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Peru's Fujimori runs for seat in Japan's parliament
2007-06-28
Peru's former president Alberto Fujimori, under house arrest in Chile, said Thursday he hopes to work on Asian diplomacy if he wins a seat in Japanese parliament next month. Fujimori confirmed he plans to run in the July 29 elections in the less-powerful upper house as a candidate of a small political party. "I will run as a candidate (for a proportional representation seat) to work on Asian diplomacy, North Korean issues and to ensure Japan's safety," Fujimori said by phone during a press conference held by the People's New Party. The party, founded in 2005 by former members of the ruling camp, defended its decision to field Fujimori for the House of Councillors election even as authorities in Lima seek his extradition on a dozen criminal charges stemming from his 1990-2000 presidency. Acting party chief Shizuka Kamei argued that any Japanese national has "the right to run in an election" no matter where he or she is. The only requirements for candidates are that they are at least 30 years old and Japanese nationals, according to the government, although people serving criminal sentences are also barred from holding office. Fujimori's decision has sparked speculation that he decided to run for office to avoid trial in Peru for crimes allegedly committed while he was president, since he could qualify for immunity from prosecution. Fujimori, 68, was born in Peru of Japanese parents and the Japanese government granted him citizenship, making him eligible to stand for public office. He moved to Japan in 2000 when news of rampant corruption in Peru prompted him to flee, resigning the presidency by fax from a Tokyo hotel. Fujimori has been under arrest since he unexpectedly arrived in Chile in November 2005 hoping to run in Peru's 2006 presidential election. Kamei said it was up to Chile to decide whether to hand the former president over to Peru or to allow him to return to Japan but added that the party was ready to ask Japan's foreign ministry to press for his return. The party was formed by former members of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party who were thrown out by then prime minister Junichiro Koizumi after they voted against his postal privatisation bill. The party has just four places in the 242-seat upper house, which currently has 96 lawmakers who ran on a proportional representation ticket.
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