Israel's Defence Minister Asks Olmert To Step Down To Face Corruption Charges

"Olmert cannot deal with the challenges Israel faces like Hamas, Hezbollah, Syria, Iran and the kidnapped soldiers, and run his personal affairs at the same time," Barak, also the Chairman of the Labour party, told a press conference on Wednesday.

"The Prime Minister must disengage himself from the day- to-day business of running the government. It does not matter which path he chooses suspension, a vacation, resignation, a leave of absence this is not for us to determine," he said.

Barak's threat has increased the growing pressure on Olmert to resign in the wake of a US businessman's court testimony that painted Olmert as a money-hungry politician with a love for luxury.

According to VOA News "Israeli prosecutors are investigating whether Mr. Olmert accepted illegal campaign contributions or bribes from U.S. businessman Morris Talansky.

"Talansky told a Jerusalem court Tuesday that he gave Mr. Olmert $150,000 in cash over a 15-year period. Talansky said he never expected or received any favors from Mr. Olmert.

"Mr. Olmert denies any wrongdoing."

It also cast doubt on Israel's efforts to reach peace with Syria and the Palestinians.

The leader of the second largest party in the coalition in his ultimatum said he was ready to cooperate with a new leader from Olmert's Kadima Party, but also vowed to force new elections if the premier doesn't step down.

"The Labour Party will not hold a stopwatch in Kadima's face, but things have to happen as soon as possible. The State deserves stability, and therefore we must have a government in the Knesset. I am not afraid of elections. The public will decide and we will win," the defence minister said.

Labour party'sdeparture from the government would almost certainly topple the government and Barak's ultimatum has increased pressure on Kadima leaders to look for an alternative to Olmert to lead the party.

Barak earlier during the day held consultations with senior party officials and also metOlmert himself at the end ofa cabinet meeting.

"Either Olmert suspends himself or the Labour Party must leave the government," senior Labour legislator Danny Yatom said.

Amid vociferous calls from the opposition to resign, two lawmakers, Amira Dotan and Ze'ev Elkin,from Olmert's own Kadima party alsodemanded his resignation.

Tal Silberstein, an Olmert adviser, told a radio on Wednesday that the premier had no intention of stepping aside.

"I can tell you, based on a recent conversation with him, that he has no intention of announcing that he is taking a leave of absence or declaring anything at this stage.Not as long as he is trying to prove his innocence," Silberstein said.

Source: By DDNEWS