Contradictions over Libyan ex-PM claims on Sarkozy
May 4, 2012, 9:35 PM
PARIS (AP) – Contradictions have emerged over claims that that Libya under dictator Moammar Gadhafi funded French President Nicolas Sarkozy’s 2007 election campaign.
Sarkozy has strongly denied the claims.
A Tunisian lawyer for former Libyan Prime Minister Al-Baghdadi Al-Mahmoudi said Thursday that according to his client, (EURO)50 million ($65 million) was provided to Sarkozy’s campaign. Al-Mahmoudi is jailed in Tunisia pending possible extradition to Libya.
But a French lawyer for Al-Mahmoudi, Marcel Ceccaldi, told reporters in Paris on Friday that the former Libyan premier never said such a thing.
The Tunisian lawyer, Bechir Essid, maintained his position when reached by The Associated Press on Friday.
Sarkozy, seeking a second term, is facing a runoff election Sunday that polls predict he will lose.
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