Ex-Nissan chief's presence in Lebanon "legal": minister

Lebanese Justice Minister Albert Serhan announced on Tuesday that former Nissan chief Carlos Ghosn's presence on Lebanese territories "is legal," the National News Agency reported.

"Ghosn is a Lebanese citizen and has the right to be treated according to Lebanese laws," the minister explained.

The Public Prosecution has received the red notice issued by the Interpol's office in Japan against Ghosn, and shall initiate the required action accordingly.

However, Lebanese authorities said earlier that there is no extradition treaty between Lebanon and Japan.

Ghosn arrived in Lebanon's capital Beirut at the end of last month after fleeing from Japan amid charges of financial misconduct.

Last year, Nissan accused Ghosn of understating his salary while he was the chief executive, and transferring 5 million U.S. dollars of Nissan funds to an account in which he had an interest.

Ghosn declared in a statement that he had not fled justice but had escaped "injustice and political persecution."

Earlier in the day, Nissan said it will pursue "appropriate legal action" against Ghosn despite his escape from Japan.

Ghosn is expected to hold a news conference on Wednesday in Beirut.