Peres to Olmert: I'll support you
Acting prime minister meets with Shimon Peres to discuss future of government and Kadima party; 'Olmert updated me regarding Sharon's condition,' Peres says, adding the two had an 'extremely candid discussion'
During the meeting Peres
told Olmert he would support him as party leader.
"I'm no expert, I'm no doctor, just a simple citizen of this country, and I'm very worried about (Prime Minister Sharon's) health," Peres said.
"Olmert updated me regarding Sharon's condition. I'm not the person to relay medical announcements. I am, like everyone else, praying and very afraid," he said.
"Our meeting dealt with a central issue - how to continue the policies Sharon started in the national unity government, including the issue of war and a continual effort for the peace process," he said, adding that the two had "an extremely candid discussion" and agreed to continue talks at the beginning of next week.
"I believe there is also place for optimism, not just concern. Things which look difficult at the moment are not the end of the world," Peres explained.
"I hear there is general concern throughout the world and in Israel," he said. "Regard and honor for Sharon is constantly rising and everyone views him as a central figure, not just because of what he did but also because of the hope that he can continue to do it."
Peretz: Time to present alternative
Labor Party Chairman Amir Peretz said
in response to Sharon's condition that "difficult days are upon us all."
"We are all praying for the prime minister's wellbeing and health. Even though we are in the midst of an elections campaign I have instructed my friends not to deal with political issues during this difficult time," he said.
"The time will come for each of us to present our perspectives and I will also present my alternative for leadership," he added.
"Israel's democracy is a strong democracy. Israeli establishments, including social and security, are complex and complicated. I promise as chairman of the Labor party to assist the acting prime minister in a bid to stabilize the establishments," Peretz said.
"Despite the crisis, Israel is strong. Our democracy is immune. Together we will be able to get past this period," he concluded.
Attila Somfalvi contributed to the report
