Olmert. Won't take part in 'circus'
Photo: Tomeriko
_a.jpg "Photo: Yaron Brenner")
Sa'ar. Sharpening the differences
Photo: Yaron Brenner
Kadima refuses to hold election debate
Likud interested in public face-off against Acting PM Olmert; Kadima: No intention to be part of 'circus'
Not interested: Kadima rejected a request by Likud party officials to hold a public election debate ahead of the upcoming general elections, prompting the Likud to charge Acting Prime Minister Ehud Olmert is "scared."
Earlier Wednesday, Likud Knesset Member Gideon Sa'ar turned to Kadima Minister Tzipi Livni and demanded that a debate be held pitting Olmert against Likud leader Benjamin Netanyahu.
"A debate is needed in order to sharpen the differences between Kadima's plans for an additional withdrawal in Judea and Samaria and the Likud's plan for secure borders," Sa'ar said.
As it turns out, Labor Party Chairman Amir Peretz is also interested in a debate featuring both Olmert and Netanyahu. Peretz associates said Wednesday such debate would allow Peretz to express himself and present his socioeconomic platform, which differs from that of both Likud and Kadima.
However, Kadima officials rejected the proposal out of hand.
"Kadima would not be a party to Knesset Member Sa'ar's attempts to boost the worst political campaign in the State of Israel's history," the party said in a statement. "Kadima only deals with serious issues and its heads are busy running the affairs of the State. The party has no intention to be part of Peretz's and Bibi's traveling circus."
Responding to Kadima's refusal, a Likud spokesman said Acting PM Olmert is scared because he does not wish to expose his personality and positions to scrutiny.
"Olmert prefers to continue reading out the prepared messages formulated by (strategic advisors) Adler and Arad," he said.
Attila Somfalvi contributed to the story
