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Israel premier questioned for sixth time in corruption probe

Israel Materials 22 August 2008 13:18 (UTC +04:00)

Israeli police were questioning Prime Minister Ehud Olmert for a sixth time time Friday on his alleged involvement in corruption affairs currently under investigation, reported dpa.

It was unclear which of the affairs would form the focus of the latest round of questioning, but Israeli media said the investigators would quiz the premier on suspicions he double-, and even triple-, billed sponsors for overseas visits, and used the extra money to pay for trips for his family.

Olmert would also be questioned on allegations that in the years before he became prime minister he received hundreds of thousands of dollars, most of it via envelopes full of cash, from US-Jewish fundraiser Morris Talansky.

And it was possible that Friday's questioning would also deal with allegations that while trade and industry minister Olmert helped to push for favours to be given to a concern owned by his former law partner.

Olmert has denied the all the accusations against him, and although he admitted receiving funds via Talansky in what has become known as "the money envelopes" affair, denies the sums mentioned, and insists it was legitimate reimbursements for food and accommodation.

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