BEIRUT: Lebanese prosecutors are expected to question former Nissan Motor Co. Chairman Carlos Ghosn this week after his dramatic flight from Japan to Lebanon to avoid a trial over alleged financial misconduct.

The questioning will follow an Interpol wanted notice asking Lebanon to take him into custody, which was issued at the request of Japan.

Lebanese authorities have repeatedly signaled their intention of rejecting a Japanese request for the handover of Ghosn, 65, citing the lack of an extradition treaty with Japan.

The local newspaper Daily Star has reported that Lebanese prosecutors will consider whether to allow a Japanese official to participate in the interrogation of Ghosn.

According to information from Lebanon, Japanese Ambassador to Lebanon Takeshi Okubo has held talks with senior officials of the Lebanese president's office.

Okubo is believed to have reiterated Japan's request for the handover of Ghosn.

The Lebanese officials said it is difficult to transfer Ghosn to Japan and claimed that Lebanese government was not involved in his escape from Japan, according to the information.

The questioning of Ghosn is expected to focus on his alleged diversion of Nissan funds for private purposes, for which he was indicted in Japan.

Lebanese prosecutors are expected to pass over his escape from Japan, with a Lebanese Foreign Ministry official saying he entered the Middle Eastern country legally.

Ghosn plans to hold a news conference as early as Wednesday to claim his innocence. But the schedule is not yet certain, and an informed source said only a limited number of journalists will likely be invited to take part in the news conference.

JIJI Press