Police question Israeli PM again

Mr Olmert denies all the corruption allegations against him

Israeli police have questioned Prime Minister Ehud Olmert for the eighth time as part of a corruption investigation.

Local media reports say the latest questioning focused on allegations that he granted favours to a company represented by a close associate.

The investigation centres on charges including bribery, fraud, money laundering and breach of public trust.

Mr Olmert denies all allegations against him.

Mr Olmert resigned earlier this month because of the multiple corruption investigations.

EHUD OLMERT'S POLITICAL LIFE 1993: Begins 10-year stint as mayor of Jerusalem 2005: Leaves right-wing Likud party with former Prime Minister Ariel Sharon to form Kadima 2006: Takes over as leader when Ariel Sharon suffers a stroke 2007: Helps re-launch Israeli-Palestinian peace talks after seven-year hiatus 2008: Announces plans to resign New Israeli leader, same puzzles Ehud Olmert: Corruption allegations

He will continue to serve as interim prime minister until Israel's Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni forms a new government or the country holds snap elections.

Ms Livni, who is regarded as a moderate, won the leadership of the governing Kadima party on 21st September.

Mr Olmert has faced growing pressure over multiple corruption investigations during his less than three years in office.

Police have recommended he be indicted over two of the probes - allegations that he misused cash payments from a US businessman, and accusations that he double-billed government agencies for trips abroad.