Aides: Katsav's secretary only asked for help
Associates of president's former worker say she never demanded he find her a specific place to work, but asked for help in finding work; they deny reports about her brother's involvement in 'threats'
In response to various reports that the woman demanded the president find her work in a governmental office, her aides denied that she tried to blackmail him but confirmed that "all she asked was that the president help her find an alternative place to work."
Referring to a meeting which, according to different reports, took place last week between the president and the former worker's brother, the woman's associates told Ynet that "the brother never met with the president, they never spoke and he definitely never threatened him. He has nothing to do with the affair."
Attorney Kinneret Barashi, who represents the former secretary, refused to respond.
Former Justice Minister Prof. David Libai confirmed to Ynet that the president had asked to meet him in order to consult him on legal issues.
"The president approached me and asked to consult with me in order to receive clarifications for legal questions," Libai said.
Sources at the president's office confirmed the details and the meeting.
Police may launch investigation
On Monday, Katsav addressed the alleged blackmail by one of his former workers, saying: "I had only professional relations with all of my female employees."
Attorney General Menachem Mazuz said that he met with the president on Wednesday following a request made by Katsav, who presented him with his account of the events regarding a former worker at the President's Residence.
"The president said the developments are documented, but stressed that it is not a criminal complaint. Toward the end of the meeting he gave me a letter which included the principle of things. After checking the letter and holding consultations I addressed a letter to the president asking for all the documentation. After receiving it and examining it a decision will be taken about the course of action," Mazuz said.
Although the president said that he had not filed a complaint on the alleged blackmail threats by his former secretary, a senior police source told Ynet that "if the attorney general instructs us to launch an investigation, it will be launched without a complaint by any of the parties."
