http://www.guardian.co.tt/news3.html

Dansam Dhansook last year swore in an affidavit that he accused Works Minister Franklin Khan of bribery out of frustration.

He said the serious allegations were untrue.

Dhansook, in the July 6, 2004, document, stamped by commissioner of affidavits Dennis Jackman, said he tried to discredit Khan after the minister said he could not help him after his company TT Geoseis Service Co Ltd was terminated from a seismic project in Rio Claro.

He said Khan said he could not help because he had become a government minister.

"I became totally frustrated at the unwillingness of Minister Khan to help, he being someone that I had known for a long time and I failed to appreciate that he was unable to do so now that he was in politics. I therefore wrote the said letter to the honourable Prime Minister out of frustration."

In the February 2004 letter to Manning, Dhansook claimed he paid Khan an estimated $120,000 as a bribe.

He also said Energy Minister Eric Williams received $75,000.

But in the affidavit, Dhansook said the allegations against Khan were "totally untrue."

"I hereby unequivocally withdraw each and every such allegation," Dhansook swore.

He said the cheques given to Khan were repayments for a loan.

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