(2 Oct 1999) Natural Sound

Almost ten years after Romania's Communist President Nicolae Ceaucescu was swept from power, some of the gifts he received from other world leaders are being auctioned in Bucharest.

Ceaucescu and his wife Elena lived in lavish style while in power using the state's money to finance their lifestyle.

The couple was executed after the President was deposed in 1989.

Some of the gifts received by former Romanian President Nicolae Ceaucescu are going under the hammer in the Romanian capital Bucharest.

It's the second auction of Ceaucescu's belongings and it will take place at the Congress Palace.

More than 300 people, many from abroad, are expected to attend the event, but buyers will also be able to place bids over the internet.

During their decades in power the Ceaucescus amassed a huge personal wealth - a fortune bolstered by a series of diplomatic gifts from other national leaders.

The items going on sale include a huge collection of glass and porcelain.

There are also a large number of gifts from international statesmen, including a gold clock from disgraced U-S President Richard Nixon and a carpet from Saddam Hussein.

The most expensive item is an ivory framed photo of a former Somalian President given to Ceaucescu in 1968.

It's estimated to fetch 80-thousand dollars.

Other personal effects up for auction include a large collection of Elena Ceaucescu's fur coats.

Perhaps the largest lot in the sale is a pleasure boat

The Romanian government, which is organising the sale, said that the money raised would go to the national budget as well as to old people and orphans.

Ceaucescu and his wife were executed on December 25th 1989, after a mass-revolt overthrew the last bastion of communism in Europe.

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