QUEBEC — Ex-justice minister Marc Bellemare's defence team will be allowed to cross-examine Premier Jean Charest at a commission looking into allegations of political interference in the appointment of judges.

The Bastarache commission is looking into Bellemare's claims that an accountant and a major Quebec Liberal fundraiser put pressure on him to name specific judges in 2003 and 2004.

Bellemare has also alleged he told Charest about the pressure and that the premier told him to do what the party's bagman wanted.

Bellemare was testifying at the commission for a fifth day on Wednesday when his lawyer, Renald Beaudry, asked Michel Bastarache, who is heading the probe, to allow his client to have full-party status.

Bastarache agreed.

Andre Dugas, lawyer for the Quebec Liberal party, welcomed the decision.

"I'm happy that he'll be there and that he'll be able to ask questions and suggest questions to his lawyer," said Dugas.

"It's a question of balance."

Charest's lawyer, Andre Ryan, agreed.

"What's important for us is that Mr. Bellemare, with his request, has recognized he has an undeniable interest in the commission," Ryan said.

"His participation will allow us to get to the bottom of things."

Charest filed a $700,000 defamation lawsuit against Bellemare last spring because of his former cabinet minister's allegations.