Former Peruvian President Alberto Fujimori said Thursday that he intended go back to Peru and participate in the presidential election in April, Japanese media reported.

"I will go back as I enjoy a 30 percent support rate at home," Fujimori was quoted by Kyodo News as saying at a press conference.

Fujimori, 61, served as Peruvian president from 1990 to 2000. He has been living in exile since 2000 when he took shelter in Japan during an international meeting.

Deprived of presidency, Fujimori has been sought by Peruvian government for extradition on several charges including embezzlement of public funds, and dereliction of duty.

However, the Japanese government has refused to turn him over, citing the lack of bilateral extradition treaty and Fujimori's Japanese citizenship.

Born in Peru to Japanese immigrants, Fujimori holds Japanese citizenship and also has a Japanese passport.

Source: Xinhua