Olmert interviewed in graft probe

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Israeli PM Ehud Olmert has been questioned by police for four hours over inquiries into a top aide's possible involvement in corruption.

In February, Shula Zaken was suspended from her job pending investigations into alleged bribe-taking that involved the tax authorities.

Mrs Zaken, who was Mr Olmert's personal secretary, has not been charged.

Police officials have said that Mr Olmert is not suspected of any wrongdoing in the case.

Police have for several months been investigating allegations that top government officials either received or gave bribes to win tax breaks for companies. All those being investigated deny any wrongdoing.

Mrs Zaken is suspected of abusing her position to influence the appointment of some tax officials in return for tax benefits.

Mrs Zaken had been one of Mr Olmert's close aides for 30 years.

Correspondents say Mr Olmert has been dogged by allegations of corruption since he came to office, but he has never been charged.

Last month, state prosecutors ordered an investigation into his role in the privatisation of a bank in 2005 two years ago.

Mr Olmert - who was the finance minister at the time - has denied any wrongdoing.