Alberto Fujimori has vowed to return to Peru for the 2006 election

Mr Fujimori, who has been in Japan since fleeing Peru in 2000, has vowed to return for the April 2006 elections.

In Peru he faces arrest on charges of human rights abuses and corruption - he denies all the accusations against him.

Peru has banned him from office until 2010 and sought his extradition, which has so far been refused by Japan.

Mr Fujimori - who ruled between 1990 and 2000 - was given Japanese citizenship because his parents were originally from Japan.

'Comeback'

The authorities in Peru say the passport move proves their point that he is a fugitive from justice.

"Giving a passport demonstrates beyond any doubt that Alberto Fujimori is effectively a Peruvian citizen and that he took Japanese nationality to run and hide from justice in Peru," prosecutor Antonio Maldonado.

It's clear this is another step by Fujimori on his comeback path Carlos Raffo Spokesman

Mr Fujimori has been accused of involvement in the killing of 25 suspected members of the Shining Path guerrilla group by death squads.

He is also accused of misusing public funds.

Carlos Raffo, the former president's spokesman in Peru, said his return was "another step... on his comeback path".

Mr Fujimori has said he believes he can win the 2006 presidential vote.

Election officials have said they cannot rule on his candidacy until he presents it.