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Chirac hit by Japanese bank account allegations

Former French president Jacques Chirac came under renewed pressure on Thursday to respond to allegations that he held a secret 45 million euro (US$60 million) account with a Japanese bank, amid reports that documents linking him to the funds had emerged.

Judges quizzed a retired senior intelligence officer for nine hours over documents, described as "explosive," linking Chirac to the account.

Police had swooped on the home of General Philippe Rondot, the former head of the General Directorate of External Security (DGSE) intelligence service, as part of another inquiry but found files labelled "Japanese affair," "PR1 affair" and "PR2 affair." PR is understood to stand for "president of the republic."

The judges were unable to consult the documents until Chirac handed over power to Nicolas Sarkozy on May 16. After opening the files -- two days after he left the Elysee -- they called an immediate emergency meeting and ordered Rondot to appear for questioning.

Inside the files they reportedly found details of an account allegedly opened in Chirac's name at the Tokyo Sowa Bank in the 1990s and copies of statements.

When allegations first emerged a year ago, Chirac categorically denied having a bank account in Japan. His representatives have continued to deny the allegations. However, Chirac is likely to face fresh investigations when his immunity from prosecution as head of state expires on June 17.
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