Embattled former media mogul Conrad Black revealed in a television interview that aired Monday night that he wants to be a Canadian again.

In an interview that aired on TVOntario, Black said he is going through the "normal channels" to become a Canadian once more.

The former Hollinger International CEO renounced his Canadian citizenship in 2001.

The move came after a messy legal battle with then prime minister Jean Chretien who refused to allow Black to keep his citizenship if he took the British title of Lord Black.

Chretien pointed to the 1919 Nickle Resolution that ruled foreign governments could not grant honours to Canadians that carry a title or privilege. Black tried to fight that argument in court, but he was unsuccessful so he gave up his Canadian citizenship.

Now, Black says he's trying to get his citizenship back.

His first steps would likely be to apply for permanent resident status and then citizenship.

Black faces a number of criminal charges in the U.S. over allegations that he and former Hollinger executives stole more than $80 million US from the Chicago-based newspaper company.

Black, who has been spending most of his time in Toronto while he fends off criminal charges brought against him by U.S. prosecutors, described himself as a "temporary resident" of Canada.

"I always said that I would take my citizenship back, and if it wasn't for all these legal problems, I would have done it by now,'' Black told journalist Steve Paikin.

"But I'm working on it, going through the normal channels like everyone else.''

Black painted himself as a "freedom fighter.''

The beleaguered former media baron also said that while he still holds the United States in high regard in many ways, his appreciation has been tempered due to his legal ordeal.

"It's a very tough country,'' he said.

"People work hard and its whole culture is nice guys come last and there is no substitute for winning.''

Black vowed to fight the charges against him and added that the legal ordeal has already cost him about $20 million Cdn.

"There will be absolutely no discussion about any plea bargain. I've committed no offence," he said. "I'm concerned about my reputation here. I've been terribly defamed."

Black's lawyer Edward Greenspan refused to comment on his client's interview with TVO, The Globe and Mail reported.

Black, who used to control both Toronto-based Hollinger Inc. and Chicago-based Hollinger International Inc., owned the Chicago Sun-Times through a controlling share of Hollinger International Inc.

Hollinger International Inc. recently changed its name to Sun-Times Media, and remains the publisher of the Chicago Sun-Times.

A shareholder revolt in 2003 resulted in Black losing control over his Hollinger International Inc. shares and in 2005 prosecutors charged him with racketeering, money laundering, wire fraud and obstruction of justice.

He has entered a not-guilty plea and is scheduled to stand trial in March 2007.

Black and his wife Barbara Amiel Black have been put on an allowance by an Ontario Superior Court order that froze the couple's assets world-wide.

The court order is not related to the criminal case and stems from an ongoing civil lawsuit involving Hollinger Inc.

The lawsuit from Hollinger Inc., disclosed earlier this year, is seeking $500 million for alleged breach of contract, conspiracy, negligence, breach of fiduciary duty, unjust enrichment and unlawful interference.

The claim also demands additional damages of $200 million US.