Fujimori starts his own web site

Mr Fujimori resigned during an investigation into corruption

By the BBC's Claire Marshall in Lima

The disgraced former President of Peru, Alberto Fujimori, currently in self-imposed exile in Japan, has launched his own website to defend his 10 years as the country's leader.

Under the title, "Welcome!", the man who was sacked by congress for moral unfitness last November says he wants to fight the malicious accusations being made against him.

Visitors to the website can find a range of photos of the ex-president and articles describing his successes, including defeating the Shining Path guerrilla movement and ending the border war with Ecuador.

Derided in Peru

Also detailed are the results of the Peruvian elections over the last decade, including the May 2000 run-off against current President-elect Alejandro Toledo, which was condemned as fraudulent by international observers.

Vladimiro Montesinos faces accusations of murder, drugs trafficking and corruption

The website has been received with a certain amusement in Peru, where the former head of the country's national election body, Jose Portillo, has been arrested accused of forging one million signatures to help Mr Fujimori into office.

In a veiled reference to allegations of drug use made against Alejandro Toledo, who will formally take office as president on Saturday, Mr Fujimori says he is quietly launching his site "without glasses of whisky like those who are preparing the palace".

However, there is no mention of the fate of Mr Fujimori's former chief advisor, Vladimiro Montesinos, currently in a maximum security prison in Lima after spending nine months on the run.

Mr Montesinos faces around 50 charges, ranging from drug trafficking to human rights abuses.

Mr Fujimori has been summoned several times to give testimony in connection with the investigation, but has so far refused to leave Tokyo.