AP -- A judge presiding over a criminal case against a wealthy Turkish businessman says he's not sure ex-New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani can work for the defendant while his law firm represents Turkey.


Federal Judge Richard Berman in Manhattan asked prosecutors and a defense lawyer Thursday to submit information to the court before he decides if Reza Zarrab (RAY'-zah ZA'-rahb) can waive any potential conflicts of interest.


Zarrab hired Giuliani and ex-Attorney General Michael Mukasey (myoo-KAY'-zee) to work on a diplomatic solution to the case. They met with Turkey's president and have said they intend to speak with U.S. officials to see if the case can be resolved outside court.


Zarrab has pleaded not guilty to violating sanctions against Iran. Prosecutors say he processed hundreds of millions of dollars illegally.