Cancelled a series of events. Olmert
Photo: Alex Kolomoisky
Acting prime minister's first day
After replacing hospitalized Sharon, Ehud Olmert seeks to calm financial markets, releases joint statement with Bank of Israel Governor Stanley Fisher expressing confidence in the ‘strength of the Israeli economy.’ Olmert set to meet with Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Silvan Shalom in order to receive broad diplomatic briefing
One of Ehud Olmert's first problems after being officially named acting prime minister in place of the hospitalized Ariel Sharon was to calm the financial markets, especially the stock market. Immediately after convening his first government meeting, Olmert with Bank of Israel Governor Stanley Fisher, and the two released a joint statement expressing confidence in the "strength of the Israeli economy."
Olmert then held talks with senior economic figures in order to allay concerns.
Acting Prime Minister
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He received updates throughout the night and into the morning from Sharon's military secretary, Major-General Gadi Shamni, and from other top security officials.
In the afternoon, Olmert will meet with Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Silvan Shalom, in order to receive a broad diplomatic briefing.
'We are all praying for the prime minister'
Sharon's aides are calmly returning phone calls to all the capitals of the world's nations who hold diplomatic ties with Israel, and are updating counterparts on the prime minister's condition, while reassuring diplomats that the government is in control of affairs.
After receiving his new role, Olmert cancelled a series of events. His decision to base his office at the Ministry of Trade and Industry rather than the Prime Minister's Office is a reflection of his hope for Ariel Sharon's recovery.
Olmert also telephoned Shimon Peres, and updated him on Sharon's condition. The two agreed to meet shortly.
The Acting Prime Minister, who holds no less than 12 portfolios, told Thursday morning's government session: "This is a difficult hour for us all, and a situation we have not known before."
He appeared sleep deprived as he said: "We are all praying for the prime minister's welfare. Arik is not only a leader, but a close friend to all of us. We will face this difficult hour together."
