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'Smear' grilling for French ex-PM 'Smear' grilling for French ex-PM
(about 3 hours later)
Former French Prime Minister Dominique de Villepin is set to be questioned by magistrates over allegations he tried to smear President Nicolas Sarkozy. Former French PM Dominique de Villepin has gone to meet magistrates who will question him over allegations he tried to smear President Nicolas Sarkozy.
He is accused of encouraging the leaking of Mr Sarkozy's name after it was included in 2004 on a false list of people who took bribes for arms sales.He is accused of encouraging the leaking of Mr Sarkozy's name after it was included in 2004 on a false list of people who took bribes for arms sales.
Earlier this month, two investigating magistrates searched Mr de Villepin's private apartment and offices.Earlier this month, two investigating magistrates searched Mr de Villepin's private apartment and offices.
It is likely Mr de Villepin will now be put under formal investigation.It is likely Mr de Villepin will now be put under formal investigation.
Mr de Villepin has strenuously denied any wrongdoing.Mr de Villepin has strenuously denied any wrongdoing.
'False accusations''False accusations'
This is not the first time Mr de Villepin has had to answer questions from judges over the so-called "Clearstream affair".This is not the first time Mr de Villepin has had to answer questions from judges over the so-called "Clearstream affair".
He was interviewed on the same subject for 14 hours in December, while his house and offices were searched by investigators three weeks ago.He was interviewed on the same subject for 14 hours in December, while his house and offices were searched by investigators three weeks ago.
Jacques Chirac's lawyer says he will not work with investigatorsJacques Chirac's lawyer says he will not work with investigators
Judges are looking for evidence that he directed a smear campaign against Mr Sarkozy, who was then serving as interior minister, to try to spoil his chances of becoming president.Judges are looking for evidence that he directed a smear campaign against Mr Sarkozy, who was then serving as interior minister, to try to spoil his chances of becoming president.
Mr Sarkozy was wrongly accused of having secret bank accounts in the Luxembourg clearing house, Clearstream, for bribes collected from the sale of French frigates to Taiwan in 1991.Mr Sarkozy was wrongly accused of having secret bank accounts in the Luxembourg clearing house, Clearstream, for bribes collected from the sale of French frigates to Taiwan in 1991.
Judicial sources say Mr de Villepin could be formally investigated for breach of trust, forgery and making false accusations, but the former prime minister denies any involvement in the affair.Judicial sources say Mr de Villepin could be formally investigated for breach of trust, forgery and making false accusations, but the former prime minister denies any involvement in the affair.
Investigators have also indicated they would like to interview the former French President, Jacques Chirac, about the case.Investigators have also indicated they would like to interview the former French President, Jacques Chirac, about the case.
But Mr Chirac has denied all knowledge of the incident, and claims he has permanent immunity for all his actions while in office.But Mr Chirac has denied all knowledge of the incident, and claims he has permanent immunity for all his actions while in office.