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Israeli Prime Minister Questioned by Police on Corruption Allegations

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Israeli police have questioned Prime Minister Ehud Olmert as part of an inquiry into suspected corruption.

Police officials gave no further details about the case investigators discussed with Mr. Olmert Friday at his Jerusalem residence. The questioning lasted about an hour.

Mr. Olmert has been the subject of several police investigations into his conduct before he became prime minister.

His office said Friday that he will cooperate fully with police and is convinced that the suspicions against him will "disappear" once investigators uncover the truth.

Israeli police have been investigating allegations that Mr. Olmert illegally secured a discount on the purchase price of a Jerusalem home in 2004.

Investigators are also looking into accusations that he appointed cronies to a state business authority in 2003 while serving as trade minister.

Mr. Olmert has never been charged.

Last November, Israeli police recommended closing another corruption case against Mr. Olmert for lack of evidence. The case involved allegations that Mr. Olmert tried to steer a government bank sale in the direction of his supporters.

Some information for this report was provided by AFP, AP and Reuters.


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