Interpol put disgraced former Peruvian President Alberto Fujimori on its most-wanted list Wednesday in Paris, issuing a "Red Notice" calling for the exiled leader's arrest and extradition on murder and kidnapping charges in Peru.

The move by the international police agency does not carry the force of an arrest warrant. But it could put further pressure on Japan, where Fujimori fled to escape a corruption scandal in 2000 and is protected from extradition by Japanese citizenship.

In Tokyo, Chief Cabinet Secretary Yasuo Fukuda said Thursday that Japan would not hand Fujimori over to Interpol. "We will deal with the matter in accordance with Japan's domestic laws," Fukuda told a news conference, noting the country has no legal obligation to heed Interpol's request.

Fujimori, who as president closed down Congress and gave the army sweeping powers in a successful campaign against Maoist guerrillas, faces murder charges for allegedly authorizing death squads that massacred suspected rebel sympathizers in the 1990s.

"Because Interpol was familiar with the underlying charges brought against Mr. Fujimori, the organization was able to satisfy itself quickly that all the relevant legal requirements for a Red Notice request had been satisfied by Peru," the Lyon-based Interpol said in a statement.

The notice, requested by Peru, means Fujimori's appearance, identity and details of the charges against him will be posted on Interpol's Web site. The "Red Notice" status puts Fujimori on Interpol's equivalent of a most-wanted list.

Fujimori took office in 1990 and launched a harsh but successful military crackdown against the leftist Shining Path guerrilla group. But he was criticized for antidemocratic moves, alleged human rights abuses and rampant corruption.

Born in Peru to Japanese immigrants, Fujimori fled the country in November 2000 as scandal toppled his decade-long regime. Peru has demanded his extradition, but Japanese officials argued that his Japanese citizenship -- established after his arrival -- protected him.

Since arriving in Tokyo, Fujimori has become something of a celebrity, and his love life is detailed in the tabloids. Local media have even speculated that Fujimori, who formed close ties with Tokyo during his 1990-2000 presidency, may attempt to seek political office in Japan.

His legal troubles meanwhile continue to mount in Peru. Last week, Peruvian lawmakers unanimously approved new corruption charges against Fujimori, accusing him of illegally authorizing millions of dollars in government purchases.

The week before, the Peruvian Congress approved embezzlement and illegal enrichment charges, accusing Fujimori of secretly shifting state funds to pay for intelligence activities.

He also faces charges that he made an illegal $15 million severance payment to his former spy chief, Vladimiro Montesinos, and for bribing opposition lawmakers to join his party.

Montesinos, who is imprisoned and faces further trial on some criminal counts, ranging from corruption to murder, has said he used his secret budget to make frequent cash payments to Fujimori at the former president's request.

Fujimori has used his "From Tokyo" Web site to claim he is the target of political persecution and argue that the accusations lack proof and credible witnesses.

Interpol was set up in 1923 to facilitate cross-border police cooperation. It is now the largest international police organization in the world.