Anti-corruption police quiz Sharon for seven hours

Israeli police interrogated Prime Minister Ariel Sharon for seven hours today about suspicions of bribery suspicions in a property deal.

But, according to reports, he was not quizzed about a near €1.45m loan from a British fashion magnate.

Sharon, the third sitting prime minister to be targeted in a corruption probe, has denied wrongdoing and police declined to comment.

Israeli media reported that the prime minister was questioned under warning, meaning they might recommend he be charged.

However, delivering such a warning is relatively routine in investigations of this type, and analysts have said it appears unlikely Sharon will be forced out of office.

The investigation focuses on a business deal between Sharon’s younger son, Gilad, and businessman David Appel, who has ties to Sharon’s Likud party.

Appel allegedly paid Gilad Sharon hundreds of thousands of dollars to market a tourism project in Greece, media reported.

Police are investigating whether Gilad Sharon was hired in an attempt to get his father, who was foreign minister at the time, to assist in getting the Greek authorities to approve the land deal.

Another investigation deals with a near €1.45m loan from South African based British businessman Cyril Kern to Sharon’s sons.

It was to help them pay back an illegal contribution to Sharon’s 1999 campaign for Likud leader.

Reports said Sharon was not asked about that case today.

In January, a British fashion magnate and long-time friend of the prime minister, Cyril Kern, transferred almost €1.45m to Sharon’s sons. The money served as collateral for a loan to repay the illegal contribution.

Kern, 73, who has lived in South Africa for six years, has said the money was not a political donation but a personal gift to help the prime minister’s struggling ranch.

The study walls of his luxury Cape Town home are adorned with photographs of gala functions with the rich and famous, including the Prince of Wales, Diana, Princess of Wales, the Princess Royal and Baroness Thatcher.

He is also godfather to Sharon’s sons.

Kern told the South Africa Sunday Times earlier this year that he gave Sharon the money because he was “helping a dear friend.

“It is really quite hurtful being portrayed as some mystery, money-laundering person.” he said

“ You know, I earned that money hard . . . Slogging. I can do what I like with my money. I helped a good friend and I have been paid back. I am happy I did that.”

Kern and Sharon have been close friends since 1948.

Sharon has promised to cooperate with the police, but has said in the past that all questions should be referred to his sons.