Dec 23, 2010, 17:48 GMT

http://www.monstersandcritics.com/news/europe/news/article_1607629.php/Croatian-ex-premier-Sanader-denies-laundering-money-in-Austria

Vienna - Former Croatian premier Ivo Sanader denied Thursday that he laundered money in Austria, during questioning by an Austrian prosecutor.

Sanader, who served as Croatia's prime minister between 2003 and 2009, has been detained in Salzburg since December 10 on a Croatian- issued warrant based on corruption charges.

Since then, Austrian authorities have started probing him for money laundering, as Sanader had business dealings in the country and reportedly held bank accounts there.

Sanader stated that the assets in question stem from legal income, the Austrian press agency APA quoted a prosecution spokesman as saying in Vienna.

The politician asked for a second round of questioning in January, to give him time to prepare.

On Monday, Sanader is scheduled to face a detention hearing, during which he will have the opportunity to agree to a speedy extradition to Croatia. A judge could also order his release.

It was not clear Thursday whether the Austrian investigation will delay such an extradition.