on corruption charges

Panamahas agreed to extradite aformerstategovernorfrom Mexico's ruling Institutional Revolutionary Party (PRI) who is wanted in his homeland oncorruptioncharges, the two countries said on Monday.

Roberto Borge, who from 2010 to 2016 wasgovernorof the state of Quintana Roo, home to the tourist resort Cancun, was detained inPanamaCity airport in June with the aid of Interpol as he was preparing to board a flight to Paris.

Corruptionpromises to be one of the major issues in Mexico's July 2018 presidential election, with public discontent widespread over a spate of conflict-of-interest rows that have dogged the Cabinet and President Enrique Pena Nieto himself.

The law barsMexicanpresidents from seeking re-election.

Mexicanprosecutors accuse Borge of using funds obtained illegally, embezzlement and abuse of public office.

TheMexicanForeign Ministry and the attorney general's office said in a statementPanama's Foreign Ministry had notified Borge that theextraditionwas going ahead.

Panama's Foreign Ministry said in a separate statement that, after being notified, Borge announced that he would have his lawyers appeal against theextradition. The ministry did not give details of how theMexicanaimed to justify his appeal.

Borge had long been accused ofcorruptionby opposition parties, although he has denied the allegations.

OtherformerPRIgovernors are also facing prosecution in the run-up to next year's presidential contest.

Javier Duarte, who governed theMexicanstate of Veracruz for the PRI until last year, was extradited from Guatemala to Mexico on July 17. He is accused of embezzlement and engaging in organized crime.