Contradictions over Libyan ex-PM claims on Sarkozy

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, €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.

Load more..