Israeli PM to step down if indicted

Source: CCTV.com | 05-10-2008 09:47

Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert is facing accusations of illegally accepting hundreds of thousands of dollars from a US citizen. Olmert promises to step down if indicted. But his political opponents are calling for him to resign immediately.

Olmert denies the charges. He told the Israeli nation in a televised speech late on Thursday that he has never taken illegal campaign contributions. The scandal has the potential to force him from office and derail fragile peace talks with the Palestinians.

But some Israeli lawmakers say the new police investigation is reason enough for him to leave office.

Similar calls come from inside Olmert's governing coalition.

Olmert, elected in 2006, is accused of accepting hundreds of thousands of dollars in illegal contributions from New York financier Morris Talansky before becoming prime minister.

Talansky confirms he had a close relationship with Olmert.

Morris Talansky, New York financier, said, "Yes, I know him for twenty years, here in Jerusalem, we're very, very friendly. And I used to meet him all the time at dinners in New York, and that's basically the relationship."

When asked if he saw anything illegal, he swiftly replied.

Olmert describes the money as legitimate support from Talansky to fund various election campaigns over nearly a decade from 1993.

He says he will not fight to stay in office if he is formally charged. Olmert is due to host US President George W. Bush next week.

Editor:Liu Fang