Across Asia: Israel

Olmert: Business as usual

Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert said yesterday he would conduct government business as usual despite what he described as vicious rumors about the nature of a new police investigation against him.

Police have not disclosed why they questioned Olmert, who is already under criminal probe in several corruption cases in which he has denied wrongdoing.

Olmert's office said in a statement on Friday he was asked about funds raised by an unnamed American for municipal and party elections in 1999 and 2002.

(China Daily 05/05/2008 page6)